And I raised my hand as if to show you that I was yours...that I was so yours for the taking...

Hey, peeps! Yep, I'm back again...I have one last card to show you! For Emily's birthday, Christy Croll (genius behind the Tiddly Inks and Huggabuggs and 'Tudes) designed this beautiful image for her as a surprise. Together, Christy, Nicky and I organized a deluge of cards to be sent to Em as a surprise. It was so funny when she finally realized what happened...you can read the post HERE.

Anywho, I remembered that I never actually made a birthday card for Em. BAD SISTAH! So after much begging and pleading, she finally released this image in stamp form yesterday, called Queen for a Day. Perfect time for a card! Even if it is a bit late....*sigh*

Isn't she adorable? This was made ESPECIALLY for Em, who loves pink, green, and black. And she allllllways wears black. And her glasses have bling on the corners. So here she is! Taylor's Sketch Challenge from today was perfect, so I went with that. Of course I had to use my Dotted Scallop edger punch again. I hope she likes it!

Ok, sistahs, I have to go cook dinner and do some laundry. Hope you have a fabulous weekend!

You got me beggin' you for mercy...why won't you release me...

Happy Friday, y'all! Sorry I haven't posted much this week...I've been a bizzy bee! We had a rare family dinner out tonight and it was soooo yummy and so nice to not have to do dishes. Ahhh...but alas the kitchen fairies did not come visit while I was gone, so there's more to be done here. *sigh*

So it's Friday, and that mean's it's time for me to show you my Bellariffic Friday card for this week! Our sketch was from Lindabella.

Of course I had to *ahem* alter it a bit. Here's my version, using Addy'tude is on Top of the World:

Isn't that fun? I really had a blast with this one. So, if you tilt your head to the left, and close one eye, you *should* be able to see the sketch, right? Lots going on this week! I stamped Addy in Memento Black ink on Bella's Bestest Paper and colored her with Copic Markers. I then blinged up the image with Diamond Stickles, Crackle Accents, Diamond Glaze, and Liquid Applique. The image was cut out and mounted on 2 layers of my Labels Four Nestabilities, with some piercing around the edge of the black mat.

My card base measures 5 1/4" square, with a base layer of Baja Breeze matted with Riding Hood Red. I embossed part of the Baja Breeze panel with the Swiss Dots embossing folder and sponged the edges with Baja Breeze ink. The main panel is from the Basic Grey Figgy Pudding collection, matted with a Riding Hood Red scalloped edge. Before mounting the main image on dimensionals, I tied a little bow with some Riding Hood Red Taffeta ribbon.

I then stamped the sentiment that comes with Addy in black ink, and cut and embossed it and a black layer with my Oval Nestabilities. I cut one edge down so it would be flush with the main image, then popped it up on dimensionals. Then I added some more Diamond Stickles to the edge of the white oval. The finishing touch was a few Crystal BonBons...love those things!

Well, that's about all for me today...don't forget to check out Emily's blog for eye candy from the rest of the Babes and the Sistahood. And don't forget about free shipping...details are HERE.

Have a fabulous Friday!

It's the most wonderful time of the year....

Guess what today is, sistahs?

It's Stamping Bella Release Day!!

To celebrate, Em is offering FREE SHIPPING on orders over $50.00 from July 30- August 5 just use the code "julyfs"

A quick recap of the releases:

A new collection...welcome Lulu...holy moly these are all adorable!!! I can't wait to have them in my inky hands.

Another new collection from another new artist...Jen from Studio Petite. LOVE LOVE LOVE all of these!! I think the teacup is my fave. But shhh!!! Don't tell the others.

Then there's Ketto's Clothesline with accessories like baby lingerie, fancy dresses, funky ties, and more.

AND if that wasn't enough, there's the Queen for a Day image you all have been asking for since Em's Birthday...

PLUS new Christmas stamps (LOVE Joyful Village) and some Halloweenie stuff from Christy Croll.

Ok, I gotta run...have a wonderful day, and have fun shopping!! Be back in a bit with a card. *grin*

I made up my mind when I was a young girl...I've been given this one world...I won't worry it away, no...

Hey, y'all! Happy Wednesday! What are you guys up to today? I'm just finishing up this post, and then I have to go to Central Market to get some snacks for a meeting tomorrow. Fun job, huh?

I had a chance last night to stamp a bit, and so I created a card for this week's Weekend Sketch Challenge, hosted by Laurie.

I didn't have too much time, so I kept it pretty simple and used papers from my Basic Grey Lemonade 6x6 pad. All of the papers except the white and black are from that collection. I stamped Addy 'Tude Loves to Sparkle in Memento Tuxedo Black on Bella's Bestest paper and colored her with Copic Markers. I used my Circle Nestabilities to cut and emboss her and layers and then added some dots on the scallops with a black pen. I also used my new fave...the EK Success Dotted Scallop edger punch. I tied some black ribbon around the card base, and popped up the main image on dimensionals. Once that was all done, I added Diamond Glaze to Addy's earrings, glasses, and shoes, and some Diamond Stickles to her scarf, purse, ring, bracelets, and on the rims of the glasses. Isn't she FAAAHHHHBBBULOUS, DAHHHLINK?

Well, sistahs, I gotta go shop! *wink* I hope you have a FAAAHHHHBULOUS day!!

Give me just a little help and to show how much I care...I bring you Apples, Peaches, Bananas and Pears...

Happy Tuesday, people! So...who watched the Bachelorette? I did, and I have to say I am kind of sad she told Reid no, even though I know she should have. But I think, I dunno. I think he was the right one. But what do I know! *hmph*

I have a quick little card to show you today that I made for a couple of challenges yesterday. The Clean and Simple Challenge was a sketch, and I also added a couple of the Dare to Get Dirty challenges. I'm slowly crossing them off the list! *grin*

My Whipper Snapper sets hadn't seen ink in a while, so I decided to pull out Sending Happy Thoughts designed by my friend Anna and play with it. The pear was stamped in Black Stazon on watercolor paper and colored with a waterbrush & reinkers. Once it was dry, I added some shimmer with my Stardust pen and spread it around with my waterbrush. I trimmed down some October Afternoon paper and added a scalloped edge to the bottom before tying a piece of twill around the panel. I also rounded the top corners, just for fun. Then I stamped the sentiment in the bottom corner of the Kraft panel.

Well, that's about it for me today...I hope you have a fabulous day!!

For my monster from his slab began to rise...and suddenly, to my surprise, he did the mash...

Sorry about the song, I couldn't resist. *wink* Happy Monday, y'all! What's up? It has rained all day here...so once I got home from work I decided to take advantage of the calm day to do a little stamping! Fun!

I started this card for Cindy's Dare to Get Dirty sketch and Michelle's Challenge to make a masculine card, and ended up adding things for 3 more DTGD challenges. YAY ME! *grin*

I chose the adorable Monstah Bash stamp from Stamping Bella, which was stamped in Memento on Bella's Bestest Paper and colored with Copic Markers. I cut the image out with Nestabilities and added an extra black layer so the image would pop. I decided to stitch the balloon string with crochet thread for another challenge, and popped up the balloon on a dimensional. I also added some funky spots on the orange monster using my Liquid Applique and colored it with a blue Copic marker...so fun! The patterned paper I chose was from the Basic Grey Cupcake collection, and I cut it into four squares and stitched around the edges after matting them in black. For the sentiment, I stamped the It's a Purse Thing sentiment in Memento Black, then cut the words apart. Then I replaced the word "purse" for the word "RAWRR" which was stamped with my Karen Foster Snap Stamps. The white cardstock didn't stand out too much against the pattern, so I inked the edges in black ink. Much better! A quick and fun card, but I really like how it turned out. I think it will make a great boy birthday card, don't you?

Ok, well, I'm headed back into my stamp room to play some more...you might want to check out the latest Bellariffic Friday sketch on Em's blog, as well as a sneekie peek of a new image...ACK! She's CUUUUUUUUUTEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!

I'll be back later...have a fun day!

Shake, Shake, Shake, Shake uh shake it...

Happy Friday again, peeps!! What's up? I had a fun day at work, just finished cleaning, and now I have my Bellariffic Friday card to show you! Karenabella gave us this fabulous sketch, and I thought it would be perfect for Addy 'tude Loves her Tinis...isn't she awesome?

I stamped her in Memento Black onto Bella's Bestest Paper and colored her with Copic markers. The sentiment comes with her, and it was stamped on the same paper and cut out with Nestabilities. I swiped the word "Floor" with a Copic marker to give it a little oomph. The top panel of paper is Bo Bunny Coral Dot paper (yum!), and I embossed the bottom Olive panel with the Paisley embossing Folder. The strip across the middle was punched with the Dotted Scallop EK Success border punch...aren't the tiny scallops so cute? And to finish it off, I added three String of Pearl baubles in the bottom right corner. Do you loveyyy her or what?

I also created this card for Jamie's Bella Sketch Challenge and Becca's Dare to Get Dirty Challenge to use die cuts.
For this card, I used one of my new favorites, You're my number oneabella. Is she not fabulous? She was stamped in Memento ink and colored with Copics, again on Bella's paper. I used the same border punch, and embossed the Chocolate oval with the Swiss Dots embossing folder. As a finishing touch, I added Polka Dot Chocolate ribbon tied in a cute little bow.

WHEW! As you can see, I've been a busy girl! I have a huge mess in my stamp room so that proves I've gotten stuff done! *wink* I think I'm gonna go take a nap.

Thanks for coming by today! Don't forget to check out the eye candy from the other babes and the sistahood in this post, and Emily's fun blog candy in this post. Have a fabulous weekend!

Tell me your secrets and ask me your questions...oh, let's go back to the start...

Hey, y'all, Happy Friday!! How are ya? It's my day on the Verve Blog to give you a little insight into what goes on in my stamp room, so I thought I'd share it here as well. When Jen announced the theme for this Project Parade, like the other Divas, I was a little scared! I also kept thinking of the Wizard of Oz..."Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain!" So, today, you'll get a little peek behind my curtain! *wink*

For me, I find inspiration from many different places. I love sketches, as they are a starting point for my card and sometimes I just need a guide, ya know? But I also love looking at billboard layouts, signs, magazine ads, clothing tags, and other random items in the world around us for inspiration. I'm also a very last-minute stamper...often I'll stamp when the spirit moves me and get tons done. Other times? Notsomuch. When inspiration strikes, I have to make sure I write it down, or it's sure to get lost in my noggin! Ok, so today, I was at Sonic. Waiting FOREVER in line for my drink, and turned my head to the left. Saw this:

Hmmmmm....that would make an interesting card! So I pull out my phone and snap a pic (I'm sure the Sonic employees thought I was totally insane), just so I could show y'all. I liked the circle and how the panel across the center extended beyond the circle. So I decided to replicate it. First, I'll show you, then I'll tell ya why I did what I did, k?

Here's my card:
Once I had my layout set, I decide what stamps would best fit the elements I'm working with. I knew I wanted a sentiment across the center panel, so I found this one from Hundred Hearts that fit the bill. I didn't want something so narrow that it was just one line, but it needed to be rectangular so it took up most of the length of the panel. Perfect! I also knew that I'd like a smaller stamp in the background, so I chose the small leaf image from Forever in Our Hearts. I chose a smaller image because I knew a lot of the circle was going to be covered up by the center panel, and I wanted as many leaves as possible to be seen.

So my stamps were chosen...on to colors! I am a bit more random and free-spirited when it comes to choosing a color combo, it's almost scary. I have a giant pile of scraps on my desk, to the right of my work space, and I literally pile scraps there until they fall...and then I file them away. Nine times out of ten, my color combo gets picked because there are colors lying in that pile together, and I like how they look. Silly, I know! I warned you! Since I was making a "Just Because/Friend" card, I could either go fun and funky with my colors, or soft and sweet. I almost always choose fun and funky (unless soft and sweet are on top of the pile...*wink*). Tonight I happened to pick up Kraft, Old Olive, and Prism Intense Pink.

Here's a close-up of the main image panel:
Ok, on to the details! How do I decide which ones to use? I definitely have my favorites...here's a list:

• Buttons
• Sewing machine stitching
• Scallops
• Edge Punches
• Nestabilities & other die cuts
• Stickles or Glitter
• Distressing
• Dimensionals
• Paper piercing

Sometimes you'll see every last thing on that list on one card. But they didn't all fit on this one. One of my other detail secrets is that I take bits and pieces from my favorite artists. For example, Julee's sponging, Anna's distressing & faux stitching, and Amy's use of embellishments. This time around, I took my bits & pieces from the Dare to Get Dirty challenges on Splitcoast...to use something clear (acetate) and to create your own patterned paper. Perfect! One thing you'll also find me doing almost every time is matting images and layers in a dark color, either black or brown in most cases. I don't know why, but it's a pretty compulsive thing. I just have to do it.

After I stamped on the acetate, I adhered it to the Kraft base/black mat. It seemed to disappear a little, so I did a little piercing around the edges...there! That did the trick. Now it stands out more. Once the sentiment was stamped on my white panel, I realized there wasn't much room for my colors. YIKES! I cut a couple of little tiny rectangles to adhere on the right side. I intended to sew along the edges, but they were so tiny and I can't sew that straight! Heehee. So I settled for distressing the edges of the white layer instead. Then I matted it with black with a scalloped edge. Before I mounted the whole thing onto my 5" card base with dimensionals, I decided to center the card a little with a brad in each corner. I contemplated glitter, but the only place for it was the pink & olive panels, and they were standing out as it was. No glitter needed this time...shock!

Ok, so if you've read all this...hooray for you! I'm sorry...apparently I have lots to say about this subject. If you have any more questions, feel free to let me know, ok?

Now, on to the fun stuff...playing along with us! Would you like to? All you have to do is make a project or card that shows us YOUR Divine Details. Verve Stamps are not required, but if you've got 'em why not use 'em? Then link to your creation to Mr. Linky in this post before 8PM Mountain on Saturday, August 1st. Two lucky participants will win a stamp set of their choice from the Verve Store. AND, we've hidden another $25 gift certificate somewhere along the parade for a random commenter. So if you like what you see, be sure and give a little shout out in the comments of each post on the VERVE BLOG!

Ok, that's it for me right now...but never fear! I'll be back later today with my Bellariffic Friday card. MWAH!

Wanna get rowdy...gonna get a little unruly...get it fired up in a hurry...

Hey, everyone! What have y'all been up to?

So there's something really fun going on at Splitcoast called Dare to Get Dirty. For the next few days the fan club members are going to be playing in challenges thrown at us by past and present dirty girls. It's sooo fun! All of the challenges are located HERE. If you're not a fan club member, you can find out all about it HERE.

I got package today from Papertrey...I finally caved and ordered this set...no thanks to Chris! *wink* Anywho, I thought it was perfect to use with Cindy's sketch challenge.

My finished card measures 5 1/4" square. I think it's all pretty self-explainatory...if you have any questions, drop me a note in my c-box, k? Hmmm...it's late, and I have tons to do...so I gotta run! Stay tuned tomorrow for my Verve Project Parade card and Bellariffic Friday!

Here I am, and I stand so tall...I'm just the way I'm supposed to be...

Hey, y'all! How's your week going so far? Mine is good, just busy! I have something really really fun to show you today, so I'm glad you stopped by!

On my last Stamping Bella order, I decided to add some of the solid images that Emily has. As many stamps as she has, there are some that don't get as much love, and some that are tucked into the nooks and crannies of the site that you almost forget are there. But let me tell you, you will be seeing many more of these from me, cause WOWEE they are fabulous! Check it out:

See? I told ya! I chose this week's CPS Sketch as my starting point. I cut and embossed a piece of Kraft cardstock with the largest Labels Four Nestabilities die. Then leaving the die in place, I inked up the Solid Funky Dandelion with Spanish Olive, Red Magic, and Midnight Black Versamagic dew drops and stamped it three times. Then I stamped the Solid Funky Bamboo in Spanish Olive around the bottom as my grass. Once the ink was dry, I sponged around the inside edges of the die with Close to Cocoa ink and then removed the cardstock from the die.

Once I was finished patting myself on the back cause it was so gorgeous (*giggle*), I popped my main image panel up on dimensionals over a Chocolate Chip piece of cardstock embossed with the Textile embossing folder. Then I stamped the Thinking of You sentiment in Chocolate Chip ink on a scrap of cream cardstock and cut and embossed it with a Long Classic Rectangle Nestabilities die and sponged a bit of Close to Cocoa ink. Before I adhered the sentiment, I wrapped a piece of polka dot chocolate ribbon around the card and created a fun little bow/button combo. The button is from the new Tortoise Button Bonanza, and I threaded some twine through to tie the bow to the ribbon strip. A few light cocoa pearls were the perfect finishing touch in the top right corner.

So...whaddya think? I know, something totally different and unexpected...kinda like me! *chuckle* I hope I've inspired you to take a peek at the other categories in the Bella store next time you shop...there's some fabulous stuff in there!

That's about it for me today...I hope you have a wonderful Tuesday!

You're my sunshine day and night...oh, what a difference you've made in my life...

Happy Monday, peeps!! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. The boys had friends over to spend the night last night, and they wore me out! Talk about loud...try four boys ages 9 and 6, plus four dogs and a video game...YIKES! So, needless to say, I hid in my craft room (along with one of the dogs) for most of the afternoon and played. Which was great fun...I haven't had a marathon stamping day in a long time. I went in armed with new goodies and a notebook full of sketches and went to work! So there'll be lots to see here for the next few days.

The first sketch I chose was Fall to Layout #51 from the Clean and Simple blog. This is a blog I stalk each week for layouts and inspiration...love it! Here's my card:

Isn't that a fun sketch? I just got some Jenni Bowlin mini papers, so I decided to use this sheet music pattern from the Tangerine Dream collection. Yummy, no? I cut and embossed the piece with my Labels One Nestabilities and then sponged the edges with Close to Cocoa and Chocolate Chip ink. I stamped the sentiment from Verve's Because of You set in Versamagic Jumbo Java ink. After I adhered the die cut panel to my 4 1/4" square Soft Sky card base, layed the die on top and pierced around the outside edge, using the die as a template.

To finish off the card, I chose 2 prima flowers and sponged them with Jumbo Java & Sahara Sand Versamagic and sprayed them with Oyster Glimmer Mist. Once they were dry, I added a button from my stash tied with crochet thread and adhered it all down to my card. Super easy and fun!

Well, that's about it for me today...don't forget to check out Verve's Christmas in July sale details HERE. Have a fabulous day!

Get up and shake the glitter off your clothes, now, that's what you get for waking up in Vegas...

Hey, y'all, what's up? I hope you're having an awesome weekend. We've spent the day being lazy, except for doing some laundry. It's about to rain here, so hopefully it'll be a little cooler...it's about 93 right now. Blech!

So, I got my new stamps from Stamping Bella on Friday, and I spent a while yesterday coloring them all up...fun! I decided to use Karen Giron's Sweet Sunday Sketch for this week...I love her sketches. Here's my card.
I chose Gratty 'tude and her sentiment for this sketch. She was stamped in Memento Black ink and colored with Copic markers. Emily sent me some of the Bella's Bestest paper that Linda and Paula have been raving about, and let me tell you...it's FABULOUS!!! It is sooo smooth and wonderful...I just want to sit and pet it. I'm totally in love!

I used a piece of my Urban Prairie paper from Basic Grey...it seemed to match my color combo the best. I also used my turquoise ribbon garter (from Stamping Bella, but it's out of stock right now) and my new EK Success Dotted Scallop border punch...how cute are those teensy scallops?

And here's a close-up:
Of course I had to add some Diamond Stickles, which works perfectly for Hope's Twisted Bella Challenge from last week. To accent the sentiment, I added a tiny Prima flower with a teensy black pearl from Kaiser Craft. So cute!

Well, I'm headed to fold some more laundry and maybe sneak back into my craft room. I hope you have a great Sunday!

If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself, and then make a change...

Happy Saturday, everybody! What are y'all up to this weekend? We're just kind of being lazy...it's hot outside, and my allergies are too bad in the summer to do anything but stay indoors. Blech!

Yesterday I was impatiently waiting for my Stamping Bella order to be delivered, so I stayed in my craft room (which is right by the front door so I could hear *wink*) and made a cute little card set with some of my Verve Stamps. This idea has been brewing in my head for a few days, and I finally got to finish it. Don't you hate when that happens and you can't find time to sit and finish?

Aren't those cute? (If I do say so myself *wink*) I used last week's Weekend Sketch Challenge from Charmaine, which I thought was perfect to use with my Kindred Spirits set from Verve. I stamped the largest Fleur de lis image in PTI Ocean Tides, Ripe Avocado, and Raspberry Fizz ink three times on Neenah Solar White paper and punched it out with my 1 3/4" circle punch. I then cut pieces of Kraft and Black cardstock for the center panel, and embossed the Kraft with the Swiss Dots embossing folder, then adhered it to the black mat.

To create the bottom portion of the panel, I cut strips of my three colors and stamped the fleur de lis border in a repeated pattern in the same color ink. I then created a scalloped border using my SU Scalloped Edge Punch. The sentiment was stamped in Versafine Onyx Black, and then I adhered the strip to the bottom of the Kraft panel. I decided to use Score-Tape for this in case the embossing kept the strip from totally sticking down to the panel.

One of the reasons I chose these three colors is because I had matching stitched grosgrain ribbon for all three. I tied the ribbon in a knot around the panels at the very top of the colored strip, and then popped up my three circles on dimensionals along the left side. I then adhered the panels to my white card bases with dimensionals.

Well, I'm off to color some of my new Bella images...I'll see y'all later! Have a wonderful weekend!

And everything around her is a silver pool of light...the people who surround her feel the benefit of it...

Happy Friday, y'all! Sorry I haven't posted in a few days...I was without internet for a while and I thought I might die! *chuckle* But thank goodness I didn't, because I wouldn't have been able to make my Bellariffic Friday card. It was such a fun one!

This week's sketch was done by Joanneabella...it totally looks like a Joanne card, right? I hope y'all like it...

She's pretty yummy, no? I chose Matilda Muffinbread for this card, and stamped her in Memento Tuxedo Black on Prism Simply Smooth White paper. Once I finished coloring her with my Copic markers, I cut the image out with my Oval Nestabilities and created a scalloped mat as well. The patterned paper is from the Basic Grey Lemonade 6x6 pad...I need more of this stuff PRONTO!! Love it! I chose 2 coordinating patterns to create my triangles and stitched them to my black mat. Then I used a zig-zag stitch down the sides of my black diagonal strip that's hiding the seam.

I pulled out some 5/8" White grosgrain ribbon and colored it with a turquoise Copic marker so it would coordinate with my image. Using Scor-tape, I adhered it diagonally across the black strip, and then added a little bow/flower/button combo to the bottom left side. For my sentiment, I separated the It's a Cupcake Thing sentiment and punched it out with the Word Window punch from Stampin' Up. The main image was then popped up on dimensionals, and I added some Crystals, Liquid Applique, Stickles, and a pink daisy to her cupcake. Lots of bling, just like I like it! *wink*

Well, folks, that's all she wrote for right now. My latest Bella order is scheduled to be delivered today, so don't be surprised if I post again later. Also, don't forget to check out Emily's Blog for more eye candy from the Babes and the Sistahood. Have a fabulous day!

Lord help the mister who comes between me and my sister...and Lord help the sister who comes between me and my man...

Hey, y'all, what's up? I'm stopping by again with another card, but first I want to say thanks for all the kind words about my blog makeover...y'all really know how to make a sistah feel good!

Anywho, I FINALLY got the new Basic Grey Lemonade paper, so I had to break it out yesterday and play. Here's what I came up with.

Yummalish, huh? I really wanted to feature the paper, so I decided to use Sistahoodabellas and paper piece their outfits. I stamped them in Memento Black onto Neenah Solar White paper, then stamped them on four different patterns of the Lemonade collection. I use the 6x6 paper pads because I like the smaller patterns. I cut out each outfit and adhered them to the image using my Quickie Glue Pen, which is great for teensy tiny areas like this. Then I colored the rest of the image with my Copic Markers and cut and embossed it with my Rectangle Nestabilities. I added a Chocolate Chip mat and also a scalloped mat cut from one of the solids in the paper pack.

I chose a 5 1/4" square card base, and cut a 4 7/8" square of Neenah Solar White, then matted it with Chocolate Chip. I punched 9 squares (3 of each pattern) with my Marvy Super Jumbo Square Punch and inked the edges of the squares with Versamagic Jumbo Java chalk ink. After adhering them to the white layer, I stitched down and across each row in kind of a quilted pattern (I am no quilter, so forgive me if this isn't right! *wink*), then popped my image up in the center on dimensionals. To finish off the card, I added some yummy raspberry May Arts ribbon and some glittah to the dresses. YUM!

Ok, I gotta run...I hope you like my stuff today! Don't forget to check out the latest Bellariffic Friday Sketch HERE on Emily's Blog. Have a fabulous day!

Giving is such a part of living...Oh, I wish it could be Christmas all year long...

Morning, y'all!! Happy Wednesday! I have something fun to share with you today...the Serendipity Stamps team is celebrating Christmas in July! I could use a little cooling off...it's been over 90 in the evenings around here. YUCK!

I fell in love with the Snowman with Birdhouse image the second I saw it, so I knew that's what I wanted to use.

Whatcha think? Isn't he the CUTEST?? Sidenote: I have to say (if you can't tell) that this entire card was inspired by Anna Wight...she's a rock star!

Ok, anyway, I stamped Frosty in Black Stazon on Hot Press Watercolor Paper. It's so nice and smooth, so you get a great stamped image, which is important with images like this one. Then I watercolored him with reinkers and a waterbrush, and a hint of Blender pen in tiny spots. I decided to make him a little bit of a "Texas Snowman"...if you've never seen one, they're always a little brown from mud, since we never get enough snow to make a real one. *grin* Once he was colored, I distressed and sponged the edges, and added some Liquid Applique as snow accents. Then I matted the image with Chocolate Chip and stitched around the edges.

After sponging the edges of my Kraft card base, I layered some Bo Bunny Double Dot paper with crazy stitching around the edges. The main image was popped up on dimensionals. Following Anna's tutorial, I created a glittery crystal snowflake from a Maya Road Chipboard snowflake, and adhered it to the card with dimensionals. Then I wrapped some twine around the yellow layer, and secured it by threading it through the snowflake and a button and tying a knot.

I hope you've enjoyed my little bit of Christmas in July...I know I did! Make sure you check out the other samples from the Serendipity team.

Amy Cokley
Jennifer Woodward
Kathie Bailey
Kelli Richardson
Lynda Benden
Sue Eldred
Yvonne Hagane

Also, Mary mentioned that there will be a Christmas in July sale very soon! So make sure you sign up for the newsletter here to be updated as details are released. Have a fabulous day!

Baby, baby, I'm taken with the notion to love you with the sweetest of devotion...

There’s a new little baby Diva almost here and today we’re celebrating with a suprise shower hop! So come along with us and do the hop, hop, hop to help celebrate the arrival of Charmaine’s new little oodabug! This shindig started at the Verve Stamps blog, so if you’ve just happened along, be sure to hop on over there to start from the beginning!

I created this cute little number because Charmaine strikes me as a non-pastel kinda girl. So Isabelle should have a shabby chic card too, no? Take a peek.

I used the baby carriage stamp from Serendipity, paired with a sentiment from Practically Perfect. This card features lots of sponging, with some stitching and distressing. Fun stuff!

I have to run to my Copic Class...I'll be back this afternoon to add in details. K?

Thanks for stopping by! Now hop on over to Jen Tapler's blog for some more cuddly goodness. Have a great day!

Got no flowers for your gun, no hippychick...

Hey, y'all! I just wanted to post the cards we made in my Copic class on Thursday and Saturday at The Crafty Scrapper. We had a blast! I like to keep the cards very simple for the beginning class so we can spend more time coloring. *grin* We used stamps from Stamping Bella, Bo Bunny Double Dot papers, and an EK Success punch.

Here's the first card, using Superbella:



Here's the second card using Lattebella:



And the last card, using Beatrice Bellbottoms:


Thanks to all my students...I had a blast with you!

Like a river flows, surely to the sea...darling so it goes...some things are meant to be...

Happy Bellariffic Friday, sistahs! I hope you had a wonderful week! We have delivered my nephew back to his sitter, and now I'm enjoying a little quiet. *grin*

This week's sketch was brought to us by Jenabella, and although it looked scary, it was actually pretty easy!
For the circle panel, I stamped Agnes Ketto in Black Stazon ink and colored her with reinkers, a waterbrush, and a blender pen. Some of the spaces in the image were just too small for a waterbrush, so I chose the blender pen so I'd have more control. I got a little carried away with the Prima flowers, but I think it ended up pretty cute. In the flower centers, I added Cappuccino Baubles, and used some Banana Split polka dot ribbon along the side of the card. The edge of the Kiwi panel was punched with my new EK Success Dotted Wave punch...my new addiction. *wink* The Oh Happy Day sentiment was also stamped in Stazon on Watercolor paper. It has to match, right? Anywho, I hope you like it.

Well, sistahs, I'm headed to take a little nap before we go pick Caleb up from his week at camp. To see more eye candy from the Babes and the Sistahood, check out Em's blog. Have a fabulous night, and I'll be back tomorrow with something VERRRRRYYYY special!

I thank God for all I've been given...at the end of every day. I have been blessed...

Good morning, world! Happy Wednesday! I'm not sure why, but it really feels like Thursday...WAIT!! It IS Thursday!! Sheesh...guess that tells you how my week has been. *sigh* I'm tired, but we've been having fun chasing a two year-old again. Man, he's busy!

I just had a quick second to myself last night, so I did some clean and simple stamping to make this quick card.


I have had these cute little blue patterned notecards from A Muse for over a year, and have been hoarding them like crazy. But sometimes when you're hoarding something, you forget about it! So the other day when I was digging in my envelope box, I found them and thought, "Hey! I need to use those!" Then when I sat down, I remembered this card of Heather's and was inspired to make something really quick with them.

I cut a small strip of Papertrey's Vintage Cream cardstock and stamped the sentiment from Verve's Just for You set in Memento Tuxedo Black. I inked up the small branch stamp from the same set in Baja Breeze and stamped it a few times to accent the sentiment. I added a quick black scalloped mat, and adhered it to my card. Less than 10 minutes, and I have a cute little card to tuck into my hubby's lunch bag one day. Fun, huh?

Well, I'd better get busy...I have lots to do before Copic class tonight. Have a great day, whatever day it is! *wink*

Making a few changes...

Ok, most of the layout editing stuff is done...how do you like the new look? I used a Blog in a Box design by Zoe Pearn from Sweet Shoppe Designs. Check it out...she has some fabulous stuff!

There's hope...it doesn't cost a thing to smile...you don't have to pay to laugh...you better thank God for that...

Happy Wednesday, folks! How's your week so far? Mine is good, just busy! Caleb is out of town for Music Camp, and my two year-old nephew is staying with us for the next couple of days. That should be interesting...it has been a LOOOONNNGG time since we've had a little one in our house! I'm sure he'll show us all the things we need to "childproof" and put up high. *chuckle*

Last night I sat down to stamp for a minute and noticed the Sketch Challenge had already been posted on Splitcoast. SCORE!


I apologize for the fuzzy sentiment...I took a new pic, but can't seem to get it right. Maybe it's the cardstock color? Either way, I'm having issues.

I've had this Three Dresses image from Serendipity colored for a while now, just waiting for the right card. The sketch this week was perfect! The image was stamped in Black Stazon ink on Fabriano Hot Press Watercolor Paper and colored with a waterbrush and reinkers. Once the ink was all dry, I added some detail with my Inkssentials Opaque White Gel Pen, then sponged around the edges with Close to Cocoa and Chocolate Chip ink. After adding a Chocolate Chip mat, I used my sewing machine to stitch around all the edges. The next panel is Barely Banana cardstock, embossed with the Swiss Dots embossing Folder, sponged with Cocoa and Chocolate ink, and stitched around the edges. For the panel across, I chose Prism Intense Pink, matted with Chocolate Chip and stitched to my Kraft base layer with a zig-zag stitch. After stamping the sentiment in Chocolate Chip ink, I decided I needed a little "something" for pizzaz, so I punched a Chocolate scalloped oval with one of my Marvy punches and cut it in half. After layering it onto the left side, just under the image, I punched a hole in it and tied some wide Olive Grosgrain ribbon around and in a knot. I love how it accents the image and sentiment without competing with either one.

Well, peeps, I better run...I have a feeling I won't get much done these next two days! *grin* Have a wonderful day, and I'll see ya later!

Lately I have desperately pondered, spent my nights awake and I wonder...

Good morning, y'all! What's everybody up to today? I am sittin' here trying to keep my eyes open...stayed up a little too late last night. It's all Faith's fault for posting the Color Challenge early...I had to go stamp! I also used this week's Mojo Monday sketch, which reduced the amount of time I spent hemming and hawing. *grin*


When I saw Faith's colors, I was excited...I usually use more than three colors on a card anyway, so four was no problem! I started with a base layer of Apricot Appeal cardstock and stamped it with the large background image from Artful Elegance in Versamagic Sahara Sand (which is a very close match to Creamy Caramel). Then I sponged around the edges with Close to Cocoa and Chocolate Chip ink and matted that to a Chocolate Chip layer.

Next I cut a strip of Baja Breeze cardstock and sponged the edges with Tempting Turquoise, Close to Cocoa, and Chocolate Chip. Then I layered it onto a strip of Chocolate Chip cardstock with a scalloped edge. For the strip across the bottom, I wrapped a piece of Dark Chocolate Satin ribbon around the card, then adhered the base layers to my white card base. The side layer is Creamy Caramel embossed with the Textile embossing folder and sponged with Close to Cocoa and Chocolate Chip, matted with Chocolate Chip cardstock.

The main panel of Neenah Solar White was cut and embossed with my Labels Four Nestabilities Die. While the die was still in place, I stamped the leaf image from Forever in Our Hearts in Baja Breeze, stamped off once. Then I stamped the sentiment in Versamagic Jumbo Java ink and sponged around the edges in Close to Cocoa and Chocolate Chip ink, then removed the die. I love the look this gives! To finish off the card, I colored two white Prima flowers with Copic markers to match my card and topped them off with an apricot button threaded with crochet thread. Two brads in the top corner were the perfect finishing touch.

Ok, y'all, I'm headed out...hope you have a fabulous Tuesday!

I'll be part of you in the way I do...come into my life so I can sing...

Happy Monday, everyone! I hope you all had a great weekend. To my American friends...Happy belated Fourth of July! And to my Canadian friends, an even more belated Happy Canada Day! We had a fun weekend of just hanging out, eating good food, and fun with family. How about you?

I had a few minutes to stamp this afternoon while my boys were playing video games, so I decided to check out the Stamping Bella Challenge Forum. I decided to play along with the Bella's Favorite Stamper...this month's FS is Tracy Cornhill. Sistah has a rockin' gallery full of Bella goodness. I chose this cutie pie card to case.


I decided to use Maisy Ketto, so I stamped her in Black Stazon on watercolor paper and colored her with reinkers and a waterbrush. You can't see it very well in the photo, but she has a really soft pink glow behind her, which I think is pretty fun. I cut and embossed the image with my Circle Nestabilities and matted it with a black circle. I created a 4 1/4" square card base from Neenah Solar White and cut a 4" square layer of Kraft as my base layer. I embossed it with my Swiss Dots Embossing Folder and added some black gingham ribbon on the left side. The Cool Caribbean layer behind her was cut and embossed with my Rectangle Nestabilities, then I popped the main image up on dimensionals on top. To finish it off, I added some Diamond Stickles to her crown, flower, and wings.

Ok, y'all, I'm headed to clean the kitchen. Fun! Don't forget to check out this week's Bellariffic Friday sketch on Emily's Blog. Have a fabulous day!

OOHH! One more thing...on my sidebar, I added a Cbox, since all the cool kids like Linda and Paula have one. *wink* So, come chat!

Thou art my help, God my deliverer, in the time of trouble, He shall hide me...

Hey y'all, it's me again! We made it through the first night with the new pup fairly well...a little bit of barking from Bailey, but I expected that. He seems to be a little more at home, so hopefully he'll get adjusted quickly.

I have another card to share with you that I made yesterday. I played along with Amber's Viva la Verve challenge from last week, which was a sketch with a twist of Distressing. Hmmm...right up my alley! I used the colors from this week's color challenge as well, and here's what I came up with. Ok, so after checking this week's color challenge, I was apparently supposed to use Night of Navy instead of Not Quite Navy. Sigh. Oh well, it wouldn't be a true challenge without me cheating. *snicker*

Isn't that an awesome sketch? Wowee! I love it when cards just come together like this one did. I started off with a base layer of Kraft cardstock, which I sponged with Close to Cocoa and Chocolate Chip ink before matting it with Chocolate Chip. Then I cut 2 rectangles - one from So Saffron and one from Not Quite Navy (which is not quite the right color - LOL). I stamped the largest Fleur de Lis image from Kindred Spirits in Saffron ink to create a background on the Saffron panel, and then sponged it with Saffron, Cocoa, & Chocolate Chip ink, working my way out with each color. The Navy panel was sponged with Cocoa and Chocolate Chip also. I distressed both panels with my scissors (too lazy to dig for my distressor tool), and stitched them to the Kraft base.

For my main image panel, I thought white was a little too stark, so I chose some watercolor paper (love using it for the texture), and stamped the Psalm 121:1-2 Plain Jane in Brilliance Graphite Black. Then I cut and embossed the image using my Deckled Rectangle Nestabilities and then sponged around the edges with Close to Cocoa and Chocolate Chip ink. I matted the main image on Chocolate Chip cardstock, distressed the edges and popped it up on dimensionals over the satin May Arts ribbon.

Well, y'all, I better sign off for now. Don't forget to check out the latest Viva la Verve challenge...it looks like a fun one! I hope you have a wonderful Friday!

Everybody thinks my head's full of nothin, wants to put their special stuff in...

Good morning, y'all! Happy Friday! I have some more Bella Goodness to share with you, cause today's Bellariffic Friday! This week we had a sketch from Lindabella, which (thankfully) was much easier and required much less brain power. Thanks, sistah!

Hmmm...I kinda went overboard on the patterned paper, but I think I like it. Does it make your eyes hurt? I promise I pulled the colors on Cuppycake with a Huggabug on Top from the papers, but apparently I've covered most of them up. *grin* This super cute image was stamped in Memento Black on Neenah Cream cardstock and colored with Copic markers. I used the Monday and Saturday patterns from Cosmo Cricket's Girl Friday collection...one of my faves! I matted all my layers with Chocolate Chip cardstock, and added some 5/8" ivory grosgrain ribbon for a little somethin' extra. It's a little hard to see, but I stamped the It's a Cupcake Thing sentiment in the bottom left corner. To finish off my 5 1/4" square card, I added some Light Cocoa glitter dots and Diamond Stickles...can't have a card with no bling! *wink*

So, while I had my mojo going, I pulled up Jamie's Bella Sketch Challenge for this month and went to work.

Isn't that a fun sketch? I stamped Lottie and Gussie Gabalot in Memento Black and colored them with Copics. I tried something new..."coloring" white areas by adding gray shadows. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out, so you'll probably be seeing more of that. Anywho, I added a red circle cut with my Circle Nestabilities and did a little faux stitching on the edges. I thought the Purse Thing sentiment was perfect for this image. And to finish it off, I added some custom colored Glitter Donuts (a la brown copic marker!) with adorable little crystal daisies in the centers. This cute little combo embellishment was inspired by my fellow Bella Babe Sarah. Love it, sistah!

Ok, so I'm almost done with this mondo post...if you want more crafty goodness, check out Emily's blog for inspiration from the Babes and the Sistahood using this week's sketch. If you wanna know about the newest addition to the Teubner family, read on!

As some of you may know, we have 3 dogs...2 English Mastiffs (Phoebe & Lucy) and a Beagle mix (Bailey). Well, we've added a 3rd Mastiff...cause we need another dog like a hole in the head...but we just couldn't resist. Say hello to Felony (yes Felony) our newest family member.

Felony is four years old, and we adopted him from a happy, yet sad, home. He lost his best friend/ brother a few weeks ago, and he has been very depressed. Mastiffs are a very codependent breed and have been known to die from depression. His mom & dad weren't looking for a new pup, and he really needed a friend, so we decided to give him a place in our home. He's sooooo sweet, well trained, very gentle, and Phoebe is totally in love with him. She lets him eat first, go through the door first, and even gave him her bone to chew on. We already love him, and the boys are crazy for him. Here's a picture of the whole herd meeting for the first time.

Yes, I know...we need our heads examined. But at this point, we thought, "What's one more?" *shrug* That may change when the dog food starts to disappear...wish me luck!

Anywho, I'm headed off to play with the 450 lbs of dog we now have. I hope you all have a fabulous Friday!

For the brave are free and the lovers soar...come ride with me to the distant shore...

Hey, y'all! Happy Tuesday! Well, ok, now I think it's Wednesday...I need to get to bed! I have a couple of cards to share today, and not much chatting. Hope that's ok!

The first card I made using Amy's Friday Sketch...love her sketches!

I stamped Bikababeabella in Memento Tuxedo Black and colored her with Copics. She was a blast to color! On my Kraft card base, I added some Basic Grey Urban Prairie paper and a strip of Pink Pirouette cardstock punched with a Martha Stewart border punch. Added some ribbon, small Olive bon-bons, and Diamond Stickles to finish it off...yum!

And here's a card with the Mojo Monday sketch for this week.

For this one, I used Daisy with a Stella on Top, stamped in Black Stazon and watercolored with reinkers and a waterbrush. The Apricot square panel was embossed with the D'Vine Swirls embossing folder, then sponged with Tangerine Tango ink. Love those colors together! Then I added some black ribbon and the Fantabulous Day sentiment, and mounted it all on a base layer of Bo Bunny Ocean Double Dot paper. And of course, my card wouldn't be complete without bling...some large Crystal bon-bons, Diamond Stickles, and some Diamond Glaze on Stella's lips. Looks complicated, but it came together pretty quickly. Love the sketch!

Well, I better head to bed...it's late and I have to be up early. Have a wonderful day!