Zippy Crafts

So Thankful!

2010-09-30T07:00:00.002-05:00

In case you're one of those who stops by my blog from time-to-time, you might be wondering what has happened to me. Well, let me tell you...Tropical Storm Hermine took the cover and railing off my deck upstairs. Now, ordinarily this wouldn't really have much of an impact on anything except my pocketbook, but my internet antenna was attached to that railing and it took weeks to get the weather to cooperate so that my broadband provider could come out and reinstall all the equipment. To make matters worse, without the cover providing some shade, it is incredibly HOT in my craft room. South Texas is not getting the cool weather that many in the rest of the country are enjoying.
My husband and I have decided not to fix the deck. Instead we are going to enclose the entire 2nd story and turn it into a master bedroom. That means my craft room will have to be dismantled and mostly stored for several months. With that in mind and with all the time demands of my college courses, I have decided to step down from my design teams.
This will be my last post as part of the Lindsay's Stamp Stuff design team. I really have enjoyed working with Lindsay's digis and svgs, and I have just loved all the members of the team, so it is with great regret that I step down at this time, but I just feel that I don't have the time necessary right now to devote to showcasing the products from LSS.
So for my final project as part of the team, I wanted to create a thank you card to express my appreciation to Lindsay and the rest of the team!

I used the Leaf Prints Digital Stamp set and colored the leaf with my copics. I kept the design simple by embossing one layer, adding a little sponging, and then put my focal image and sentiment in the middle with just a little raffia as embellishment.
Be sure to visit the rest of the design team because they continue to create amazing projects week after week. You won't want to miss a single site! Then, don't forget to head over to LSS to grab all the products you need to create your own amazing projects.
Thank you, all!
Cheers!

40% off Sale and a Freebie!

2010-09-22T21:47:00.000-05:00

Hey folks, just a quick post to let you know that there is a one day 40% off EVERYTHING sale at Lindsay's Stamp Stuff starting midnight tonight (All day Thursday) and ending Thursday night at midnight. There are brand new sets in the shop as well as old faves, you can check it out here.

Don't forget to stop by Lindsay's Blog and grab your Thursday Freebie, I hear it's "Wicked" cute!

Tamara's Virtual Baby Shower

2010-09-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

This is going to be super short because just as I was getting ready to post, my broadband went out on me.Don't ya hate that! I'm using an air card and have really slow connectivity.
Fellow LSS design team member Tamara Bennet is having her baby boy today! I'm not sure what time the big event will occur but it's possible that while you are reading this, she's in delivery! Anyway, the design team are giving her a virtual shower today by presenting her with a shower of baby cards! Here's mine using the LSS Babies and Bows set.

Don't forget to check out the rest of the design team blogs and maybe even stop by Tamara's blog and congratulate her family on their new addition.
Cheers!
(My broadband service better be operational before this weekend!)

Sweet N Sassy Blog Hop

2010-09-01T05:00:00.001-05:00

Hurray! It's finally here! The September Release of clear stamps at Sweet N Sassy!!! We've been teasing you with little peeks all week, so hopefully you've had a chance to choose some favorites and get your shopping list ready. Today is the day to make your purchases.
If you need a little more inspiration, how about a project that would be perfect as a hostess gift:

I used the brand new Bread of Life set for my focal image on this bread bag. Then, I used one of the sentiments from the set for my tag. There are several inspirational sentiments in this set. Be sure you head over to the shop to see the set in its entirety. The image would also be great to include on a bread basket set out on your Thanksgiving (or any holiday) dinner table. Here's a close look at some of the stamps in the set:

Now, I need to get you off to the next stop on the HOP. You should be heading over to the very talented Lorie Souther's blog but in case you missed a stop, here's the whole list. You will definitely not want to miss a single stop!

Don't forget to try out the challenges, too, for a chance to win some of these great new stamps!
Cheers!

Monday with Mom

2010-08-30T07:00:00.001-05:00

I challenged Mom this week to create a sentiment card. I had this beautiful Mariposa paper from DCWV and it just didn't need much to make it spectacular. It also gives me a chance to sneak peek another of the new releases from Sweet N Sassy. This beautiful sentiment is from the new clear stamp set called Blessings and Thanks which will be released September 1. You are definitely going to want this one. I say you can't have enough sentiment stamps when you are looking for just the right thing to say!
Don't forget about the Sweet N Sassy September Release Blog Hop on Wednesday. Until then, catch all the sneak peeks on the SNS blog and the Design Diva's blogs.
Mom really rose to the challenge. She created this stunning card with black and white and blue. Very classy!

The embossing and distressing look great but I really love how the black makes everything "pop" on this card.
Cheers!

Joyful News

2010-08-28T16:35:00.000-05:00

Well, I did it! I cranked up the air conditioner, surrounded myself with red and green, and created a Christmas card.

I wanted to give you another tempting look at the new Sweet N Sassy September clear stamp release. This sentiment stamp is from the new SNS The Greatest Gift clear stamp set that will be released September 1st. The set comes with five sentiments and one very special image just perfect for celebrating the Christmas season.
Be sure to stay tuned to the SNS blog and the design team blogs as we peek more images from all the new releases! And, don't forget the September Release Blog Hop on Wednesday for a chance to see all the great things you can create with these stamps and a chance to join some challenges and WIN some new stamps!

School box

2010-08-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

First of all, let me say that this is NOT a Halloween project! This is a back-to-school project, but guess who's school colors are orange and black! Yep, I have so many orange and black clothes, it's almost not fun! So, when I decided to use the new LSS Teacher's Helper for a gift project for some student helpers, I had to use the ole school colors. By the way, this set is awesome for teacher gifts or student rewards and IT-IS-ON-SALE! You can shop Lindsay's Stamp Stuff for the next three days and grab a bag of bargains. Everything, and I mean everything, in the LSS MyGrafico shop is 30% off through August 28, so be sure to stop by and see for yourself all the great goodies.
Both the great little pencil topper and the pencil box are SVG files I cut with my Cricut and Sure Cuts Alot software. If you don't have these, the set also comes with a PDF file so you can print these out and hand cut them, too. There are also some bonus digital stamps that make this set extra special!
You will want to see all the great projects created with Lindsay's sale items, so be sure to go through all the design team blogs including our newest team member Laurel. Leave some special love on her blog to welcome her to the creative team. Also, Lindsay has a freebie for you today, so don't forget to stop there and grab that little goodie.
And whatever you do, don't miss out on the sale!

Cheers!

Thankful Favor

2010-08-25T07:00:00.002-05:00

I just love sentiment stamps! I can't ever get enough of them because I always want something really special to put on my card or gift. Sweet N Sassy has some beautiful sentiments--beautiful messages and beautiful script. But hold your breath because you are just going to have to have the sentiments in the new clear stamp releases coming out September 1. Usually, I put the sentiment on the inside of the card and then never take a picture of that, but I created a special sneak peak of a new set called Blessings and Thanks with one of the sentiments from this set clearly visible.

Isn't that an awesome message? I told you you were going to have to have this set, but you have to wait a few more days to see the whole set. Take my word for it, they are all so special.
I think these little favor bags with this sentiment would be perfect for a Thanksgiving table setting, but also what a way to lift someone up. I wanted to create some texture so instead of using regular cardstock for the sentiment, I used some watercolor paper. This provided great texture with the added sponging around the edges. In weak imitation of the fabulous Darsie Bruno, queen of pearls, I added a few copic-colored pearls around the stamped sentiment. I colored some seam binding to create a custom-colored ribbon treatment and added the flower which my dear friend Jana gave me for my birthday. Inside I used some tulle to wrap up a few Hershey's nuggets.
Just a little FYI for all of you: Be sure to check out the blogs of the design team as well as the SNS blog to see more sneak peeks of the September SNS release. Also, there will be a big blog hop on August 31 and along the way you find some fun challenges which could lead to your winning one of the new clear stamp releases. Don't ya just love the suspense!!!
Cheers!

Monday with Mom

2010-08-23T10:37:00.000-05:00

This week's technique on Stamptv was to use water-based markers to add specific colors to a stamp. So, the copics got a rest this weekend. I used these butterflies from a Stampin Up set. After inking the stamp, I used a Stampin Write marker to add a little dash of color to the center of the butterflies. That's it! Super easy technique. I used the Stampin Up butterfly punch to punch them out and an EK Success punch for my leaf which I colored with a sponge and some inks. I used one of the new Sizzix Tim Holtz embossing folders on the background paper to get some distressing and added more distressing to the edges with my Distrezz-it-all.
Mom created this stunning card using the stamp and marker technique.

I love those brads added to the center of the flowers. What pretty colors and background papers, too. This is really a great technique for creating something special very quickly. It was kind of nice to let the copics sit on the shelf for the day. Though, I'm sure they'll be back in action before the week is over. Have a great day!
Cheers!

A Witchy Brew For You

2010-08-19T08:32:00.000-05:00

Talk about a fast and super easy project, this one is all that and more! I recycled a pretty bottle and just poured in some grape soda. You could certainly add some other kind of beverage to this but the grape soda was fast and easy to acquire. I created a "label" for my witch's brew by tracing along the bottle's indentation and cutting out some Basic Grey Eerie paper. Then, using a scrap of the same paper, I printed out this label from the LSS Vintage Halloween set. This set is designed to match with your Spellbinders Labels Nestabilities. You don't have to use the Spellbinder's dies as it is very easy to cut out the label by hand. But I did create a mat for my label with one of the Labels Two dies. The only thing I did to this image was add some stickles for a little shimmer.
More Basic Grey paper and a paper crimper created the band around the bottle. I added a flower that I custom-colored with my copics. I tied a bow around the top and added the circular label also printed from the LSS Vintage Halloween set and cut and matted using the Spellbinders Classic Circles Nestabilities dies. I really love this set, but I don't have all the Spellbinders Labels dies used and even though I don't "NEED" them for these images, this set sure makes me "WANT" them!
So, how's that for a fast, easy Halloween project. This set would make awesome labels for bottles of soda pop at a Halloween party! And, you are in luck because today only, there is a 40% off sale at LSS, so be sure to head over there and grab this set up! It is only $2.70, no tax and no shipping and you can have it instantly! Can't beat that with a stick (even a witch's broomstick!) Also, don't forget to check out the design team this week where I'm sure you'll find lots of inspiration and great ideas, and stop by Lindsay's blog for inspiration and a freebie!
Cheers!

Monday with Mom

2010-08-16T05:00:00.001-05:00

Oh, my! Mom made the most adorable card using the Sweet N Sassy Woof You clear stamp set. I really love how she colored this little guy. On top of the great coloring, she used the tutorial over at Stamptv to create a flocked background on the card. It turned out just fabulous, but see for yourself.

The striped background paper was made using flock and score tape. I haven't tried this technique yet but Mom said it was really fun and I do need to use up some of my flock supply. This is a great little stamp set to work with. Hmmm! May need to get this one back from Mom.
Okay, I've really wanted to try the flocking technique but I've been trying to get some projects done and I didn't want to experiment just in case it turned into a disaster. So... let me show you what I did create. One of my coworkers had a birthday on Friday the 13th and I overlooked it (talk about bad luck). To make up for my oversight, I created a cake in a can for her complete with some icing in a baggie and a candle.

I've had few questions about how I create these and though I've shared this before on my blog, I thought it might be time to repeat it. First of all, I got my recipe for this from Jackie Gannaway. I discovered Jackie years ago at a Country Peddler show and have been a huge fan ever since. I still have the very first cookbook I ever bought from her, signed and everything. You can find Jackie's cookbooks and gift ideas here. This recipe is found in the Crafty Cans from the Kitchen book. Jackie doesn't actually cook up the cakes for the recipient. Her recipes call for creating and giving the mix in the decorated can. My way of thinking is that I don't want to cook up anything on my birthday, so I go ahead and bake the cake for the recipient in one can and while it's baking, I decorate a clean can. That way I can put the cooled cake in the decorated can with a little bit of glaze mix or icing in a zippered baggie.
Basically, you mix a small pudding mix with a store bought cake mix. You use 3/4 of a cup of the mixture per can. For each can, you'll add one egg, 1 T of water, and 1 T oil. Mix that together and pour into a buttered (not sprayed) can and bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes. The cookbook will give you lots of ideas for different combinations for cakes, but there are other recipes in there including several bread recipes, too.
I just think this makes a nice, simple gift to give a coworker or neighbor without creating a whole cake.
Did you see those flowers on my can?

I spent a large part of yesterday playing with flowers. I watched some videos and then got busy converting some primas and punching some patterned paper to create these gorgeous flowers. First, I stopped here and got the original inspiration. Then, went here to watch the video.
If you managed to get through this whole post, you've had quite a read. I'm not normally this chatty on a Monday morning, but I had lots of ground to cover today. Hope you found it enjoyable, helpful, or inspirational.
Cheers!

Happy Birthday, Jana

2010-08-15T05:00:00.000-05:00

Happy birthday to you! My dear friend Jana is having a birthday today and besides wishing her a very special day, I'd like to show you part of her birthday present that I made with my own two hands. The lovely thing about making this for Jana is that she's a papercrafter herself, so she really appreciates the time and effort that went into this!
First, I'll show you the envelope that holds the present. I created this with Lauren Meader's My Time Made Easy Simple Seedling cut file and my Cricut and Sure Cuts Alot software.

I created a band to go around the envelope and then used this great sentiment from the SNS Sew Happy Cocoa clear stamp set. You'll see why this is such an appropriate sentiment for this project in just a minute. I added a bow made from some custom-colored seam binding and some faux stitches. Now look what's inside!

The image and sentiment on the front is also from the Sew Happy Cocoa set! I colored Cocoa with my copics. I did some real stitching around the edges of this project. A few buttons and some more seam binding ribbon finish this off. Now, Jana has a little notebook to put all her crafty ideas in, notes, lists of books she wants to read (wink!), or anything she wants.
I hope she has a great day and I wish that for all of you! Get your craft on today!
Cheers!

Fall Preview

2010-08-14T11:52:00.000-05:00

I've got a little bit of a fall preview for today. Our weather is giving no inkling that fall is on the way, but in the craft room with the air conditioner at full blast, I can almost imagine a crisp, cool fall day!!! Anyway, here's some fall inspiration for you courtesy of Sweet N Sassy. Be sure to check out their line-up of new clear stamps and new digis. If you're ready for it, there's even some Christmas stamps.

Pumpkins are the perfect fall companion, and these make for an elegant look. This is the new Pumpkin Patch digi stamp from SNS, super easy to color. The sentiment is from the Autumn Lovin Cocoa clear stamp set, and here's another card using that set.

On both of these cards, I got happy with my cuttlebug and some embossing folders. The top one uses the Sizzix Tim Holtz Woodgrain embossing folder and this second one uses my favorite Provocraft Pumpkins embossing folder. I just love the fall colors and interesting textures on both of these, and the images are so much fun to work with.

Looking for a sale today without having to hit the stores? Lindsay's Stamp Stuff and MyGrafico are having a back to school sale. Be sure and stop by to check out the great fall/holiday/back-to-school images there at a great price!

Strawberry Jam

2010-08-12T07:00:00.002-05:00

I made a peanut butter and jelly sandwich a couple of days ago and used up the last of my strawberry jelly. I started to toss the empty jar of Smuckers in the trash, but I got to thinking about my friends who make homemade jellies. Now, no! I didn't get inspired to whip up a batch of homemade preserves of any kind. I realized the only jam I know how to make is to "jam" a bunch of strawberry candies in a jar! That's about as homemade as it gets around here. And, yes, we're talking store-bought candies. So here's my version of strawberry jam!

Granted, you can't spread this stuff on a sandwich, but it's still looks pretty yummy. The beautiful strawberry image is from the LSS Strawberries and Watermelon Digital Stamp set. I had to use this set one more time to eke out the last juices of summer! I colored the image with my copics, and cut it out using my cuttlebug and Nestabilities Label 10 dies. The ribbon is from a gift set that I salvaged. That's a prima flower on top of the bow. The sentiment is from the PTI Tags for Spring set.
Go ahead...slap some jam on some bread and head on over to the LSS design team blogs to check out all the eye candy for this week...ya know you want to! Be sure to stop over and Lindsay's blog to see what pretties she has "cooked up" and check out her freebie for the week!
Cheers!

Goodnight Moon

2010-08-10T08:25:00.000-05:00

I rarely make cards for new arrivals because I just don't have much need for them, but a good friend of mine says she's always in need of one to give to her circle of friends and relatives that are expecting. Well, it took very little encouragement to get me going on that since I think baby cards are so adorably fun to make. This sweet image is a new digi stamp from Sweet N Sassy. This one is called Sweet Dreams. The sentiment is from the SNS Little One clear stamp set that will be released the middle of this month. Be looking for it as I will be giving you another sneak peek soon! You can also go to the store and preorder it today!
I love gingham papers so it was just a matter of choosing the color I wanted for this. I wanted something both soft and rich so I combined the soft aqua with the rich purple. I created my ribbons with some ink and seam binding and used my Cuttlebug stars embossing folder on the new SU Concord Grape CS. The aqua papers are from a Paper Studio package I got from Hobby Lobby. I punched out the stars with a couple of SU star punches in two sizes and glazed the yellow ones with some Glassy Accents. The image is colored with my copics.
Cheers!

Monday with Mom

2010-08-09T01:00:00.001-05:00

We went masculine for this Monday's edition. Mom used blues and grays and strong score lines to create a masculine feel for a friend's birthday. She colored this image called SNS Camper with her copic markers and scored around the edges with her Martha Stewart Score board. the ribbon glide also adds another masculine touch!
I created a birthday present for our district's business manager. He seemed a little down in the dumps thinking about his 60th birthday, so I'm hoping this will cheer him up! I haven't made a cake in a can in a long time. I used to make them all the time for my coworkers but this last year I started giving cookies in a box. Since I'm not on any one campus any more, I thought I could bring this out for a new group of recipients.

Yep, that's a chocolate cake in an old green bean can. I actually cook the cake in a different can and transfer the cooled cake over to a decorated can. The cupcake image is from the LSS Sweet Treats 2. The sentiment is from the SU Whimsical Words set. The paper is K&Co's Life's Journey PP. Hope this is a sweet treat for my friend.
Cheers!

Juicy Summer Treats

2010-08-05T07:45:00.000-05:00

I have maybe two days left to finish off this semester and I am sooo ready to get all my assignments finished and turned in. I can almost taste all that extra crafting time I'll have on my hands. You would not believe what a disaster my craft loft is in. I have some new goodies to play with (and a Stampin' Up order due Friday!), but first I've got FIND my craft table and computer desk. I think they are there somewhere under all the scraps and remnants and half done projects! Keep your fingers crossed that Saturday will be homework-free and craft happy!
One of my most favoritest sets from LSS is this delicious Strawberries and Watermelon set, and with temperatures almost hitting the triple digit mark, I thought this little card might help someone feel a little cooler.

Watermelons make me think of old-fashioned summer picnics or get-togethers and I really wanted this card to convey that feeling. I colored the image with my copics. The papers are by Cosmo Cricket and I did a little distressing on them. I added some black Stickles to the watermelon seeds in the image and then added some adhesive gemstones from the Paper Studio to the bottom of the card because they reminded me of the watermelon seeds.
Don't forget to check out Lindsay's blog to see what creative genius she's been up to, and also hop the blogs of her uber talented design team. These ladies have been smokin up the challenge blogs lately. Their stuff is everywhere winning all kinds of challenges and awards! Yes, they're that good! When you are all done, head over to the store and grab some fabulous digi stamps. You know you need a reason to stay in the air conditioning!!!

Sew Thoughtful

2010-07-29T07:42:00.000-05:00

I still have a couple of thank you notes to send out from my birthday, so I created this vintage style thank you card for one of my crafting buddies who admires copic coloring. This is a classic little image from LSS called Sewing Stuff. You can grab it for less than $2 and there's also a great companion set in the shop called Sew Pretty. There are lots of very pretty options between these two stamp sets.
I played along with the Shabby Tea Room challenge this week which was a one, two, three challenge (one ribbon, two button, and three punches/dies). I colored some white seam binding to create my ribbon and make the bow, grabbed a couple of buttons from the jar (I don't even know any more where these buttons came from), and used two deckled rectangle dies from spellbinders and a SU border punch. I had to, of course, add some sewing to this and a little distressing.
Don't forget to head over to Lindsay's blog today to see what all she has for you. There's usually a digital freebie involved, and you definitely want to check out what the rest of the design team has created! Be sure to see all the gorgeousness over at the The Shabby Tea Room, too.
Cheers!

Need a Lift

2010-07-22T08:57:00.000-05:00

My dear, sweet friend Melissa at Tuesday Morning Sketches is celebrating her first birthday. Her challenge blog is one year old! Happy birthday, Melissa. Lindsay's Stamp Stuff is helping her celebrate this week by grabbing one of her sketches from the past year and giving it a go. If you play along this week, you have a chance to win a digital stamp set from Lindsay's Stamp Stuff like the Steampunk set I used to make this card.

I used TMS #35 and flipped and tweaked it a little for this card. I loved the vintage look of the DCWV Mariposa matstack paper combined with the antique bicycle and the paper flowers. The sentiment is from a PTI set called Everyday Buttons and it works perfectly with the image in the LSS stamp set.
Be sure to visit the other members of the design team to see what sketch they used. Then, stop by Tuesday Morning Sketches and grab a sketch of your own to play with after a quick visit to LSS for a cool digital stamp set to use on your card (LSS image not required but it would be great to see what you do with them). Also, if this has put you in the mood for vintage, be sure to stop over at Lindsay's blog for a digital freebie. I believe you could "walk" away with a vintage car image.
Cheers!

Monday With Mom 11

2010-07-19T11:03:00.000-05:00

What a great weekend! Saturday was my birthday and I spent the whole day doing the things I love the most: reading, crafting, and hanging out with friends and family. I had a stack of homework that needed doing but I set it aside to enjoy my day! I got some wonderful gifts including the Martha Stewart score board and a $50 Stampin' Up gift card! (lots of other great non-craft related items, too!) My husband and my father cooked a bunch of fish and shrimp for me and about 15 guests. It was totally yummy. Not a bad way to turn 44!
I received several hand-made cards from my crafting buddies, but I had to showcase this little cutie that my mom made for me! She used a Sweet n Sassy digital image called Milton Mouse. She colored Milton and his bouquet with copics. Isn't she getting sooo good with her copics! I love the grey and purple color scheme, too!

So, I grabbed a Sweet n Sassy digital stamp, too, and created a furry little cutey! This is a recently released digi called Praying Fuzzy.

I used some old Making Memories paper flowers to create the little roses in the corner. And, isn't the little paw prints punch cute! That was kind of a birthday present to myself. It's a newer EK Success border punch.The sentiment on the bow is from the SNS Poppies and Greetings clear stamp set. It is certainly perfect for this image.
I better get busy on my homework that I neglected this weekend!
Cheers!

It's a Twofer

2010-07-15T07:00:00.002-05:00

Two for one special today! I wanted to play in the The Shabby Tea Room Challenge this week and I wanted to play with Lindsay's Stamp Stuff Steampunk stamp set and I just wasn't clever enough to combine the two, so I created two separate cards.
This first one is for the The Shabby Tea Room Christmas in July Challenge. Honestly, I'm not ready for Christmas cards, but I grabbed the LSS Christmas Potpourri Digital Stamp set and gave it my best. This is the second Christmas card I've done this week, but I'm just not feeling it! Still I am pretty pleased with how all of this turned out. It has a quaint, vintage feel to it which is what I was going for.

I kept the greens handy for this next card, too, but went much softer with the color scheme. This card uses the

LSS Steampunk Stamp set and I just think it's super cute!

I printed out the stamp, aged it with some distressing ink, lightly colored in the floral pattern in the image with my copics, and then I sponged some VersaMark ink over the image. I sprinkled the image with some antique gold embossing powder so that it looks muted and weathered. I found the tutorial for the little flower here. It was fun to make, super easy, and a good way to use up some unused flowers.
Now, you are all set to see what the rest of the design team has created for today. It's sure to provide loads of inspiration. Stop off at Lindsay's blog if you haven't already done so. She's sure to have a surprise or two up her sleeve, and don't forget to visit the store to take a look at this cool Steampunk set.
Cheers!

A Sweet Little Sketch

2010-07-13T07:00:00.001-05:00

I saw the sketch and Korin's great card over on the The Sweet Stop and decided to play around today with it. I haven't been able to spend much time up here in the craft loft lately, but I spent most of yesterday waiting on my Directv upgrade to be installed so I had time to play!
Usually, sketches kind of scare me, but for some reason this one grabbed my imagination. I especially liked using the 3D sticker butterfly. If you've read my blog very much, you've pretty much figured out that I don't like to hand cut things. I'm good with a Cricut, dies, and punches, but actual cutting with scissors totally scares me off (and craft knives make me hyperventilate). So, it was great to find an image that was all precut for me! The sentiment was the real source of inspiration for me! The sentiment is from a Sweet N Sassy clear stamp set called Sentiments for Him, but obviously this isn't just for the guys.
Project Recipe

Paper: Prima The Breathe Collection and The Sasha Collection PP, PTI White, Orange Zest, Spring Rain CS

Stamps: SNS Sentiments for Him

Tools: Cuttlebug, Spellbinders Scalloped Heart Nestabilities, Cuttlebug Seeing Spots Embossing Folder, the Bow Easy, EK Success Zig Zag border punch

Embellishments: PTI Orange Zest Saddle-stitched ribbon, Studio 18 Dimensional stickers

Monday with Mom 10

2010-07-12T12:23:00.000-05:00

Now that the plane has landed, I'm back home, and I've unpacked and sorted through stuff, it was time to do another Monday with Mom segment. However, I'm running a little late. I got a new tv for the craft loft and directv was scheduled to come this morning and upgrade my receiver. Therefore, I had everything under the tv moved off to another corner of the room out of the way. Directv serviceman did not show up this morning and so photographing my card has been a challenge. I've also been tied up with getting everything ready for them when they do show up, so long story short...this is running a little late! What else is new!
We were inspired again by GinaK's project of Stamptv which was Christmas in July. I've seen a few Christmas in July projects out in blog land, but it sure is hard to start on Christmas cards in this heat! Making things a little easier for me, is this adorable new set of clear stamps from Sweet N Sassy called O Christmas Tree which should be released July 26th!

It's the cutest little Christmassy stamp set but I kept blowing it with my coloring. Finally, I opted to create a vintage photo look with it using a washed out (faded) color scheme and lots of warm gray. Then, I sponged all but the very center of the image and distressed the edges. I added a little crocheted ribbon to the bottom of the "photo" to further the vintage feel of the card.
Now, let's take a look at Mom's fab project! She makes the best Christmas tags, packaging, and cards!!

Isn't that cool! She added Stickles to the antlers for cheery Christmas sparkle and, of course, a red nose for Rudolph!The paper and embossing are so perfect for this card. Maybe Mom can make all my Christmas cards for me this year (wink)!

Happy Birthday, Lindsay!

2010-07-08T08:02:00.000-05:00

Lindsay's got a birthday coming up! I whipped her up a basket of fresh strawberry candies using her luscious set Strawberries and Watermelon set.

This uses a brown lunch sack which I rolled down the top to get the size I wanted. I added some pre-ruffled ribbon and "ruffled" some more ribbon to decorate the top. Then, I added some Prima flowers to serve as the "bow" and filled the sack with candies. The image is colored with copic markers.
Be sure to stop by the store because Lindsay has a birthday present for you--34% off everything in the store! Also don't forget to stop by her blog because she's sure to have a freebie as well, and the design team has lots of birthday inspiration this week. We've discovered that we all have a lot of birthday celebrations this month, so if you, too, are needing to create a birthday card or present, you'll want to get some great ideas from the rest of the team!

Cheers!
Project Recipe
Paper: Neenah Solar Crest CS, DCWV Citrus Stack
Stamps: LSS Strawberries and Watermelon, PTI Vintage Picnic Sentiments
Tools: copic markers, Score-Tape
Embellishments: Prima flowers, Ribbon FX (HL), SU Certainly Celery Satin ribbon

A Watermelon Kind of Day

2010-07-01T13:52:00.000-05:00

The super hot temperatures remind me that it is definitely summer, and what's better on a hot summer day than a juicy slice of watermelon! If you're looking for some great, fruity summer digi stamps, look no further than Lindsay's Stamp Stuff and this Strawberries and Watermelon stamp set.

Don't those images look absolutely juicy!!! I chose the seed packet and colored it with my copics. I added some ruffled ribbon and a leftover heart-shaped paper doily. A few little buttons were added to the corner for a homespun look. The sentiment is from the GinaK set Heartily Yours.
Be sure to check out what the LSS design team has created and make Lindsay's blog your first stop if you haven't been there yet. She's got a great little freebie as well as some inspiration for one of her newest sets!
On a personal note: I'm so glad to be home after two weeks in New York and Washinton, DC. It was a fantastic trip, but I've been dying to get back to my husband and my craftroom (and my own private bathroom!). I'm very slowly going through all my trip purchases, dirty laundry, and souvenirs. And, I've got loads of homework that still needs doing. It seems like as soon as I finish one thing, two more things pop up! Know the feeling? I so want to spend the weekend in the craft loft but I'm not sure how much quality time I will have up here. Stay tuned, though, as soon as I can, I will be crafting away!
Cheers!

Project Recipe

Paper: PTI Kraft CS, SU Real Red CS
Stamps: LSS Strawberries and Watermelon, GinaK Heartily Yours (sentiment)
Tools: ScorePal, copics
Embellishments: Heart-shaped paper doily (Walmart), Ribbon FX (Hobby Lobby), Prima Holiday Poinsettia buttons

Amazing Grace

2010-06-28T07:45:00.000-05:00

Look what's new in clear stamps at Sweet N Sassy! This sentiment stamp is from the brand new Sweet N Sassy Amazing Grace Clear stamp set available now!
I used my new Distrezz-It-All to distress everything. The embossing on the kraft paper was created with a new Cuttlebug embossing folder. I don't have the name for it right now because I'm still hundreds of miles for home in Washington, DC getting ready to enjoy my final day of sightseeing. The butterflies are a K&Co 3-D sticker set, so easy to add for a quick card. They compliment the beautiful sentiment which I cut out with Spellbinders nestabilities dies and sprayed with my copic airbrush. A little ribbon and some pearls for a soft touch and I had a beautiful card in no time at all.
Be sure you check out the store because several new items have been added recently. Then, join the Sweet N Sassy design team on Tuesday, June 29 at SNR for a release PARTY! I should be getting home right about that time and can hopefully drop in to say "hi" and catch up with everyone!

It's a Puddle Jumper

2010-06-24T07:00:00.001-05:00

It's supposed to rain today in Washington, DC, the site of my working vacation! We're supposed to take a bike tour in the evening so I hope the rain has passed by then. Although anything that subsides the heat is a good thing. So in honor of the rainstorms headed my way, I thought I would showcase this card using a couple of images from the LSS Puddle Fun set. This really is a fun little set with a lot of versatility.

The background paper was the source of inspiration for this card. It's an American Craft paper with lots of fun boots. I did some paper piercing for the focal image. The boots are part of the digital stamp set as are the puddles. I added a drink umbrella behind the image. The green and yellow cardstock has been embossed using a Fiskars rain dots texture plate in my Cuttlebug. Look close for that fun detail.
I'll be back in Texas next week and back in the craft loft to play with some great new images in the LSS shop. You don't have to wait. Head over there today to see all the great images available right now. Also, be sure to check out the LSS design team for some great looks at all the new stuff in the shop. Then, head to Lindsay's blog for a great freebie!
Happy Crafting!

It's Molly, By Golly!

2010-06-19T08:09:00.001-05:00

I have three boys and they turned into wonderful young men, but, oh, for a little girl! Well, until the grandchildren start coming I guess I'm going to have to make do with this little cutie! This is Molly and she is now in a clear stamp set from Sweet N Sassy. The fun thing about Molly is I can "dress" her up to match my papers or embellishments, and she doesn't fuss or whine about it at all! This set is called Thankful Molly. You can grab Molly all by herself as a digi stamp, but the clear stamp set has some wonderful sentiments in the set you won't want to miss either.
Be sure to check out Sweet N Sassy regularly as several clear stamp sets will be released over the next few weeks. There will be a release party on June 29 to celebrate all the new clear stamps coming out this month.
And, if you need instant gratification, SNS is still releasing digi stamps on a regular basis and there are some really cute new ones there which you can get almost instantly!
For more shopping fun, Lindsay's Stamp Stuff is having a Father's Day Sale this weekend. Everything is 25% off until midnight Sunday!!!

New at Sweet N Sassy

2010-06-18T01:00:00.001-05:00

Look what has just arrived at Sweet N Sassy Stamps in acrylic! This is totally fruitilicious!

Cocoa is enjoying some summer fruit in this new clear stamp set called Feeling Fruity Cocoa. He's so cute no matter what he's doing, but watermelon is a big part of our South Texas summertime eating since it's grown so close to us. In the set he's paired up with a strawberry, too, and some fun sentiments.
Sweet N Sassy will be releasing several sets of clear stamps over the next few weeks. Be sure to head to the store regularly to check out what is being released, and don't forget you can still get loads of inexpensive digi stamps instantly!
Happy Crafting!

It's a Remake

2010-06-17T07:00:00.001-05:00

Usually I create a card and either send it to someone or file it away for sending it or giving it away. I made this card back in April:

Now, I really liked this card. It just was fun with the big flower, the paper-pieced umbrella and the cheery colors, BUT...
It didn't hold together very well for some reason. The flower came off, the cardstock was kind of flimsy and it lacked a sentiment. So, I decided to salvage this card that I loved so much and here's what I came up with:

The original was great but this one is just special! And I didn't really do that much to it. I cut the original embossed card base and adhered it to some pink cardstock which is the new base. I changed out the flower and then the finishing touch was the sentiment. I can't wait to try this same card in some different papers and colors. That umbrella which you can find in the LSS set called Puddle Fun is so easy to paper piece. I'm not much of a paper-piecer because I hate to cut really fine details, but this one is really easy!
Anyway, that's how you save a card gone bad!
Be sure to head to Lindsay's blog and the LSS store. Lots of fun stuff and lots of digital freebies! Then, check out the amazing work of the very talented design team. Very crafty bunch of ladies!
Happy Crafting!

My Cuppa Tea

2010-06-12T19:29:00.000-05:00

A few things influenced this card: (1) the beautiful rose image in the SNS June Rose Clear Stamp Set, (2) the My Time Made Easy Tea Cup cut file (used with my Cricut), (3) the SCS Sketch challenge, and (4) the Shabby Tea Room Design Team search inspiration piece. All of the influences combined with my love of all things tea related produced this card.
I wanted to created a monochromatic china pattern for my tea cup and I liked the pattern so much, I decided to create background paper that matched. I really liked Sweet n Sassy's Birthday Month digis, but I am lovin' them as clear stamps. I'm definitely going to collect all twelve!
The paper flower was created with some cardstock and a flower punch. You can find the instructions I used here. After it dried, I spritzed it with Smooch Spritz in vanilla. I added a heart-shaped paper doily behind the tea cup.
I just love how pretty it all is. I think I'll try another one with a different color. I love black and pink, but for some reason I feel like I use it too much. However, when I look back at my older posts or projects, I don't see too much of it! Anywhoo, you should do what you like when crafting. That's what it's all about!
Happy Crafting!
Project Recipe
Paper: SU Pixie Pink and Certainly Celery, PTI White
Stamps: SNS June Rose, SU Teeny Tiny Wishes (sentiment)
Tools: Cricut, SCAL, My Time Made Easy A Spot of Tea cut file, SU Modern Label, Word Window, flower punch, Martha Stewart Lace Doily border punch
Embellishments: Heart-shaped doily (Walmart)

A Fantastic Shoe

2010-06-10T07:28:00.000-05:00

I really hate to shop (well, not for craft supplies), but I've been having to do a lot of it lately because I'm getting ready for a two-week trip to New York City and Washington, D.C. I leave Tuesday and I really didn't have enough clothes to hold me over for two weeks. So, I've been making short little runs for one thing or the other hoping that if I didn't spend all day at it, it wouldn't be so bad. It pretty much still was bad! But I've got enough clothes that you shouldn't have to hear about the naked tourist in D.C. on the headline news this month!
Still, all this shopping has got me thinking about fashion (maybe not high fashion!) and I grabbed some of that thinking for my project today. Lindsay has a great little (not so little really) digital stamp set called It's a Girl Thing.

Lots of cute images here for girls of all ages. I grabbed a little pump and colored it with my copics. The background of the card is embossed with the cuttlebug textile embossing folder and I used SCAL and Cricut to cut out the dressing dummy which was then wrapped with a piece of ribbon and pierced with a hat pin. This makes a bold statement without requiring a lot of work and I didn't have to leave home to get these shoes!!!
One thing that makes shopping a little easier is a SALE! And LSS has a great sale going on right now through Saturday.

I wish all my shopping could be this easy! Be sure to check out all the great bargains at LSS. Don't forget to stop by Lindsay's blog for a peek at what all she's been creating as well as a freebie! Then, pop over to the Design Team blogs for even more inspiration.
Happy Crafting!
Project Recipe

Paper: PTI White CS, SU Pixie Pink CS, SU Day and Night DSP

Stamps: LSS It's a Girl Thing, Verve Fairy Tales (sentiment)

Tools: Cricut, SCAL, Cuttlebug, Textile Embossing folder, Spellbinders Classic and Deckled Ovals Nestabilities Dies, copic markers

Embellishments: PTI True Black Dotted Satin ribbon, Making Memories Wedding pins

Tea-riffic Day

2010-06-03T07:49:00.001-05:00

Ahhhh! Smell that? That's not coffee or tea you're smelling...no, that's the last day of school and boy does it smell SWEET! So, in honor of a few days of R&R ahead of me, I made myself a cup of tea (could be coffee but I don't drink coffee).

I have had this image colored for quite some time and finally got it all put together in a card. I used copics to color it but went over it with something shimmery but now I can't remember what! Don't ya hate it when that happens. The paper is by DCWV and I just love that pattern!
The tea cup is from the LSS set called Teariffic. This is one of my all time favorite images but I have to admit to a tea obsession. Funny thing is I mainly drink ice tea out of a styrofoam cup, but tea is tea! Be sure to take a look at this set. It has lots of other fabulous images. Then, head over to Lindsay's blog to catch some inspiration and a freebie. From there, see what the rest of the design team has cooked up. Today, Diana Bove will join the team and showcase her first project. Don't miss that one!
I'm off to finish up my last day with the kiddos, followed by a short work day, and then a carefree weekend! Happy Crafting!

Sweet n Sassy Clear Stamp Blog Hop

2010-06-01T05:00:00.007-05:00

WooHoo! It's finally here...Sweet n Sassy clear stamp release!! If you didn't preorder these fabulous new stamps, today's the day to get your order in! I'm showing off the beautiful April Daisy set. Also releasing this month is the June Rose set and more birthday flowers will be available in upcoming releases. There are six sets of clear stamps being released this month. Be sure to keep "hopping" around to see all the stamps being used by the design team, then head over to Sweet n Sassy to these for yourself!
Here's a closer look at the daisies:

Aren't these scrumptious! They definitely needed to goon a beautiful basket! I envisioned my basket full of Hershey's kisses or some other small chocolate treat, but I couldn't find anything like that anywhere in my house....now where did all the chocolate go???(wink!)
Okay, make sure you leave a comment on my blog telling how cool the new clear stamps are and then stop at each of the design team blogs and leave comments with each for a chance to win some great stamps. I don't have the prize here, but keep hopping and you'll find them. Don't forget to end up at Sweet n Sassy Blog and the store. Then, join us tonight on SNR for a release party featuring chat, challenges, and prizes!

Ceal Pritchett

Darsie Bruno

Janette Olen

Kim Schofield

Korin Sutherland

Leah Cornelius

Lisa Jurecek

Lorie Souther

Nancy Brown

Nicole Anderson

Tricia Traxler

Happy Crafting!

Monday with Mom 9

2010-05-31T12:14:00.002-05:00

This week our Paper Dolls Group met and created File Folder Notebooks. The instructions for these are at SCS. We didn't really spend a lot of time embellishing them, so for our Monday with Mom installment this week, Mom and I decided we would embellish them and get them all ready for gift giving. For mine I used the new Sweet n Sassy Everyday Miracles Clear Stamp Set. Tomorrow is the B*I*G Clear stamp release at SNS where six clear stamp sets will be released. Be sure to check out the blog hop tomorrow!

I found the file folders at Walmart along with some coordinating paperclips which I included on the inside. The butterfly is colored, cut and layered on the oval nestabilities die cut. Thanks to my friend Cherie for the tutorial on creating the flower. I used my copic air kit to lightly color the pearls and the edge of the image. Now take a look at the goodies that go on the inside:

Again, I used images from the SNS Everyday Miracles set to decorate the inside. The 5X8 notepad has a decorative strip from some of the leftover file folder and a scrap of my decorative paper. I used the decorative paper to create the flowers on the paperclips.
Mom used a green file folder because she wanted to create a graduation gift for a graduate whose school colors are green and gold. She added a tassel! and some graduation sentiments to create a customized gift for the male graduate!

And now look how she fixed it up on the inside with a little cash to make sure we have a happy grad!

Love that little graduation cap with the tassel! These would also make great Teacher Appreciation gifts, too!
Project Recipe

Paper: WM File Folder, SU Basic Black CS and Raspberry Tart PP (retired)

Stamps: SNS Everyday Miracles

Tools: Cuttlebug, Spellbinders Classic Ovals Nestabilities dies, Fiskars Apron Lace border punch, EK Success Flower punch, SU Scalloped Circle punch, copic markers, Spica Atyou markers

Embellishments: Paper Studio pearls, SU Pretty in Pink Corduroy Buttons, HL Decorative ribbon

Memorial Day Sale at MyGrafico

2010-05-31T09:43:00.000-05:00

Sweet Rose

2010-05-30T10:51:00.000-05:00

I have never had much luck growing roses. I love them and love gardens that are full of them, but I have to stick with cactus and succulents because they require so little care. But determined to give it one more try and sucked in by spring plant selections at the nurseries, my husband I bought a rose to plant near our kitchen window. In a few weeks it will be no where near as beautiful as the one in this Sweet n Sassy June Rose Clear stamp collection, but at least we will have the memories!
Don't forget on June 1st, Sweet n Sassy will be bringing back clear stamps! We will be celebrating and showcasing these great stamp sets in a blog hop so be sure to stop back by and visit all the design team blogs! It's getting closer!
Project Recipe

Paper: PTI Aqua Mist and Ripe Avocado, DCWV Cafe Mediterranean PP

Stamps: Sweet n Sassy June Rose, SU Teeny Tiny Wishes (sentiment)

Tools: Cuttlebug, Spellbinders Long Rectangles Nestabilities dies, Martha Stewart Garden Trellis border punch, copic markers

Embellishments: Making Memories Wedding brads

Rest and Relaxation by the Seashore

2010-05-27T07:19:00.000-05:00

From the moment I saw the new LSS Seaside Sketches I knew I wanted to create a shadow box. I had to make a special trip to Hobby Lobby for some sand and small shells to make this happen.

The box was from a Christmas ornament, I think. One of those I just couldn't bring myself to throw away because you never know how useful it might be. Actually, this was perfect! It was deep with a clear lid that went all the way to the bottom of the box, so I didn't have to worry about escaping sand. The sides of the box were gold colored which actually also worked out perfectly with the sand. I added a blue mat around my image.
The image is colored with copics and as luck would have it (for once), I even had some Sand Ultra fine Flower Soft to create my beach. I love the peace and tranquility of the Seaside Sketches, but there's something missing...ME in a lounge chair sipping a margarita!!!! Only four more days of school left! Life is good! So grab some digis and your favorite coloring medium and RELAX!
Hey, be sure to head over to Lindsay's blog, the store and the whole design team before you pull out the blender and the sunscreen. Happy Crafting!
Lindsay Weirich (Owner & Stamp Designer)
Cheryl Gorka (DT Coordinator)
Cindi Hooks
Diane Bove
Jennifer Bliss
Karin Martin
Leanne Garner
Lisa Jurecek
Margie Visnick
Melissa Craig
Rebekah Doak
Rhonda Walker
Shannon Neparko
Tamara Bennett
Tracey Allen

Poppin Up Poppies

2010-05-26T07:00:00.001-05:00

I wanted to create this shabby chic look with my new Sweet n Sassy Poppies and Greetings Clear Stamp Set. I looked all over my house for cardboard! Can you believe it? Any other day I would have had cardboard all over the house wondering how I was going to get rid of it all, but the one day I have an idea for using cardboard and I had to scrounge it out of my used book box. But I do love how this turned out!
I added a little gesso to the corner of my cardboard before layering other distressed papers on top. I inked the cardboard too with some Walnut distress ink. I stamped my poppies (aren't they gorgeous?) with Momento Tuxedo black ink so I could color them with my copics. Then, I added a little chalking around the image before cutting it out with my Spellbinders Nestabilities Label die. The crochet ribbon on the edge of a scrap of paper almost give the paper the look of fabric.
I see this as becoming the cover of a mini album. That's why I added the Thinking of You sentiment which is part of the Poppies and Greetings stamp set. To see more of this set, be sure to check out the SNS design team's creations throughout the week and then be sure to join us June 1st for a blog hop!
Project Recipe

Paper: cardboard, Prima Breathe and Sasha Paper Collection, Neenah Classic Solar Crest CS, SU Old Olive CS

Stamps: SNS Poppies & Greetings Clear Stamp Set

Tools: Cuttlebug, Spellbinders Label 4 Nestabilities, copic markers, Heidi Swapp Distressing Tool

Embellishments: Offray Crochet Ribbon, Cream Tulle, Prima Calypso buttons, SU hardware

Cocoa's Coming to Clear Stamps

2010-05-25T09:44:00.000-05:00

Look who is fixing to be a clear stamp! Cocoa! If you liked him in digis, you're going to LOVE him as a clear stamp set! Starting June 1st Cookies for Cocoa will be part of a clear stamp set that you can purchase at Sweet n Sassy. Also, to celebrate there will be a blog hop on June 1st to get things started.

There are six new sets being released this month in acrylic. Be sure to visit the store to see them all.

Monday with Mom 8

2010-05-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

After a two-week break, Mom and I are back at it. This week's challenge from Stamptv was to create images beyond the border with nestabilites. The idea was to stamp an image and cut it out with Spellbinders nestabilities but to have part of the image outside of the border of the die.
I used one on the new clear stamp sets from Sweet n Sassy. If you haven't heard the news yet, Sweet n Sassy is adding clear stamps to the store. June 1st six new sets will be released! There will be a blog hop on that day and a release party. Don't miss all the fun!

I used the Everyday Miracles set to stamp my butterfly with Momento ink in Rich Cocoa and the sentiment in SU Taken with Teal. The paper is from the SU Sweet Pea DSP. I colored the butterfly with my copics and added stickles to part of the image.
I used the My Time Made Easy Trendy Tool Tote Template and my SCAL software and Cricut to create this gift holder. I've been making a lot of these lately and there are more to come. I'm trying to create gifts for some of the office personnel at our school before the school year ends.
Mom created a card for a friend of ours who recently lost her mother. She used the same technique with the nestabilities. Isn't her image gorgeous! I love how this turned out!

Be sure to come back throughout the week as I will continue to give you peeks of the new clear stamps from SNS! Happy Crafting!

Gifts for All Occassions

2010-05-22T09:59:00.002-05:00

All the buzz lately seems to be about gift giving. There are people getting gifts for teachers as the school year comes to an end. Others preparing grad gifts. And still others working on birthday, wedding, and baby gifts. I needed to pull together a retirement gift for our district librarian whom I will be replacing next school year. She's been so much help and encouragement to me this year. We are honoring her with a breakfast this morning and lots of gifts but one set of gifts are going in this little tote I made using the new Anemone Flower.

This will be filled with some special candies. I colored the anemone to match the napkins going on the table at her breakfast.
I created another little gift using the new Danny Dino image. I wanted something to give a little boy, so no bows or frillies. Just a couple of cute dinosaurs guarding a die cut box of dinosaur gummies.

These are identical images but I flipped one and then printed them both on some Basic Grey patterned paper. The little gummies don't show up very well in the window but the box is filled with more dinos!
I wish I could say my gift giving is done, but that is so not the case! But for all your gift giving needs, there are loads of images at Sweet N Sassy to make your gifts look just perfect!

The Stars and Stripes

2010-05-20T08:33:00.000-05:00

Do you detect a little bit of shabby chic in this card? I've become a little obsessed lately with distressing in it's many forms, so you can see the distressed edges, the inked edges, and some aging with my copic W00 and W1 markers. Hey, have you see Zutter's new little distressing tool? It's called the Distrezz-it (hope I spelled that right). It easily distresses any edges on cardstock and cardboard. I used a .99 distressing tool on my card and it worked just fine but I'm such a tool junkie, I will probably end up with the machine before it's all said and done! Then, watch out edges because nothing will be safe anymore!!!
The challenge this week at the Shabby Tea Room is to use red, white and blue. Easy enough with an image from the LSS Patriotic Collection digital stamp set.This set has loads of image perfect for projects for Fourth of July, Flag Day, Veteran's Day or any other event honoring our country and the men and women who have helped make it great!
Be sure to check out what the rest of the LSS Design team has prepared for your inspiration this week, and as always check out Lindsay's blog because she's sure to have a freebie that you won't want to miss! Happy Crafting!

Lindsay Weirich (Owner and Stamp Designer)

Cheryl Gorka (DT Coordinator)

Cassandra Cushman

Cindi Hooks

Jennifer Bliss

Karin Martin

Leanne Garner

Lisa Jurecek

Margie Visnick

Melissa Craig

Micki Harper

Rebekah Doak

Rhonda Walker

Shannon Neparko

Tamara Bennett

Tracey Allen

Project Recipe

Paper: SU Pacific Point CS, SU paper pad, Paper Studio Basics Collection PP, Neenah White Solar Crest CS

Stamps:LSS Patriotic Collection, Verve(sentiment)

Tools: Heidi Swapp distressing tool, copic markers, SU border punch

Embellishments: Paper Studio brads, PTI Pure Poppy Twill ribbon, button, twine

Deedee's Digis Blog Hop Winner

2010-05-17T10:13:00.000-05:00

Thank you all so much for stopping by during the blog hop. I hope you had lots of fun, got some great ideas, and bought some cute digis. The winner of a digi of your choice at Deedee's Digis is Janette Fuller!
Janette Fuller said... Caity Caterpillar is so cute ~ The tote is a great idea!
Janette be sure to contact Deedee at amiste@sonic.net to let her know which digi you want!

Deedee's Digis Blog Hop

2010-05-14T01:00:00.002-05:00

If you are looking for cute and super adorable in a digi stamp, look no further! Deedee's Digis are top-of-the-line CUTE! Hopefully, you have joined me from Leah's site and have already seen some great projects from this new digi stamp store. I've got another one that is just too cute to poot!
Using the Caity Caterpillar digital stamp set, I created a tool tote filled with some "little things" for our school secretary. I missed Secretary's Day because I was super busy with college work, but I wanted to get her something before the school year is out.

The sentiment "Enjoy the little things." is part of the whole set. There are four sentiments to go along with the image. Be sure to head to the store and check out the entire set. It's quite a steal for only $3. I printed out Caity and colored her with my copic markers. Look at Caity close-up:

Love this little girl! Don't forget to leave a comment on my blog for a chance to win a digi of your choice. If this is your first stop, check out the links on the side bar and visit all the blogs on the hop for even more chances to win. Next head on over to Lorie's blog. Then, be sure you end up at the Crafting with Deedee's Digis blog for a freebie! Don't forget to check out the store to see ALL the amazing, inexpensive super cool digis!
Project Recipe

Paper: PTI White CS, SU Certainly Celery CS, The Paper Studio The Basics Paper Pack PP

Stamps: Deedee's Digis Caity Caterpillar digital stamp set

Tools: Cricut, SCAL software, My Time Made Easy Tool Tote template, cuttlebug, Spellbinders Long Rectangles Nestabilities, copic markers, chalk, SU 1 3/8 circle punch, SU Scalloped Circle punch, EK Success 2" Scalloped Circle punch, Scor-Pal

Embellishments: Paper Studio rhinestone brads, silk flowers (Hobby Lobby)

If You're Reading This--Thank a Teacher

2010-05-13T08:23:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year again. School is fixing to be out and teachers are heading home for a much needed reprieve! Before they go, many of you like to show your appreciation for all their hard work getting your kiddos ready for the next level. With a couple of digis from Lindsay's Stamp Stuff, I was able to present the perfect teacher appreciation card.

The background paper is part of a digital stamp set called LSS School Papers. This one is printed onto PTI Vintage Cream cardstock with a little sponging distress around the edges. The central image is part of the LSS School Rules digital stamp set. I colored the image with my copics and then cut out most of it with my cuttlebug and nestabilities dies. I framed the image with black cardstock to create a chalkboard look. I used a scrap of SU Striped Grosgrain ribbon behind the image and a few SU Ruby Red ( a retiring color) brads. Then, I took a small binder clip and added the "thank you" sentiment to the top of the card.
Be sure to check out the LSS store and click on the Lindsay's Stamp Stuff blog roll to the right to see what all the other members of the design team have cooked up for this week! Have a zippy day!
Project Recipe

Paper: SU Ruby Red and Black CS, PTI Vintage Cream CS, Gina K White Pure Luxury CS

Stamps: LSS School Rules and School Papers, Verve (sentiment)

Tools: Cuttlebug, copic markers, Spellbinders Classic Rectangles Nestabilities, sponge, SU Tab punch

Embellishments: SU Ruby Red brads, binder clip (Walmart), SU Black Striped Grosgrain ribbon

Book Buddies

2010-05-08T13:35:00.000-05:00

If you missed the Sweet N Sassy SNR Digi Day 17 on Thursday, I was the hostess! The challenge is still up and if you participate before midnight Wednesday, you receive a 25% off coupon from Sweet N Sassy! The challenge is to use lace, anything that looks like lace.
I was inspired by the SNS digi stamp Lizzy Reading to Sassy. Since I am studying to be a librarian this image was just so appropriate for me, although I hope to be reading to kids not cats. I have a dear friend that is going through the whole MLS program with me and we have come running to each other regularly to whine, cry, and collaborate! But, this weekend marks the end of our semester, and I wanted to give her a little something to show her how much I appreciate her help, advise, and friendship. I found a paper mache' book at Hobby Lobby that I thought would make the perfect gift box. See what you think!

In case you can't see that it's book-shaped, look at it from this angle:

Okay, now take a look at the inside with a little gift card nesting inside. The sentiment on the inside cover is SNS True Friend.

Now that I'm a librarian, I may need to make some more of these to give as gifts! I just painted the book box with gold for the "pages" and black for the cover using acrylic paints. The paper for the book cover is Basic Grey Origins. On the inside, I printed the digi sentiment directly on the patterned paper. I colored Lizzy and Sassy with my copic markers and added some chalk around the image. The lace is from Walmart. It has holes for threading ribbon through it and I used PTI Lemon Tart Satin ribbon. I also used the PTI ribbon to create a book ribbon which I attached to the top of the "book". Then, I created some eyelet "lace" with my SU eyelet border punch. The bookplate hardware is also from SU, but I colored it with my copic airbrush system. The sentiment is SU Oval All.
I've still got to find the real goodies that I'm going to put inside, but I can't wait to give it to her!

Knitty Gritty Cookie Box

2010-05-06T07:00:00.003-05:00

Another one of my co-workers had a birthday this week, so I created one of these fry boxes or criss-cross boxes to hold a couple of cookies for her. She is a knitter and makes blankets to give to veterans! I can't knit or crochet anything, but I just had to run out and get some yarn to use on her box. I will probably end up giving her the leftover yarn, as well, since I won't really know what to do with it. I did like criss-crossing it across the box, though.
And, of course, I found just the perfect stamp to go on this box. I used the LSS stamp set All Around Phrases for the sentiment around the image. The image is from the totally awesome LSS Crafty Tools and Puns Digital Stamp Set that is chock full of goodies (sentiments and images) for all our crafting friends! You definitely need this one. Be sure to visit the LSS store at My Grafico. Lindsay is always releasing new digital treats and they are sure to please!
Also, be sure to check out what the whole LSS gang has been up to this week!
Lindsay Weirich (Owner & Stamp Designer)
Cheryl Gorka (DT Coordinator)
Cassandra Cushman
Cindi Hooks
Erin Bailey
Jennifer Bliss
Karin Martin
Leanne Garner
Margie Visnick
Melissa Craig
Micki Harper
Rebekah Doak
Rhonda Walker
Tamara Bennett
Tracey Allen

Now, I've got to get back to the last of my homework. Will this week never end! My craft room has been so neglected and I'm grouchy from withdrawal. Have a zippy weekend everyone!

Monday with Mom 7

2010-05-03T07:16:00.000-05:00

I am still snowed under with school work, but it's my last week! I've got to keep this pretty brief so that I can head out to work and squeeze in some homework time, too. This week Mom and I tuned in to Stamptv for the tutorial on creating a drop shadow. Be sure to watch Gina's video on how to do this. It's quite simple.
I grabbed a Close to My Heart silhouette set I had never before inked up. I'm pretty much a digi stamp girl these days, but it was kinda fun to ink up a stamp set for a change. This set is called Childhood Portrait. I don't think you can really tell in the picture, but this actually is not a card. It's a stationary box for holding cards, but since I have yet to make the cards that are supposed to go inside, I decided not to show it open.

There is velcro under the large bottom button so that this easily closes and reopens. I used some crocheted lace and added a silk flower that I got from Walmart or the dollar store, but I sprayed it with copics and my airbrush kit. The papers are from an old Wild Asparagus pack that I have had forever.
Mom also didn't create a card this week. She made a bookmark and created a beautiful drop shadow effect with a flower and some embossing.

It looks like the flower is sitting above the bookmark...so cool! The black and gold are an elegant combination. This is almost too pretty to leave hiding inside a book, but at least the recipient will have a treat every time she goes to read!
Thanks for joining us this week. Be sure to get your craft on and then come back next Monday to see what we have in store.

Having a Whale of a Good Time!

2010-04-30T05:00:00.001-05:00

One of my co-workers has a birthday this Saturday, so I baked a couple of cookies and created a mini pizza box to put them in. Then, I just needed someone cute to have the honor of wishing the lucky lady a very happy birthday.

And who cuter than Wally Whale! Of course, since he's in the ocean he needed some sparkling water to float in. So, I added a clear layer over my image and covered the lower part of it with Stickles. To cover the adhesive on the clear cardstock and to make it seem like we are looking at him out of a port hole, I cut a circle in my patterned paper before layering it over the image.
Now, Wally's all ready to deliver my birthday message (created with MicroSoft Word)! For only .99 you can create a whole lotta cuteness for very little money. Be sure to head to Sweet N Sassy Stamps to see all the new stamps including Wally.

Monday With Mom 6

2010-04-26T21:04:00.000-05:00

This is very late getting out today. Let me catch you up on what's going on with me right now because I'm sure you don't have enough problems of your own and you've just been dying to read someone's whining and complaining (note the sarcasm)! I've mentioned this before but in case you are not keeping a running tally of everything that goes on in my life here it goes again (please feel free to fall asleep at this point in the story): I'm working on my master's in library science in addition to holding down my full-time job as a middle school teacher. One of our classes has involved an excessive amount of reading. Now, mind you, I love to read and ordinarily being assigned to read so many books would not bother me in the least, especially since these happen to be generally really good reads. The problem is that I've had to write about each of those books. I like writing on my blog because I can be sarcastic and silly, but I'm so drained from all this formal writing. I spend every spare minute these days mainly trying to write something. My craft room is a disaster, but husband has had to live off takeout, and my poor students have enjoyed second-rate teaching at best. I've got two weeks left in these courses and then I'm grabbing my life back, at least for a little while before the next semester begins.
Okay, wake up now. I'm through whining and I have some pretties to show you! For this Monday with Mom we decided to use our embossing folders and add a little extra dimension with chalking or sponging. Here's a look at mine. No images except for a great sentiment stamp from SNS called True Friend .

Now, take a look at what Mom did with her cuttlebug and some awesome coloring on the image!

Just beautiful, huh! Guess she hasn't been reading and writing essays! Guess that's just my excuse! Look things are going to be kinda quiet around here for a while, but I'm thinking about all my online friends and blogging buddies and cannot wait to get back to "Life as I knew it" (by the way that's almost the title of one of the books I've recently read)! Be patient with me my dear friends!

Blog Hop Winner

2010-04-20T09:08:00.000-05:00

Thanks for joining us at the LSS Blog Hop! The winner of the LSS Sew Pretty set is:
Vicki (daisydilly)
Vicki, please make sure that I've got the correct email address for you so Lindsay can email your stamps to you!

Monday With Mom 5

2010-04-19T07:00:00.001-05:00

We did it again! Mom and I visited Stamptv for a little inspiration this week and found a tutorial on easy piercing. This involved using a sewing machine to create piercing on a card. It's supposed to be easier than using a paper piercer and it probably was for Mom since she's been sewing for years, but I'm not sure I've master the straight stitch. My pierced border looks a little crooked but hopefully that just gives it a more homespun look!
There's a great new image at Sweet n Sassy called Molly's Flower. Molly is soooo cute! Please buy thousands of these and beg Korin to do some more stamps with Molly! I loved coloring her.

Isn't she just adorable?
Mom put her sewing machine to good use, too. She created this beautiful Mother's Day card. Hmmm! I need one of those. Wonder if she'd let me have it (wink)!

The embossing is just gorgeous on this and yes, her piercing is perfectly straight. I really love the fresh colors on this and the elegance of the pearls.
We'd like to challenge all of you to find someone to craft with and do a joint project or share a challenge and see what you each come up with! Then, join us again next week for Monday with Mom!
Project Recipe

Paper: SU Sage Shadow and Chocolate Chip CS, My Mind's Eye PP, Neenah White Classic Crest Solar CS

Stamps: SNS Molly's Flower

Tools, Cuttlebug, Spellbinders Classic Rectangles and Deckled Rectangles Nestabilities, Janome sewing machine, copic markers, chalk

Embellishments: PTI Aqua Mist twill ribbon and twine, button, Paper Studio half pearls (colored with copics and an airbrush)

LSS Blog Hop

2010-04-14T09:00:00.001-05:00

I hope you didn't have to miss a minute of yesterday's Shop, Hop, and Crop. The fun continues today so be sure to get on board the LSS Hop. If you didn't start at Lindsay's blog be sure you pop in there and leave a sweet comment for a chance to win an amazing stamp set. Also, be sure to visit the Virtual Crop Room where we'll be showcasing all the great things you can do with LSS digital stamps and we'll be chatting up all the challenges, too. Then, don't miss the opportunity to grab up an array of stamp sets at LSS for a 50% savings! Whoa, that's a whole lot fun for one day!
I stepped a bit out of my comfort zone here to try a style I'm not sure I've mastered yet. I love the look of vintage cards: the lace, the pearls, the distressing and aging, but it's not my "go-to" style. Still, I've seen so many projects out there that I really like with old-fashioned vintage flair that I decided to see what I could do. Lindsay's got this fabulous set called Sew Pretty that lends itself fabulously to this style. I created an anniversary card using one of the images from the set. See what you think:

I colored the pair of scissors with my copics, did some chalking around the image, and added some great Prima pearls across the front.I may not quite have my vintage technique down just yet but I'm working on it! Now, if you'd like a chance to win all the images in the Sew Pretty set, leave a comment here on my blog. I'll have a random drawing after the hop and the winner will receive the entire set. For an extra chance to win, add this blinkie to your blog, and then come back here and leave another comment letting me know you did and including your blog address.

Now, head over to Shannon for the next stop on the hop. And don't forget to CROP and SHOP, too!

Gingham in Green

2010-04-13T12:22:00.000-05:00

It's here! Shop, hop, and crop with Lindsay's Stamp Stuff starts today. The entire LSS shop at my Grafico is 50 % off!!! Be sure to head to Lindsay's blog to begin the official hop with lots of chances to win free stamp sets. I'll be back tomorrow to give you a chance to win a set from me!
But, I created a card for the color challenge over at the virtual crop room at MyGrafico where lots more celebrating is going on. Lindsay's issued a series of challenges over there and even has freebie which everyone can go over and grab today!

I saw this bedding advertisement in Country Sampler magazine that had polka dotted and gingham bedding in bright green and additional floral accessories in yellow and green....loved it! Since changing up my bedroom is financially out of the question, I decided to recreate the room on a card. I used the LSS Doodle Flowers digital stamp set for the sentiment and flower. I colored the flower with my copics and then paired the image up with some great papers from Paper Studio and My Mind's Eye.
I really love how fresh this color combination looks and I've got a friend with a birthday later this month who's sure to enjoy this one!
Project Recipe

Paper: My Minds Eye PP, Paper Studio Brights PP, PTI Lemon Tart and New Leaf CS, Neenah White Solar Crest CS

Stamps: LSS Doodle Flowers

Tools: Cuttlebug, Spellbinders Classic and Scalloped Circles Nestabilities, copic markers, Fiskars Apron Lace border punch

Embellishments: button, green twine, SU So Saffron grosgrain ribbon

Monday with Mom 4

2010-04-12T07:00:00.001-05:00

It's never too early to start thinking of Father's Day! Well, I haven't really thought of Mother's Day yet, but the idea for this card came to me and I thought I better get it done while the mojo was there, kwim!

I used the LSS Jean Pocket, a digital stamp from the LSS Patriotic Collection Digital Stamp set to create the pocket on the front of this card. This week's Monday with Mom inspiration came from the Stamptv video on eyelets, so Mom and I created cards that used eyelets. BUT, I cheated. I couldn't find the eyelet in the right size and color that I wanted for this project, but I had some faux eyelets made by Cloud 9 Rain Dots. I used them to create rivets for my jean pocket. The "bandanna" in the pocket is some Martha Stewart paper my son and his fiancee gave me for Christmas. I used a couple of Stampin Up punches to create the "label" on the pocket. The stitching on the "belt loops" is faux stitching provided by Daisyd's.A little brown ribbon provides the belt.
There are lots of great images in this set. Be sure to check them all out at Lindsay's Stamp Stuff. AND....don't forget tomorrow is the big Blog Hop, Birthday Crop, and Super Sale all starting at Lindsay's Blog! Come Shop, Hop, and Crop with all of us!
Mom used another set from Lindsay's Stamp Stuff called Fancy Flowers. She used real eyelets (she never cheats!). Look how pretty the coloring is on her flowers!

And, then, how clever to "tie" the flowers up by running twine through two eyelets. To accent the sentiment, she bordered them with eyelets and put a brad through the holes which gives a little color "pop" to the card!
Happy Monday! Be sure to check back the rest of the week for more great ideas for LSS digital stamps! It's going to be a great week!
Project Recipe

Paper: Core'dinations Vintage Collection CS, Martha Stewart Bandanna Paper Pad, SU Chocoalte Chip CS, Neenah White Classic Solar Crest CS

Stamps: LSS Patriotic Collection Digital Stamp, PTI Star Prints (sentiment)

Tools: SU Window Punch, SU Modern Label Punch, Crop-a-dile

Embellishments: Cloud 9 Metallics Eyelets Rain Dots, DaisyD's stitching, PTI Dark Chocolate Grosgrain ribbon

Let the Sun Shine

2010-04-09T07:00:00.001-05:00

If you joined SNS yesterday at the PCP or SNR Digi Day, you got to see some great rainy day projects. But, today the sun is gonna shine! I live in sunny South Texas, so when I saw one of the newest sets released by Sweet N Sassy called Sunshine, I immediately started envisioning warm, sunny days on the lake or at the beach. It may not quite be here yet, but summer is definitely shimmering on my horizon!

Sunshine features four fabulous sentiment in addition to the sun image. I thought the "You shine like the sun" sentiment and a basket of summer fun goodies would be the perfect way to reward a hardworking student as the school year comes to an end. I placed the sentiment inside the sun image, printed it out, colored it with copics and stickles, and then cut the sun out so I could "pop" it out on the front of my basket. Cute, simple and quick gift giving. Be sure to head over to SNS to see this set and all the newest images. Make a little sunshine yourself today!
Project Recipe

Paper: American Crafts Candy Corn PP, PTI Lemon Tart CS, DCWV Spring Glitter Stack, Neenah Classic Solar Crest White CS

Stamps: SNS Sunshine

Tools: Cuttlebug, Spellbinders Classic Circles Nestabilities dies, copic markers, Ranger Stickles

Upcoming LSS Blog Hop and Birthday Celebration

2010-04-08T07:00:00.001-05:00

It's a birthday party for Lindsay's Stamp Stuff. To celebrate we are going to Hop, Shop & Crop April 13-15. Lindsay will be holding a 3-day crop in the mygrafico crop room. Go on over there now and join (it's free). Over the course of the 3-days you can pop in and out as often as you want to participate in the events and classes, join challenges or just see what is going on. The classes and crops are free. There will be freebies and prizes.

We also have a blog hop with chances to see some great projects and win some great digi stamps.Each day during the hop, Lindsay will start the hop at her blog and send you around to various members of the design teams. Each team member will have a digi stamp set to give away on her blog that day. Don't miss a minute of the hop!

Tips:

To join the crop, you will need to be a member of the mygrafico community. It's free to join. Join now so you are ready for the crop. (Click HERE to join)
To join the crop group (after joining mygrafico) click HERE
If you do not want to receive emails when people comment on the crop, after joining the crop room group, click on the "stop following" button. You are still a member but you won't get all the emails.
Remember, it is all FREE!

Now, for a little taste of the goodies to come, I've got a little card I made using one of the newest LSS digi stamp sets, Puddle Fun. This is the funnest little set. It's got all these happy rainy day images! I always think of rain as kinda sad and dreary, but NO more!

I decided to keep the card fairly clean and used background embossing instead of background papers to really accent the image.

And, I did some paper piecing on the umbrella (giving my copics the day off!). I matted the image with some Melon Mambo cardstock, added some Melon Mambo ribbon and colored a white flower with my Melon Mambo flower. (Have you heard that Melon Mambo will be taking a permanent place on the Stampin Up Color line-up?) I used my new Viva Decor Pearl Pen to create the pearls on the card. I like how fresh and clean this looks!

Don't forget about the exciting events next week! I'll see you back here for more details, a chance to win, and a special project!

Project Recipe

Paper: SU Sahara Sand and Melon Mambo CS, Neenah Classic Crest White CS

Stamps: LSS Puddle Fun

Tools: Cuttlebug, Argyle embossing folder, Spellbinders Labels 4 Nestabilities, copic markers, SU Color Spritzer tool, SU Melon Mambo marker

Embellishments: Viva Decor Ice White Pearl Pen, white flower, Paper Studio rhinestone brad, SU Melon Mambo ribbon

Big Wish Birthday Cookie

2010-04-07T20:56:00.000-05:00

One of my co-workers had a birthday a couple of weeks ago. I made this little fry box to hold the cookies and pulled out some of my favorite My Mind's Eye paper scraps to embellish it. I found that great polka dotted ribbon at Hobby Lobby not really realizing how well it coordinated with my polka dotted papers. Then, I just had to ink up this Verve stamp set. I love how I can add a different color to the letters with my copic markers!
It needed a little something extra, so I used some tissue paper that came in my Verve order and created this tissue paper flower. These have quickly become a favorite embellishment for my projects. I added a button and some jute to the flower's center.
The Verve release is getting closer and the Verve Project Parade Challenge is flowers. Check out all the great projects which have been featured and enter your own flower-filled creation by Midnight April 8th.

Blog Hop Winner

2010-04-06T09:50:00.000-05:00

Thank you all so much for your sweet comments yesterday. I had so much fun! I hope you did, too! Without further ado, the winner of my blog hop drawing who will receive Peek-a-boo Sophie is:

#9 Chrisd said...: Sophie looks colored in purple and both of the gateway cards are great! Contact me at ljurecek@aol.com and I'll make sure you get your digi stamp!

Birthday Bash Blog Hop and Monday with Mom 3

2010-04-05T05:00:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday, dear Korin...Happy birthday to you! Big celebration today!The big birthday blog hop is today and if you have just started here, hang on to your hat (your birthday hat, that is!) because the whole Sweet N Sassy design team is celebrating Korin's birthday today. Be sure to visit everyone's blog and the Sweet N Sassy blog. Leave a comment at each stop for a chance to win great digis from Sweet N Sassy.
Here's a look at the adorable digi you could win just by leaving a comment here on my blog.

Isn't she a cutie! This is Peek-a-boo Sophie. Have a closer look at her:

She's popped right out of the flowerpot to wish someone special a very happy birthday! Since it's Monday, Mom and I challenged ourselves to create gatefold cards for this week's Monday with Mom. So, when you open the card there's a birthday sentiment from the Sweet Birthday Wishes set.

Okay, the only digi up for grabs on my site is Peek-a-boo Sophie, but you can get the sentiment which is part of a three sentiment set over at SNS. You can also purchase the digi my mom used for her gatefold card at Sweet N Sassy, too.

Funny how we both created purple cards for this week! We did not plan that, but Mom created a gatefold birthday card for the birthday bash, too! This cute little guy is Fenton Frog from SNS. The sentiment is part of the set.
For your chance to win Peek-a-boo Sophie leave a comment at the bottom of this post. I will pick one winner on Tuesday morning. Be sure to head over to the Sweet N Sassy blog for a free adorable Birthday Hat Cocoa (available today only to everyone who visits) and a chance to win a SNSS $25 gift certificate, and stop by all the Digi Divas' blogs leaving a comment or a birthday wish for Korin on each blog. Each diva will be giving away the digi she used on her post. Here's the list of participants:

♥ Micki

♥ Sandy

♥ Deedee

♥ Nicole

♥ Korin

♥ Leah

♥ Ceal

♥ Darsie

♥ Janette

♥ Kim

♥ Lorie

♥ Nancy

♥ Julie

♥ Tricia

Okay, I think that about covers it! Korin, hope your birthday is really special! And, I hope you all enjoy the hop! Thanks, Mom, for your beautiful card...can't wait till next week to see what you come up with!

Fresh Squeezed

2010-04-02T18:43:00.000-05:00

Oh my, it is a gloriously beautiful afternoon here today! I've spent most of the afternoon reading a really good book by Susan Pfeffer called Life as We Knew It. It was part of my college required reading, but it so happens it was also quite good. I love it when that happens!
I also got to spend some of my day crafting, so I'll share a little something with you. Then, I've got some announcements that might be fun to know about.

The pitcher of lemonade and the sentiment are part of a Sweet 'n Sassy digi stamp set called Make Lemonade. All the profits from the sale of this set goes to the Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation which works to find a cure for children's cancers. With summer fast approaching, this would be a great set to create cards or gifts. I made this drink mix holder to go over the neck of a bottle of water. I added a packet of lemonade mix to the pocket. Be sure to stop by SNS to have a look at this set and contribute to a great cause.
Okay, now for a few announcements:
1.) Lindsay's Stamp Stuff at My Graffico is 25% off through midnight Saturday night. Lindsay's released several great new sets this week. Be sure to head over there to take advantage of the deals and grab up the new stuff!
2.) You can get a great freebie from Sweet 'n Sassy by playing the SNR challenge this weekend. Check out the details HERE.
3.)Monday there will be a special birthday bash for Korin of SNS. Lots of great digi stamp ideas to look at and lots of chances to win some SNS goodies. Be sure to stop back by here on Monday to help us celebrate the big birthday!
Project Recipe

Paper: TAC Gentle Beginnings PP, PTI Berry Sorbet CS, PTI Bitty Box Basic PP, Neenah White Classic Solar Crest CS

Stamps: SNS Make Lemonade

Tools: EK Success 1 3/4 " punch and 2" scalloped circle punch, copic markers

Embellishments: PTI Berry Sorbet Satin Dots ribbon, Paper Studio yellow brads, Ranger yellow Stickles

Tea Time

2010-04-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure how coherent this post will be. I had a BAD allergy day and ended up taking a couple of benadryl which has left me very groggy. I'll keep this short so you don't have to listen to my whining or snoring.
That gorgeous cup is from a new set at Lindsay's Stamp Stuff. The digital stamp set is called Tea-riffic. It also comes with a bonus template. There are two other brand new sets in the store. One is called Puddle Fun, and the other is Sew Pretty. Make sure you stop by Lindsay's Shop and check out all the great images including these three new sets.
Okay, my head keeps dropping down to my chest. If I get a chance, I'll pop in later and add all the details for the card. In the meantime, be sure to stop by Lindsay's Blog. She's got a great freebie for you. You don't want to miss out!

Rainbow Jelly Beans

2010-03-31T01:00:00.001-05:00

I was sitting around eating gourmet jelly beans (until I was sick!) and enjoying the rainbow of colors. That's when I had one of those "AHA!" moments. What if instead of eating all these jelly beans and gaining 10 lbs., I instead jarred them up and created a rainbow gift to brighten someone's day! The perfect image, Sweet 'n Sassy's Rainbow Bird digi, came quickly to mind.

I also grabbed a sentiment set from the store called Springtime Blessings. I re-sized two of the sentiments to sit in the clouds. Speaking of clouds, I used the Spellbinders Classic Scalloped Ovals Nestabilities to create the look of my image sitting in a cloud of its own. I colored the rainbow and birdie with my copics and added some glaze with a Sakura pen, though that's not very evident in the photo.
I sure hope this brings some colorful, springtime happiness to someone who may be only seeing dreary, cloudy days! For some extra happiness of your own, be sure you head over to the Sweet 'n Sassy shop and check out ALL the new digis. If you're ready for some rainbow colors, there are at least two new digis featuring rainbows!
BTW, those are not gourmet jelly beans in the jar in the photo. There weren't enough of those left. Yikes, you know what that means!
Project Recipe
Paper: Neenah Super Smooth CS, PTI Hibiscus Burst CS
Stamps: Sweet 'n Sassy's Rainbow Bird, Springtime Blessings
Tools: cuttlebug, Spellbinders Scalloped Ovals Nestabilities, copic markers, Sakura glitter pen, bow easy
Embellishments: Decorative Ribbon (Hobby Lobby)

Monday with Mom 2

2010-03-29T01:00:00.002-05:00

We did it again! Mom and I teamed up to create a couple of cards based on last week's Stamptv video "Creating a Border with Nestabilities". We used different nestabilities on this and even different stamping techniques but I think we are sending our cards to the same person since we have a mutual friend with a birthday this week.
First up, look at the pretty card Mom created. Isn't the embossing beautiful on this?

The sentiment really takes center stage on this card even though it is offset. The border created by a Spellbinders nestability and a versamarker, followed by embossing emphasize the sentiment.The papers add to the soft effect of the embossing. Love it!
My card is dramatically different even though I used the same technique because I opted for the drama of black. I used an old Stampin Up set called Dream a Little for my hummingbird and I had seriously considered embossing the image (that was even before I had seen my mother's card), but chose instead to keep it a simple black. The sentiment is from the Verve Big Wish set. I used the Spellbinders Labels One Nestabilities dies for the border.

Stay tuned next week for another addition of Monday with Mom! Oh, and check out the Stamptv site...lots of inspiration there!

Project Recipe

Paper: SU Certainly Celery CS, Basic Gray Origins PP

Stamps: SU Dream a Little, Verve Big Wish

Tools: cuttlebug, Spellbinders Label One Nestabilities, copic black multiliner Viva Decor Hematite Glitter liner

Embellishments: PTI New Leaf Saddlestitched grosgrain ribbon, SU So Saffron grosgrain ribbon, prima flowers, Bazzill Imaginisce Desert Marigold Buttons and Blossoms, Basic Gray black brad

Sukkersot Sketch Challenge

2010-03-26T01:00:00.001-05:00

Sweet n Sassy is sponsoring the sketch challenge at Sukkersot today. I've said this before but I think it bears repeating. I'm just not very good with sketch challenges. I do give them a try, especially when I need a mojo jump start, but usually I end up following them so literally that I don't feel they are very creative. Lucky for me I had this great image from SNS to work with. Isn't this little guy, Thankful Turtle, super duper cute!!!
I also really love this little paper pack from My Mind's Eye. It's the colors of happiness! I colored my digi stamp with copic markers, used a border punch to create ric rac, and then added some corduroy buttons that my very sweet friend, Jana gave me. Be sure to stop by Sweet n Sassy to check out the latest digis there including this one and stop off at Sukkersot to give the challenge a go!

Easter's On It's Way

2010-03-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

I found a pack of Jiffy Pots for around $2 for 22 pots. These are the peat pots for starting seedlings. I used some acrylic paints to cover them. And then with just a little bit of ribbon and a couple of products from Lindsay's Stamp Stuff and I had an inexpensive but cute Easter basket for holding little treats.

I used the Egg Basket Template to cut some bunnies with my Cricut and SCAL. I used this SVG set to cut the Easter egg in the center of the flower above and for the tag on the top Easter basket. The top Easter basket also uses a digital stamp from the LSS Cute Easter set.

It's getting much closer to Easter. Do you have your Easter projects all finished? Be sure to check out LSS for some great cut files and digital stamps which will make your Easter projects shine! Also, stop by Lindsay's blog to see more project ideas and to see if she's got a freebie for you today...she usually does!
Project Recipe
Paper: SU Mellow Moss CS, PTI Raspberry Fizz CS, Gina K White Pure Luxury CS. DCWV PP, scrap tissue paper
Stamps:LSS Cute Easter set
Tools: cuttlebug, Provocraft Swiss Dots Embossing folder, Spellbinders Classic Oval Nestabilities, copic markers, Cricut, SCAL, Egg Basket Template, SU Scallop Circle Punch
Embellishments: Ribbon (Walmart and Hobby Lobby), SU Sweet Pea Stitched Felt, Paper Studio Flower brad, Folk Art Acrylic paints

Poppin By With a Treat

2010-03-24T07:01:00.001-05:00

When I saw the new Poppin By set at Sweet n Sassy, I knew exactly what I wanted to create. This little fellow just had to go on a popcorn box, of course. I created this box with my Cricut.

Doesn't this make an adorable treat to give someone? I love the little popcorn man all drippin with butter. Well, as luck would have it, while I was coloring him in with my copics, I got a little hungry. So, guess what happened with the first bag of popcorn I made? Yep, devoured it before the ink on the stamp was even dry! I had to make a second bag before I could finish up my project. (Nope, didn't eat any of that one. My tummy was kinda hurting by then!)
This project took just a few minutes to make because the image was so super easy to color in and the Cricut did all the work for me on the box. If I hadn't taken time out for a snack, I literally could have been finished in about 10-15 minutes! Can't ask for more than that when you need a quick, little something to give. Throw in a movie and this becomes a full-fledged gift package!
Lots of new stuff coming out of the SNS shop this week. Be sure to stop by and check out all the cuteness. Bring popcorn because there is a slideshow to watch on the home page featuring all the new stuff!

Monday with Mom

2010-03-23T07:02:00.000-05:00

Yeah, I know it's really Tuesday, but school work and technical difficulties slowed me down! But I had to get this in even though it's a day late. Wait til you see! My mom and I have decided to coordinate a project once a week where we both follow the same tutorial or inspiration piece and then create something based on that. This week we watched a Gina K video on Stamptv that showed how to create a quilted look on cards.
My mom then dragged out her sewing machine and proceeded to create the cutest card with the Sew Happy Cocoa image from Sweet n Sassy Stamps.This turned out SEW perfect.

I just love all the great stitching on this. How did she keep everything so straight?
Okay, my sewing machine is still dusty because I cheated. I grabbed some paper that already looked paper quilted and used that for my project. I did absolutely no stitching, not even faux stitching.

I spent my time working with this great stamp that I just got from Susanna's Custom Art and Card Design. Of course, now I'm wishing I'd threaded that darn sewing machine!

Look, Ma! No Stamps!

2010-03-18T07:58:00.000-05:00

Kinda weird to claim "no stamps" on a post about Lindsay's Stamp Stuff, but it's true. I didn't use any stamps for these two projects. I did use one of Lindsay's fantastic SVG Cut Files for the Cricut and Sure Cuts Alot. This one is called Egg Basket Template. It has this great egg basket cut file but there is so much more!

The egg-shaped basket alone is worth the price of the ticket, but see that cute little bunny. That is also included in the file. I used it to create a simple Easter card.

Isn't he adorable here with some embossing? I just grabbed some scraps from the scrap drawer ( I so need to use them up!), a piece of ribbon and the bunny. Simple, Easy, and Cute! You can grab this set today over at MyGrafico and it's on SALE! All items in the LSS shop at My Grafico are on sale for 30% off until midnight tonight!
Project Recipe

Paper: SU Pink Passion CS, PTI White and Dark Chocolate CS, My Mind's Eye Home PP, various scraps

Stamps: NONE

Tools: LSS Egg Basket Template, Cricut, SCAL, cuttlebug, Swiss Dots Embossing folder, EK Success Corner Rounder

Embellishments: PTI Berry Sorbet Dotted Satin Ribbon, Paper Studios Pearl, Felt heart (unknown)

Cookies and Cocoa

2010-03-17T01:00:00.005-05:00

I had a couple of coworkers who had birthdays last week, and cookies make a great little birthday treat when a whole cake is just a little too much. Now, I have to admit that I didn't make these cookies from scratch. I used one of those Nestle Tollhouse cookie tubs (pre-mixed cookie dough), but I did make sure I gave them a taste test before giving any as gifts (wink).

I found instructions for making these criss-cross boxes thinking they would be perfect for holding and displaying the cookies. Since I needed two, I decided to coordinate the packaging. This way I can utilize all the scraps. I made tags and paper flowers from the scraps, too.

And, yes, Cocoa had to make an appearance at this birthday celebration!

Actually, I grabbed two sets from Sweet N Sassy for these projects. I appropriately used Cookies for Cocoa for my main image. For the sentiments, I used Sweet Birthday Wishes. A little cellophane and some ribbons and these were ready to make someone's birthday especially sweet!

Oops! So sorry if you were looking for green or St. Patrick's Day inspiration. My Irish must be in remission right now!

Well, spring has sprung around here and I still have some days left in my spring break. I'm definitely getting out for a walk to enjoy the wildflowers and sunshine. I know many of you have not seen much of warm, sunny days lately, but I truly hope your turn is coming soon! In the meantime, grab a sweet image that makes you smile and have some fun coloring and creating!

Project Recipe

Paper: DCWV The Garden Party Stack, PTI Lavender Moon CS, GinaK White Pure Luxury White CS. PTI Basic Dots PP in Lavender Moon and Plum Pudding

Stamps: SNS Cookies for Cocoa, SNS Sweet Birthday Wishes

Tools: Cuttlebug, Spellbinders Labels One and Classic Ovals Nestabilities dies, copic markers, prisma pencils, SU Small and Large Tag Punches, SU Scalloped Circle punch, SU Boho Blossoms punch. Fiskars Apron Lace and Effervescence border punches, pinking shears

Embellishments: PTI Enchanted Evening Grosgrain Ribbon, PTI Lavender Moon Dotted Satin Ribbon, SU Earth Elements brad, PTI twine, yellow button

A Bowl of Birthday Fun

2010-03-11T07:00:00.003-06:00

This was the easiest and funnest card to make! I'm still giggling with pleasure over this one! The ice cream bowl is an SVG cut file called Frozen Treats SVG Cutting Template which can be found at MyGrafico. There are lots of other cute frozen treats included with this purchase. I used my Cricut and SCAL software to create the bowl card. I welded two of the bowls together in the SCAL program to create a card base. Then, I cut out the three scoops and the spoon. I used my cuttlebug and embossing folders to create texture on each of the scoops. Super cute design and very fast and easy. If you have a Cricut and SCAL, you definitely need this one!
Then, to top off my birthday card, I grabbed one of my favorite sets from Lindsay's Stamp Stuff called Sweet Stuff. I used the cherry image inside a word art circle that reads "Happy Birthday with a Cherry on Top!" I colored the cherries with my copics and then added some glossy accents. I really loved how this turned out and I especially love it when a project comes together this quickly because, honestly, it usually takes me FOREVER to design a project!

You really need the Sweet Stuff digital stamp set and as luck would have it, it's on sale right now along with all the other sets in LSS. Today through March 14th, Lindsay's got everything in the store on sale at 30% off! And if that doesn't make you feel lucky enough, run on over to her blog where you can get really lucky with a digital freebie! Oh, and don't forget to check out what the LSS design team has created this week or the great SVG cut files over at MyGrafico!
Top o' the morn' to you all!
Project Recipe
Paper: (all papers by SU) Bermuda Bay Textured CS, Pretty in Pink CS, Chocolate Chip CS, Very Vanilla CS, Real Red CS (white paper for the digi stamp is PTI)

Stamps: LSS Sweet Stuff

Tools: Cricut, SCAL, cuttlebug, embossing folders (Swiss Dots, Swirls, Tiny Bubbles), SU 1 3/8 circle punch, EK Success 1 1/4 circle punch, Glossy Accents, copic markers

A Piece of Cake

2010-03-10T01:00:00.001-06:00

Our oldest son is getting married next year. I think his fiancee' has been planning the wedding since she was ten, lol! In any case, she is very organized and seems to know exactly what she wants. Good thing because I have zero interest in weddings beyond the vows. But, all the wedding talk did peak my interest in the beautiful wedding images at Sweet n Sassy. The wedding cake, in particular, fascinated me, probably because I wish I could decorate cakes. Since I can't (and have no time to master a new hobby), I grabbed the stamp and decorated it with my copics!

I bought an inexpensive photo album at the dollar store and replaced the front cover with this one I created using SNS Wedding Cake. The bride can then insert pictures of the wedding venue, cake samples, dresses, or decorations that she wants to refer to while making her plans. Or the photo album could be used just for notes, clippings, or receipts she doesn't want to lose.
By the way, I used the sketch at The Sweet Stop for my cover. And I couldn't resist making another tissue paper flower to hold my "love" sentiment. I'm so addicted to those flowers! I added stickles to the flowers and airbrushed the pearls. I did not get the pearls as "scarlet" as I wanted but they do look deeper IRL.
Let wedding mania begin! I'm ready...I think!
Project Recipe

Paper: PTI Sweet Blush and Scarlet Jewel CS, SU Certainly Celery, GinaK White Pure Luxury CS

Stamps: SNS Wedding Cake, PTI Heartfelt Basics (sentiment)

Tools: Cuttlebug, Swiss Dots embossing folder, SU Scallop Trim border punch, SU Scalloped Circle punch, EK Success 3/4 " circle punch, copic markers, airbrush kit and compressor, Ranger Stickles

Embellishments: Paper Studio self-adhesive pearls, PTI Scarlet Jewel Bitty Dot Satin Ribbon

Other: Dollar General photo album

It's a Tough Job

2010-03-05T05:00:00.000-06:00

Meet Henrietta Hen from Sweet n Sassy Digi Stamps. This is one hard working gal! She laid this giant egg for me to give to someone who's had a rough time lately. The inside of the card reads "And you thought you had a hard day!"
Growing up, we raised chickens for the eggs and my sister and I used to have to go out and find the eggs. I always felt a little guilty "stealing" the eggs from those poor chickens (plus, I've never really been crazy about eating eggs, anyway). Never had a hen lay one this big!
The challenge this week at the Sweet n Sassy SNR Digi Day was to use pink and yellow. There's still time to play and receive this digi stamp for free just for playing along before 10pm Eastern time Monday, March 8!
Project Recipe

Paper: SU Pretty in Pink CS, Neenah, PTI Lemon Tart CS, TAC Gentle Beginnings PP

Stamps: SNS Henrietta Hen, (the sentiment is my own)

Tools: Cuttlebug, embossing folder, SU Scallop Trim border punch, bow easy, copic markers, prisma pencils

Embellishments: PTI Lemon Tart Satin Ribbon

(egg)

SU Regal Rose Grosgrain ribbon, EK Success 2" Scallop circle punch (for flower), K&Co. Wild Raspberry Layered Accents

An Easter Parade

2010-03-04T08:00:00.001-06:00

This started out as a can of peanuts, but you know I just couldn't bring myself to throw away a perfectly good container, so it got tucked away in a drawer until I came up with an idea for recycling it. A little Easter grass tucked inside the can and the chocolate bunny has a new home!
I did some paper piecing with the eggs which are part of the LSS Cute Easter set. I printed the eggs out on different patterned papers and then used my copics to add dimension to the swirls. Look! I even did some hand cutting (gasp!). I know it's just eggs, but "baby steps"! I made the tissue paper flowers all by myself by punching and scrunching. I love making those flowers.
Next up, I grabbed another image from the LSS Cute Easter set. This is an adorable Easter basket full of yummy eggs.

I colored this with my copics and prisma pencils. The sentiment is from a Close to My Heart egg stamp set that I've hardly ever used but thought it was really appropriate for the card. I just couldn't figure out how to design the card. Everything I tried seemed to look like every other card I've ever designed. Ever had those moments? So I gave up and went to Melissa Craig's Tuesday Morning Sketches Challenge blog for the sketch for this card. This sketch really appealed to me and I was able to finish this up in a jiffy!
If you didn't come here from Lindsay's blog, be sure to stop on over there and see what digi delights she has for you and what freebies she might have on the blog today!Also, don't forget to visit the design team's blogs. Everybody's been super busy putting together some great projects with Lindsay's stamps. It's definitely not too soon to be working on your Easter projects. Be sure to visit the Lindsay's Stamp Stuff shop to grab some digis for your projects. Easter will be here soon, though I don't know if the Easter bunny will be able to get in for a visit to all of you who have been buried under snow this winter.
Project Recipe

(can)

Paper: TAC Gentle Beginnings, PTI Bitty Dots Basics, SU Close to Cocoa CS

Stamps: LSS Cute Easter set

Tools: Fiskars paper crimper, SU Scalloped Circle Punch, copic markers

Embellishments: Michaels fringed ribbon, SU Stitched Felt Sweet Pea, Paper Studio brads

(card)

Paper: SU So Saffron, Green Galore, Tempting Turquoise CS, PTI White CS, TAC Gentle Beginnings PP

Stamps: LSS Cute Easter Set, CTMH Easer Eggs (sentiment)

Tools: Cuttlebug, Spellbinders Oval Nestabilities dies, Martha Stewart Arch Lattice border punch, SU Eyelet Lace border punch, copic markers, prisma pencils

Embellishments: Paper Studio flowers, Imaginisce Ring Around the Rosies flower, SU pink corduroy brads, Basic Grey brad

Cocoa and I are So Grateful

2010-03-02T08:00:00.003-06:00

I have to tell you about the "sweetest" thing that happened to me...Sweet n Sassy Stamps has asked me to be one of their digi divas! Can you believe it? I am so pumped about working with all the great images coming out of SNS. To show my appreciation, I am dedicating this project to Korin and the rest of the talented team at the SNS shop and the SNS Digi blog.

I like to repurpose and recycle things. I saved this clear box that some stamps came in, cleaned off some of the adhesive and filled the box with some little candies. I put the sparkly polka dotted paper on the front and then treated the box like a square card. I used the sketch challenge at The Sweet Stop for this week.
Although I'm dedicating this card to my teammates at SNS, the actual treat is going to one of our staffers at school who runs off copies for all of us beleaguered teachers, and she can't imagine how grateful we are for the help. So, I grabbed An Apple for Cocoa, colored him with my copics, and stamped a PTI thank you sentiment on the front of the small card. Inside is another PTI sentiment which reads "You're the best!"
Thank you for sharing my excitement with me. I'm really grateful for the opportunity use my creative energies to showcase the many wonderful images at Sweet n Sassy. Be sure to check out the store as there are new items coming out daily. And check back here to let me know if you are getting inspiration for using them!
Project Recipe
Paper: DCWV Farmer's Market, SU Sweet Nothings DSP, SU Always Artichoke
Stamps: SNS An Apple for Cocoa, PTI Star Prints and Handwritten Notes
Tools: Cuttlebug, Spellbinders Nestabilities dies, copic markers, EK Success corner rounder
Embellishments: Making Memories Blossoms and Buttons

Sweet and Froggy

2010-02-27T01:00:00.000-06:00

What a fun month and so many fantastic digis to play with! I've got a couple of projects to share with you on my last post as a guest designer for Sweet n Sassy Digis. My head is still spinning from trying to decide what fantastic images to use. There are just so many to choose from!
There's this widow at our church that my husband has a soft spot for, so I wanted to put together a little something sweet he could give her for Easter. I think he will enjoy giving it to her more than she'll enjoy the gift itself but then that's usually the case with gift giving. I created a candy bar wrap for a one of those large chocolate bars.

I used the Christ Arose set which has this beautiful image, the sentiment I used, plus several other sentiments. I know the robes on the cross are usually colored with royal purple, but I wanted to use the scarlet to symbolize the blood that was shed on the cross. I colored the image with my copics and prisma pencils. There's no real trick to the wrap. I just measured the candy bar and scored my card stock appropriately. I used a velcro closure to keep it closed.
The Thursday Digi Day Challenge at SNR this week was "silly for stripes". I love these challenges but just have a very hard time getting them finished on Thursday. It's that day job I have that's slowing me down! Anyway, a day late and a dollar short, I wanted to show you the card I created for the challenge.

This card uses the Fenton Frog image which you can pick up for less than a dollar and that's a lot of cute for less than a buck. There's lots of texture on this one. You can't tell it very well in the picture but the floral paper has glazed flowers on it, the prima flowers have chunky glitter on them, and the ribbon is fringed.
Can you believe February is gone? Spring will be here before we know it, so keep coloring all those beautiful flowers to tide us over until the real thing arrives!
Project Recipe

(Candy Bar Wrap)

Paper: SU Chocolate Chip CS, CTMH That's Amore PP, PTI White and Scarlet Jewel CS

Stamps: SNS Christ Arose

Tools: Cuttlebug, Spellbinders Classic and Scalloped Circles Nestabilities dies, SU Scallop Trim border punch, copic markers, prisma pencils

Embellishments: SU Pretty in Pink Satin ribbon, Kaiser Pearls, Prima Say it in Crystals

(Card)

Paper: PTI Spring Rain, Lemon Tart, and White CS SU Taken With Teal CS, DCWV Cafe Mediterranean Matstack

Stamps: SNS Fenton Frog

Tools: Cuttlebug, Spellbinders Classic Squares and tags Nestabilities dies, copic markers, prisma pencils

Embellishments: Prima Daisy Mix flowers, Michaels Light Blue ribbon

Punchin Up the Digis

2010-02-25T07:00:00.002-06:00

I get so many ideas for cards and projects throughout the day, but I forget about 90% before I ever start crafting. I've even tried writing them down as they occur and this helps, but sometimes I can't remember what my notes meant or I lose my notes! But I saw a card on the talented Cheryl Gorka's blog She Stamps which reminded of a technique I had been wanting to try.Cheryl used Flower Soft (something else I need to remember to work with some more), but I had been wanting to take one of the branches from the LSS Birds and Branches digital stamp set and add punched flowers to it.

This was so easy and I loved adding the flowers. I just sized the branch to fit the card, printed it out, and colored with copics. I, then, just punched a few flowers with a small flower punch, added the centers from a retired SU Simply Scrappin kit, and glued the flowers to the branch. I used a similar but larger punch to accent the sentiment which is from a PTI set. The two brown stripes are also from the Simply Scrappin kit.
Wonder what the talented ladies of the Lindsay's Stamp Stuff design team have been up to this week? Be sure to go find out and don't miss Lindsay's blog. She's got some free goodies for you today in addition to the great eye candy!
Project Recipe

Paper: GinaK White Pure Luxury CS, SU Rose Red DSP

Stamps: LSS Birds and Branches, PTI Vintage Picnic Sentiments

Tools: EK Success flower punches, copic markers

Embellishments: SU Simply Scrappin kit, PTI Vintage Holiday Mix button

Springtime Crafting

2010-02-20T01:00:00.001-06:00

Spring cleaning....Yuk! But, spring crafting is another thing altogether! I've got three spring fresh projects that I created for my post at the Sweet N Sassy Digi Blog. If you haven't stopped by there today, please go visit me on that blog and give a little shout out if you like what you see. I've really worked hard to showcase the wonderful digi stamps from Sweet n Sassy!
First up is a little project I made for my nephew who had a birthday this month. I used the SNS set Early Bird for a little "tongue-in-cheek" gag gift that I hope gives him a little chuckle even if it is kind of corny!

On the card's inside it reads "So I thought I'd bring you dinner!" Now what fourteen year old wouldn't crave a bucket of worms! To match the gummy worms in the bucket, I used red and green stickles on the worm in the bird's mouth. Scrumptious!
Last year we were gripped by a horrible drought and basically had no spring. I really missed seeing the beautiful wildflowers on the sides of the road. This year, thanks to winter rains, should be much more colorful, but to help with the flower crop, I put together this little gift packet of flower seeds.Here's the inside:

I used the Springtime Blessings Sentiment set inside and Kate Planting on the outside. This is tied closed with a bow. The image is colored with copics and prisma pencils.

I wish I were Kate. I'm ready to dig up all the plants killed by the freeze and put a whole fresh crop of plants in the ground....soon!
Finally, I want to share a bookmark I made with the very beautiful Bible image. The scripture is John 3:16. The Bible is surrounded by lovely Easter Lilies. These bookmarks would make great gifts for a Bible study group or Sunday school class. I colored the image with copics and prisma pencils and cut out the image with Spellbinders Oval Nestabilities. Then, I mounted it on the bookmark after adding some patterned paper and a little sewing.

If the winter blahs have you down, be sure to head over to Sweet n Sassy for a Springtime pick-me-up! You'll be feeling warm and sunny in no time at all with all the crafting you can do with these adorable and inexpensive digital stamps and stamp sets. Even if it's not time to put flowers in the ground, it's never too early to put some on a card!
Project Recipe
(Bird and Worms)

Paper: DCWV Citrus Stack, PTI Lemon Tart

Stamps: SNS Early Bird

Tools: copic markers, Prisma pencils, SU Modern Label punch, SU Modern Label die cut, Paper Shapers corner rounder

Embellishments: PTI Enchanted Evening grosgrain ribbon, PTI Vintage Button, twine, Ranger Stickles

(Seed Gift Packet)

Paper: PTI Kraft and Enchanted Evening CS, GinaK White Pure Luxury CS, K&Company Classic K Bailey PP

Stamps: SNS Kate Planting, SNS Springtime Blessings

Tools: Cuttlebug, Spellbinders Deckled Rectangle Nestability dies, Copic markers, Prisma pencils, Martha Stewart Arch Lattice, EK Success circle and scalloped circle punches

Embellishments: PTI Enchanted Evening Satin ribbon, Making Memories Blossoms and Buttons felt and paper flowers and button, Prima Say It With Pearls Swirls Cream

(Bible Bookmark)

Paper: PTI Lemon Tart and New Leaf CS, K&Company Designer Mat Pad PP, GinaK White Pure Luxury CS

Stamps: SNS Bible[1]

Tools: cuttlebug, Spellbinders Classic Oval Nestabilities dies, Copic markers, Prisma pencils, sewing machine, SU horizontal slot punch, corner rounder

Embellishments: SU Black Striped Grosgrain ribbon

Gone to the Birds

2010-02-18T07:00:00.002-06:00

Hope you are in the mood for lots of eye candy and little chatter today. My little fingers are sore from all the typing I've had to do lately for my classes that I'm taking. (Actually, my fingers are fine. It's my brain that has shut down.) If I don't explain something very well or thoroughly, please leave a question in the comment section and I'll try to get back to answer any questions you may have. I'm too tired to think right now!
Lindsay has released a new set that is absolutely perfect for spring. And after three days of sunshine, I'm starting to think Spring may arrive one of these days! All the images for my three projects are from the LSS Birds and Branches digital stamp set.
First up is a card I created using small versions of three separate stamps which I then colored with copics and prisma pencils and then punched with a 1" square punch offsetting the image so that only a glimpse, not the whole image, is showing.

I tried to keep this clean and sunny!
Next I created a little wall hanging with the chick image in the set. I created two sizes of the same image so that there is a big chick with three "baby" chicks following behind. I used some SU paper that has clouds and then use my Cricut to create a scalloped circle mat. The cloud paper was originally going to be part of a different project but I really liked the "sunny" feel it gave the whole project.

Again I used my copics and prisma pencils to color in the image. Then, I found the sentiment in a PTI stamp set that was just too cute not to use. The buttons are a sweet extra touch.
Finally, have you seen all the birdhouses being made with SU's new Milk Carton Sizzix die? I have that die and will definitely be using it for an upcoming project, but I wanted to make a much larger birdhouse, so I used my Cricut, SCAL software and a Box Font to create my milk carton. Look at the size comparison.

Of course, with my Cricut I can resize the project and make it as small as the Stampin' Up milk carton. The advantage of the Sizzix die over the Cricut/SCAL cut is the scoring. The Sizzix die scores everything for you. The cut file gives you little marks but you have to do the scoring yourself, not hard, just more time-consuming. But I do love the ability to resize as needed! Look at what I created with my "milk carton".

I added a roof with some yellow cardstock that I embossed in with a cuttlebug folder. I punched the edges of the roof with my SU scalloped edge border punch. I attached the roof to the top of the closed milk carton and then punched out the birds nest from the Birds and Branches stamp set.
I hope these projects make you feel Spring's imminent approach. Be sure to check out what the rest of the LSS design team has been up to this week. I think we are all ready for warmer, sunnier days, so you are likely to see much more of the Birds and Branches stamp set!

SSS43

2010-02-15T20:20:00.000-06:00

Nicole at The Sweet Stop Challenge Blog left some really sweet comments on my blog the other day and invited me to try one of her challenges. I'm not good with challenges. I'm too OCD and try to match everything up EXACTLY to the sketch. I always admire crafters who look at the challenge as a jumping off point and then come up with a creative take on it. But armed with Nicole's praises, I decided to give this one a try.

Yep, looks pretty much exactly like the sketch but I like the sketch so that's a good thing! I colored the cute Rocking Horse image with my copics and prisma pencils. Then, I recreated the horse's bow with my own bow made from some sheer ribbon I found at Walmart. And, yea! I used my new SU Scallop Trim border punch.
I agonized over this one, but I really liked the colors that came together and had fun trying to create all the pieces so I could "match" the challenge sketch. I may have to try another one soon!
Project Recipe

Paper: SU Bermuda Bay Textured CS, SU Close To Cocoa CS, PTI Spring Moss CS, Gina K White Pure Luxury CS, My Mind's Eye PP

Stamps: SNS Rocking Horse, PTI Heartfelt Basics (sentiment)

Tools: Cricut, Accent Essentials Cartridge, SU Scallop Trim Border punch, copic markers, prisma pencils, bow easy

Embellishments: PTI Holiday Mix button, Doodlebug Designs jewels, Offrey sheer ribbon

Sew Special Purse

2010-02-13T01:00:00.001-06:00

There are so many great digital stamps coming out of Sweet N Sassy I just can't keep up! I want them all! But some of my favorite images are of Cocoa. I love how he peeks out from behind things. So adorable!
I had a totally different project in mind when I first saw this Sew Happy Cocoa image. I was going to actually do some sewing for one thing, but then I found a miniature sewing kit at the dollar store and was looking for a way to package that up and that's how this little Sew Special Purse was created!

I don't know that I would give a small sewing kit to a real seamstress, but this would be a great gift for a grad going off to college. Put a little cash in the purse along with the safety pins, needles, and thread and the graduate is ready for minor clothing emergencies anyway. The sentiment is also perfect for a special graduate. It's from the Sew Many Thoughts sentiment set.
I added a couple of tissue paper flowers and some buttons to give the project a homespun feel. The "purse" is from a template I purchased online. I normally am not crazy about orange, but I really liked it with this project. Be sure to go check out all the latest Cocoa stamps at Sweet N Sassy. There are some really "sweet" ones available. Happy Valentine's Day!
Project Recipe

Paper: SU Bermuda Bay CS, SU Welcome Neighbor DSP, GinaK White Pure Luxury CS

Stamps: SNS Sew Happy Cocoa, SNS Sew Many Thoughts

Tools: PTI Purse-onality Clutch template, SU Small and Large Tag punches, SU Scallop Circle Punch, cuttlebug, Spellbinders Classic Circle dies, copic markers, Prisma pencils

Embellishments: PTI Holiday Mix Vintage Button Collection, PTI twine, Paper Studio brads, PTI Orange Zest Satin Ribbon

Almost Valentine's

2010-02-11T07:00:00.003-06:00

I've been busy as Cupid trying to get all my Valentine's gifts ready for Friday. Here's a peek at what I'm taking to the school for all our staff members. I decided to go a little non-traditional on the colors focusing in on a soft melon color rather than pink or red.

LSS has a great cut file for these little bags.The set of four different bags is called Pretty Favor SVG. I used my Cricut and SCAL software to cut these out. A couple of the bags have a decorative edge, but I decided to use the plain one and punch the top edge out with my Fiskars border punch. I resized the bags and was able to get four bags out of one 12X12 piece of cardstock.
These are pretty small but I needed forty and didn't want to go broke filling them, so I purposely kept them small. However, my principal has a sweet tooth and always gives me a hard time if the treats I hand out don't have enough candy in them. So, I made a special bag for him that I could really fill with sugary treats!

I used a different bag from the same set. I didn't want it too frilly so I added a stamp from the LSS Love Grows Here stamp set and a little bit of ribbon. Simple but filled with delicious calories!
There's still time to get your Valentine a card made. Head on over to Lindsay's Stamp Stuff. She's running a great special right now. I even know of some folks who are already working on their Christmas cards for next year. Wish I could do it, but the mood is long gone! Check out all the design team blogs. You're sure to find some great eye candy!

Project Recipe

Paper: DCWV The Whimsy Stack and Garden Party Stack

Stamps: LSS Love Grows Here

Tools: Cricut, SCAL, Pretty Favors SVG, Fiskars Apron Lace border punch, copic markers

Embellishments: various ribbons (PTI and Hobby Lobby)

A Spring Preview

2010-02-06T01:00:00.001-06:00

I'm making my first guest appearance over at SNS Digi Blog, so be sure to stop by over there and give me a shout out! I created three projects for my first post over there. I guess I was little overexcited, huh! But SNS released a slew of new images this week and I had so much fun creating projects to complement them.
The first project was created with Benjamin Bunny, who is the most adorable of creatures. He needs to make an appearance at every holiday: Halloween, Christmas, Rosh Hashana, all of them! But for this project, I geared him up for Easter.

I used the 3-D Mailbox Template from LSS to create this little mailbox for Benjamin to sit in front of and wait for his Easter presents to arrive. You can see this earlier post for more details on the mailbox and for another example of it, but I used the template with my Cricut and SCAL software.
Next, I used SNS One of a Kind set. It has one image and two special sentiments.

I finally broke out my Celtic Knot Embossing folder for this one which I thought paired nicely with my Martha Stewart Arch Lattice Border punch. After coloring the image with my copic markers and prisma pencils, I printed out the sentiment and punched it out with a one-inch circle punch. I used the sentiment for the center of my two flowers. Great card to give to someone truly special!
Then, I found this tutorial for the tote bag and created a pretty bag to hold some inexpensive bath salts and tablets. I used the elegant SNS Fluttering By image and sentiment to decorate this pretty bag.

I again colored the image with copics, cut it out with Nestabilities Label 4 dies, and sponged the edges. Then, I created this tissue paper flower with a rhinestone brad center. I love purses, especially paper purses!
Be sure to head straight to Sweet N Sassy Digis to see all of their great images.
Project Recipe
(Benjamin Bunny)
Paper: SU Parisian Breeze (retired), Paper Studio The Basics (Hobby Lobby), Blue cardstock (unknown), GinaK White Pure Luxury CS
Stamps: SNS Benjamin Bunny
Tools: Cricut, SCAL software, LSS 3-D Mailbox Template, cuttlebug, Spellbinders Label One Nestabilities dies, SU Eyelet Lace Border punch, heart punch (unknown), copics, prisma pencils
Embellishments: Paper Studio Designer Silk Flower Brads
(One of a Kind)
Paper: PTI Dark Chocolate CS, PTI Enchanted Evening CS, GinaK White Pure Luxury CS, Blue PP (unknown scrap)
Stamps: SNS One of a Kind
Tools: Cuttlebug, Celtic Knot embossing folder, Spellbinders Long Rectangle and Scalloped Long Rectangle Nestabilities diesMartha Stewart Arch Lattice border punch, EK Success 1-inch circle punch, copic markers, prisma pencils. Waterfall Stickles
Embellishments: Prima flower, Paper Studio flower, SU Certainly Celery ribbon
(Fluttering By Tote)
Paper: SU Sweet Nothings PP (retired), PTI Raspberry Fizz CS, SU Pretty in Pink CS, GinaK White Pure Luxury CS
Stamps: SNS Fluttering By
Tools: Cuttlebug, Spellbinders Labels Four Nestabilities dies, SU Tab punch, EK Success 2-inch Scallop Circle punch, copic markers, foam sponge brush
Embellishments: Paper Studio Rhinestone brads (clear and pink), Watermelon Stickles, PTI Raspberry Fizz Grosgrain ribbon, tissue paper

Spring Flower Basket

2010-02-04T21:01:00.000-06:00

It's raining again! Not a bad thing, I know. We need the rain, but still I miss sunshine (don't quote me on that this summer when I'm complaining about the heat!). Anyway, I was at Walmart the other day and just couldn't resist picking up one tiny little blooming plant. It's still too early for spring flowers, so I'm creating a garden in my craft room!

I've had the template for this cute picnic basket for a while now, but this is the first time I've actually used it. You can get the template at Papertrey Ink under My Timeless Templates.It was super easy to put together. I paired the great little basket with a very appropriate sentiment from Sweet N Sassy Digital Stamps. This is from the Springtime Blessing set. If you haven't been to SNS lately, you really need to go see all the new stuff. The new releases have me completely jonesing for Spring!
I used some buttons on the picnic basket handle and on the ribbon in order to meet the SNS Digi Day Challenge at SNR. Micki challenged us to use buttons on our project. Oh, and if you meet the challenge and post before Monday morning, there's a beautiful freebie in it for you!
Project Recipe

Paper: SU Blush Blossom CS, PTI Scarlet Jewel CS, DCWV Farmer's Market PP

Stamps: SNS Springtime Blessings

Tools: Cuttlebug, Spellbinders Labels Four Nestabilities dies, PTI Pack a Picnic Template, Martha Stewart Arch Lattice border punch, SU Horizontal Slot punch

Embellishments: buttons, twine (PTI), PTI Sweet Blush Saddle stitched ribbon

Spring Planting

2010-02-04T07:00:00.002-06:00

Is it spring yet? Another rainy, gray day here, but I'm ready for spring flowers. We lost several plants with a freeze we had earlier this winter, so we are going to have to replant a lot of areas of our flower beds, but realistically I know it's too early for that. So, I had to settle for digistamping planting season!

I grabbed my gardening tools from the LSS Digi Shop, colored them with copics and prisma pencils, then paired up some Wild Wasabi DSP (retired) with a little PTI Terracota Tile ribbon. I love this color combination. Here's a close up of the LSS Garden Tools:

Then, I created a pocket inside the card so I could tuck away some seeds. Now, I've helped someone get a little closer to spring in all its colorful glory.

How long do you have to wait for spring planting? Are you starting to feel cooped up in the house? Well, can't change the weather but grab some great colors and some cool digi stamps and color your way to a spring day! Don't forget LSS has a great every day special--spend $5 and get a free stamp. Also, be sure to check out Lindsay's blog. She always has an amazing project and usually she offers a freebie to go along with her inspiration. Then, run out and visit all the design team blogs and spread a little sunshine! We could all use it to get through these dreary winter days.
Project Recipe

Paper: White card base (Hobby Lobby), SU Wild Wasabi DSP, SU Wild Wasabi CS, GinaK White Pure Luxury CS

Stamps: LSS Garden Tools, PTI Everyday Button Bits (sentiment)

Tools: cuttlebug, Swiss Dots embossing folder, Fiskars Apron Lace border punch, Spellbinders Classic Circles Nestabilities dies, Spellbinders label die, SU Horizontal slot punch, copic markers, prisma pencils

Embellishments: PTI Terracotta Tile Dotted Satin Ribbon

It's a Flutter Basket

2010-01-28T20:15:00.000-06:00

Isn't this a cute way to package up a little treat for someone special. This is an SVG file for use with a Cricut and SCAL software. I got it at My Time Made Easy a new digital shop offering stamps, cut files for packaging and embllishments, and digital papers. There are some great items here including the one in the picture above called All a Flutter. I just think this is great how it looks like a butterfly but it's a basket. I've got cookies in there. Even the "parts" of the butterfly are a cut file. It's just so easy to load my Cricut and let it do all the work for me. I'm definitely going to be using this quite a bit!
Project Recipe

Paper: SU Apricot Appeal, DCWV Whimsy Stack

Tools: Cricut, SCAL software, My Time Made Easy All a Flutter file, scor-tape, scor-pal

Tea For Two and Two for Tea

2010-01-28T07:00:00.002-06:00

My craft room is all clean and organized! I used some gift cards I got for Christmas and bought a file cabinet and a chest of drawers but I still needed to clean out and toss. I tend to look at packaging and think "What can I do to 'jazz' that up and use it for something else?" Now, that's a great way to go green and save some green, but it doesn't take long to hoard quite a stash of boxes, cartons, crates, jars, and baskets. I determined that I must start actually using and creating with this "stuff"! So with that in mind, I reached in a drawer and pulled out a sturdy plastic box that once upon a time held some smaller plastic boxes. I decided that this would make the perfect container for gifting some delicious teas.

I filled this with some of my favorite teas, but I won't really give these away as these are too hard to come by around here and I like them too much to part with them, but there's plenty of room in this box to fill with an assortment of teas. Now, for the best part...the outside packaging...

Closed and tied shut, this gift is now ready to deliver to a cherished friend or helpful neighbor. I used the card sketch from the Tuesday Morning Sketch Challenge. LSS is sponsoring this week's challenge so be sure to check it out and enter for a chance to win a prize from LSS.
The cute coffee cup (think tea cup here) is from the Lindsay's Stamp Stuff Coffee Talk digital stamp set. I love how easy and fun this cup is to color in with copics. Grab this set for only $5 and earn a free stamp from the store. Speaking of freebies, be sure to click on over to Lindsay's blog. She has a habit of offering free stuff on Thursdays! Then, grab a cup of coffee or tea and hop around to see what the rest of the design team has been up to this week. You're sure to be inspired. Oh, and don't forget to try the challenge at Tuesday Morning Sketches. Have a zippy week, all!
Project Recipe

Paper: SU More Mustard CS, GinaK White Pure Luxury CS, My Mind's Eye PP

Stamps: LSS Coffee Talk digital stamp set

Tools: cuttlebug, Spellbinders Deckled Rectangle Nestabilities dies, EK Success corner rounder, copic markers, Prisma pencils

Embellishments: Prima flowers, PTI Ocean Tides grosgrain ribbon, SU Love & Happiness rub-ons (sentiment), Paper Studio Spare Parts brown brad assortment

Air Mail

2010-01-26T21:00:00.000-06:00

Aww! How tweet! This little birdie is another cutie from the LSS Love Grows Here digital stamp set. He's all set to deliver a little Valentine's love to someone special. I colored him in with my copics and prisma pencils. Then, I grabbed some scraps from the scrap drawer. The scalloped heart is a new EK Success punch that I just love, paired with a Paper Shapers (also by EK Success) medium heart punch. I took a large yellow button and ran some ribbon through the buttonholes which I then tied in a simple knot. A little more ribbon for a pretty bow and some tiny buttons and this sweet card was done! I love when a project comes together this easy.
Good thing it was a quick, easy project because I've started my master's classes and I've got lots of reading and writing to do on top of my regular work and my hobby (passion). I'm not sure how often I'll get to hang out in the craft room over the next few months but I'm gonna grab whatever time I can. But for now, I'm off to do some required reading (good thing it's good reading!).
Project Recipe

Paper: Scraps (?), SU Razzleberry Lemonade, GinaK White Pure Luxury CS

Stamps: LSS Love Grows Here

Tools: Cuttlebug, Spellbinders Classic Rectangle Nestabilities, EK Success Scalloped Heart punch, medium heart punch, bow easy, copic markers, prisma pencils

Embellishments: PTI Lemon Tart Satin ribbon, PTI Scarlet Jewel Extra Fine Polka Dot Satin ribbon, buttons

Bingo

2010-01-21T07:00:00.001-06:00

Panic set in today when I really LOOKed at a calendar and saw how close Valentine's is getting. I'm determined to have a treat for each of my one hundred students for this holiday. I didn't do it for Christmas and consoled myself with the thought that I most definitely would do a Valentine's Day project for them and our 40 plus faculty/staff. Now, I'm wondering when this miracle is going to occur! But I'm definitely in the mood for Valentine's. As a warm up I created a couple of great cards that I can send to friends, anyway!
I used the same digital stamp for both cards but went in a couple of different directions with color.

My first one shows the Love Grows Bingo digital stamp from the LSS Love Grows Here digital stamp set. I print the image out on pink cardstock, added a little extra color and shimmer with a Spica pink glitter pen, and then added the cute red punched hearts. The pink patterned paper in the background is some old SU paper that I've been hoarding! The bow is a strip of fabric I had in a jar for no telling how long...I think it's left over from an old scrapbook project. Do you love the scalloped heart under the sentiment? It's a new punch...LOVE IT!

For the next card, I went for the more dramatic red and black. It's my favorite of the two.

I printed out the same Love Grows Bingo digital stamp but this time on white cardstock. I, then, colored "love" in with a Spica lipstick glitter pen and added more of the punched red hearts for a winning card! I matted the image with both red and black and gave each mat a lattice border.The background paper is some Scenic Route Sonoma paper. I used a red felt heart that I won in a drawing at a scrapbook store a long time ago. See, it does pay to hold on to stuff!

Now, I did have a third card to show you using a different image from the LSS Love Grows Here digital stamp set, BUT my memory card reader went kapoot (sp?) on me and that' a trip to Walmart to replace it...maybe later this week I can get that one up. I am so loving this stamp set. If you haven't bought it yet, be sure to visit Lindsay's Stamp Stuff and check it out...really cute images there! Lot's of other goodies in the store to help you get ready for Valentine's or any other occasion you find yourself needing a card!

Also, be sure to go over to the side bar and visit Lindsay's design team for more inspiration and don't skip Lindsay's blog because there's always a great project and freebie!
Project Recipe

Paper: SU Real Red, Pretty in Pink, Black CS, SU Berry Bliss DSP (retired), Scenic Route Sonoma PP, PTI White CS, DCWV glitter pack

Stamps: LSS Love Grows Here digital stamp set, PTI Heart Prints (sentiment)

Tools: EK Success Scalloped heart punch, Paper Shapers medium heart punch, Martha Stewart Lattice border punch, small heart punch (unknown), Spica Atyou Glitter pens, ink/sponge

Embellishments: red felt heart, scrap faabric, Ribbon FX black checked ribbon (Hobby Lobby)

Old-Fashion Charm

2010-01-17T18:55:00.000-06:00

Wanted to use my favorite cardstock color, SU's Sage Shadow, and create a card with little old-fashioned appeal. I took some GinaK Tan Leather Pure Luxury cardstock and did a little heat embossing to create the flourished background. I had some Cosmo Cricket Wanted chipboard pieces that incorporated these colors, so I added the chipboard photo corners to the corners and put my sentiment on top of an oval chipboard piece from the set. The sentiment is from the Verve set Fairy Tales. I stamped it with brown craft ink and then heat embossed it. I wrapped SU's wide striped ribbon in chocolate chip around the base and tied a bow. I love that this looks like an old photo.
I had a very productive weekend. I got my craft room semi organized. I so need to add on to this room! I did complete several cards and a few other projects which I'll show you later in the week. The weather was also great this weekend which helps my mojo...I do love some sunshine! Have a great week!
Project Recipe

Paper: SU Sage Shadow cs, GinaK Tan Leather Pure Luxury cs

Stamps: SU Baroque Motif, Verve Fairy Tales

Tools: heat embossing powder, heat gun, SU Large Oval punch, SU Scalloped Oval Punch

Embellishments: SU Chocolate Chip Striped Grosgrain ribbon, Cosmo Cricket Wanted chipboard

Peacock Proud

2010-01-14T07:00:00.002-06:00

Turquoise is such a rich color! I especially love turquoise jewelry. And, how cool to be a peacock and get to be "dressed" in turquoise all the time. One of the Verve release week challenges was a color challenge: turquoise, grey and black. So I grabbed this gorgeous image from Lindsay's Stamp Stuff called Flourished Peacock. I used some blue green copics and Aqua Stickles to give the peacock hints of color and loads of shimmer. I didn't have a black flower so I created one with a copic marker and an airbrush kit. Then, I spritzed some glimmer mist on it to give it a slight sparkle, too.
Lindsay's got a couple of new sets in the shop. Be sure to pop in and check these out. If you're looking for a good sale, head over to My Grafico where everything, including Lindsay's great designs, are 25% off today and tomorrow.
Need more inspiration? Be sure to check Lindsay's blog and all the ladies of the fabulous design team! The cold weather is keeping us all indoors heating up the craft rooms with creative energy!
Have a zippy kind of day!
Project Recipe

Paper: SU Taken With Teal, Basic Grey, Black CS, GinaK White Pure Luxury CS, DCWV Winter Glitter Stack

Stamps: LSS Flourished Peacock, Verve Birthday Surprise (sentiment)

Tools: Cuttlebug, Embossing Folder (Morrocan Screen), SU Modern Label die, SU Modern Label punch, Cuttlebug Ornamental die, Martha Stewart Arch Lattice border punch, copic markers, copic air adapter, air compressor

Embellishments: Prima wildflower, PTI Dotted Satin ribbon, black and aqua Ranger Stickles, Paper Studio Spare Parts brad assortment

From the Heart

2010-01-11T21:09:00.000-06:00

I have really depleted my stash of birthday cards, so when I decided to participate in the Viva La Verve Sketch Challenge last week, I knew I had to make a birthday card. I know it looks like it should be a Valentine's card or something but the card reads "From the heart (cover)...a very happy birthday (inside)". I love this little cherry image from a new set at LSS called Love is in the Air. I colored it with my copics. The sentiment stamps are from Verve. I added a little embossed piece to this and created a "ribbon" with my Martha Stewart Lattice border punch. My absolute favorite aspect of this card is the great gingham paper in the background. I designed the whole card around that paper. This is from the DCWV Farmer's Market Recycled Paper Pack. I hope I can part with this when the time comes...
Project Recipe

Paper: DCWV Farmer's Market PP, SU Real Red and Always Artichoke CS, SU Rockabilly DSP, Ginak White Pure Luxury CS

Stamps: LSS Love Is In the Air, Verve Thankful Hearts

Tools: cuttlebug, embossing folder, Spellbinders Deckled Nestabilities dies, EK Success Medium Heart Punch, Martha Stewart Lattice border punch, copic markers

Cuttin Up with Shutt-erfly

2010-01-09T20:53:00.000-06:00

My Cricut is a smokin'! And I've fallen in love with it again. Yes, Provo Craft is finally releasing cartridges more frequently and are even offering more affordable options, but that's not what's rekindled the romance with my Cricut. No, there has just been a rash of designers offering better and better SVG files for cutting with the Cricut and SCAL (or the new Make the Cut). You can see some great projects I've made with SVG cut files from LSS here, here, and here. But the project I created today is from another 3D template designer--Lauren Meader of My Time Made Easy. Lauren's started a new company offering mainly digital products and featuring templates for creating great and easy 3D projects.

This template is called Shutt-erfly because of its unique closure. I chose not to feature the top closure, but instead focused in on the daisy which I also created using another SVG file called Flutters and Flowers from My Time Made Easy. I have unlimited cuts from the files, and they can be resized to fit whatever project I'm working on.
I just think these SVG files are a much better investment than cartridges which I never seem to use. Of course, in case you can't tell, I'm very partial to gift packaging and love the ease of cutting these with a machine instead of a pair of scissors!
Project Recipe

Paper: SU Rich Razzleberry, SU Orchid Opulence, SU Old Olive, SU Cottage Wall DSP

Stamps: My Time Made Easy All A Flutter

Tools: Cricut, SCAL, My Time Made Easy Shutt-erfly and Flutters and Flowers SVG cut files, SU Tag punches (large and small), Martha Stewart lattice border punch

Embellishments: Recollections brad (Michaels)

Love Notes

2010-01-07T21:56:00.000-06:00

Sweet N Sassy Stamps were sponsoring a challenge over on SNR Card Universe. I didn't feel like making a card, but I have been wanting to color up this little Be Mine Cocoa image. So, I repurposed a Mason jar filled with little love notes. This would also be sweet full of pink m&m's or Hershey's kisses. I reached for some Basic Grey Pink Lemonade papers and took a plain jar to the heights of cuteness!
Keeping it short tonight. It's cold, I'm tired, and my Texas Longhorns are getting beat. Think I'll slide into my jammies and curl up with a good book!
Project Recipe

Paper: Basic Grey Pink Lemonade, Gina K White Pure Luxury CS, pink printer paper

Stamps: Sweet 'n Sassy Be Mine Cocoa digital stamp

Tools: Martha Stewart Arch Lattice punch, cuttlebug, Spellbinder Label One and Scalloped Circles dies, copic markers

Embellishments: pink string, pink flower (unknown), Recollections Gemstone brads (Michaels)

Its in the Mail

2010-01-06T21:48:00.000-06:00

When I was in high school, my favorite color, bar none, was pink! I even had a pink stone put in my school ring just because it would match my clothes. I don't have a favorite color any more. I'm always stumped when someone asks me that because I like them all (maybe not so much orange) depending on their shade and intensity. But I've definitely been in a pink mood these last few crafting days. Cupid's shot me with the pink arrow of love, I guess. Here's a project that's certainly strong on the pink end, and it's absolutely adorable!!!

Do you not just love these little mailboxes for Valentine's gift giving? I know lots of people head to Target's dollar bin this time of year to pick up metal mailboxes. Well, I never get there in time, nor do I feel inclined to drive 40 miles to the nearest Target. This little cutie was made using my Cricut, SCAL software, and Lindsay's Stamp Stuff SVG file. Yes, LSS is selling cut files! I did scale this 3D Mailbox Template so that I could use one sheet of 8 1/2 X 11 inch cardstock (go here to see a bigger one that I created). You can make them larger to utilize a 12X12 sheet and you can break the file apart in SCAL and enlarge each piece to make them even bigger. But this small one is really the perfect size. (By the way, the 3D Mailbox Template also comes with a PDF version you can print out on your cardstock and cut by hand)
The little heart shaped card is made with a new digital stamp set from LSS called Love Grows Here. Super cute set even if you don't make Valentine's projects/cards. I used my Classic Hearts Spellbinders die to create a heart shaped card. I colored the little birdie with my copics, of course.
I pulled out some unused SU Raspberry Tart DSP on this, added a little bit of polka dotted ribbon which came from one of my Christmas presents and knew I had to save, made a felt flower which I teamed up with a couple of other flowers from my stash, and this little mail box is ready to send to my favorite somebody! Speaking of recycling from Christmas, be sure to participate in the Recycled Challenge: make a card with a digital stamp and a recycled item then post a link to your card on Lindsay's blog or in the What’s digital Stamping yahoogroup. A random winner will get a stamp set of her choice from Lindsay’s Stamp Stuff!
Seen/heard enough? If not, I've got one more project to share with you today. Check out this card I created with the new LSS Love Grows Here Digital Stamp set.

Once again I used some ribbon I grabbed off a Christmas present my dear friend Wyndi gave me. You can see a bit of it behind the flowers and image and behind the sentiment. Don't ya just love that heart shaped cherry on the cupcake with all the little heart sprinkles? The cute paper is from a pack that I won from Mel at Tuesday Morning Sketches a couple of months ago. I love how fun and yummy it looks paired with the cupcake.
The LSS design team is back after a two week holiday. Go see what everyone got for Christmas and how they are using it to be even more creative. Click on the links on my sidebar or head over to Lindsay's blog for a first stop.
Project Recipe

(Mailbox)

Paper: SU Pretty in Pink CS,SU Rose Red CS, SU Raspberry Tart DSP, GinaK White Pure Luxury CS

Stamps: LSS Love Grows Here Digital Stamp set

Tools: Cricut, SCAL, LSS 3D Mailbox template, Fiskars Effervence Border Punch, small heart punch, (unknown), cuttlebug, Spellbinders Classic Hearts Nestabilities die, Cuttlebug flower die, copic markers

Embellishments: SU red brad, pink buttons (unknown), Making Memories Blossoms and Button Lemonade flower, Paper Studio flower, recycled ribbon

(cupcake card)

Paper: PTI Spring Moss and Raspberry Fizz CS, Gina K White Pure Luxury CS, K&Company Cut 'N Paste Mat Pad

Stamps: LSS Love Grows Here Digital stamp set, PTI Handwritten Notes (sentiment)

Tools: cuttlebug, Spellbinders Classic and Scalloped Circle dies, EK Success Circle punches, copic markers. Fiskars border punch

Embellishments: Prima flowers, PTI Holiday Mix Vintage buttons, recycled ribbon

LSS Recipe Folio and SCAL

2010-01-05T21:41:00.000-06:00

What a cute little box! It's supposed to be a recipe folio, but I'm thinking this would hold some neat little goodies. I'm thinking even a couple of cookies could go in here as a special treat for Valentines or some other special occasion. I am really loving these SVG files from LSS. A Cricut, SCAL software and an inexpensive cut file and in a few minutes, I've got a great little project finished up. I used Velcro dots to keep the box closed.
The special thing about these SVG files is that they can be resized very easily. I love giving gift cards but am always looking for a gift box to hold them. This little box could so easily be made smaller and then filled with a gift card and a little filler. Then, it looks like I really put a lot of effort into a simple gift! You can find this recipe folio set here. And be sure to check out my post from yesterday for another project using an SVG file from LSS.
I have so much paper it borders on a sin! So, I'm trying super duper hard to refrain from buying any more and just using up my stash, but, oh, what a challenge! I did use some CTMH papers that I've had for a while. I really like using the CTMH cardstock that comes in these sets because the cardstock is a little thinner than that I get from SU or PTI. That makes it a little easier to cut with my Cricut and a little easier to work with, but it still provides enough structure to keep the project stiff.
Project Recipe

Paper: CTMH That's Amore

Stamps: PTI Handwritten Notes

Tools: Cricut, SCAL, LSS Recipe Cards and Folio SVG

Embellishments: Paper Studio Spare Parts Designer Silk Flower brads, PTI Dark Chocolate Grosgrain ribbon, SU Tag punches, Prima flower, SU red brad

Blog Vacation is Officially Over

2010-01-04T21:49:00.000-06:00

After the Christmas rush and craziness, I had a relaxing holiday. I enjoyed spending some time with my sons. The younger two came and stayed a whole week with us, but I must say the football and the hunting were starting to wear on my nerves. Still, as always, it was hard to watch them drive off that final day. I spent the week after Christmas cleaning up and putting away all the goodies. By the way, I got a new camera for Christmas. I'm still trying to learn what all it can do, but "auto" is working just fine for me right now (wink)!
I've been reading where many bloggers are cleaning up and reorganizing their craft rooms, and I did some of that too, but I spent a great deal of time organizing my digital craft room. I cleaned out computer folders, updated some software, created new folders, organized my digital photos, and added an external hard drive for digital storage. My physical craft room is still something of a mess, but I'm feeling better about my virtual craft space.
I didn't do a whole lot of crafting over the two week Christmas break. I mostly read and watched tv, things I rarely get to do during a normal week. But I did color a little and checked out everyone else's stuff to see what non-Christmas projects were being started. Lindsay of Lindsay's Stamp Stuff has been creating svg files which can be used with the Cricut machine and SCAL software (there's a new program now for cutting with the Cricut called Make the Cut and it will also cut the svg files). If you check out her blog, she often has freebies for you, but she has put together a couple of really cute templates and is selling them in her store. Now, I LOVE 3D templates and the little mailbox she created is loads of fun. Look what I created with her file.

It just takes a few minutes to cut, score and adhere. Then, you can spend your time and energy embellishing it! If you don't have a Cricut or the SCAL software, you can use the printable file included in the set. The heart-shaped cherries are also part of a new LSS stamp set called Love Grows Here. I colored the cherries with Clearsnap Smooch and my copics and cut out the image with a heart shaped nestabilities die. I may end up putting this little mailbox treat box in my real mail box for my mail couple (we have rural delivery with a husband and wife doing the delivering) as a thank you for all the picking up they have to do at my house since I'm always sending out handmade cards and Netflix movies.
The really neat thing about svg files is that they can be resized. I made another one of these at about half the size so I could use a sheet of 8 1/2 x 11 cardstock. I'll share that one with you later this week when I'm through embellishing it. Who else can I give these to? These are so fun, I want to make more, but I don't have the room to have them sitting all over my house, lol!
Project Recipe

Paper: CTMH Perfect Day and That's Amore, GinaK White Pure Luxury CS

Stamps: LSS Love Grows Here

Tools: Cricut, SCAL, LSS 3D Mailbox Template, cuttlebug, Spellbinders Classic Hearts dies, Martha Stewart Lattice border punch, Clearsnap Smooch, copics

Embellishments: Paper Studio Spare Parts Designer Silk Flower brads, PTI Pure Poppy twill ribbon

the Last Christmas Card

2009-12-17T07:00:00.001-06:00

This is it! The last of the Christmas cards of 2009! and I'm so tired from all this holiday hooplah, that I'm afraid you're getting few details. Except that if you still need some holiday stamps, you've got time to get them if you go digi! They can be in your "hands" almost instantly and you can finish up all those last minute projects! Run on over to Lindsay's Stamp Stuff for a great selection of beautiful and fun digital stamps for the holidays. Check out the great specials, too! I used an image from the Christmas Potpourri set (yes, it's my favorite). I just printed it out on some GinaK White Pure Luxury cardstock, colored it with my luscious copic markers, and paired it up with this beautiful, glittery paper from My Mind's Eye!
I hope everyone has a very merry Christmas or holiday season! Check out the design team for more inspiration and be sure to stop on over at Lindsay's blog to see what goodies she's got for you today for free!

Gifts Galore

2009-12-10T07:00:00.001-06:00

Someone wake me when it's Valentine's Day! I declare, this Christmas season is exhausting. I can't seem to get anything accomplished because I'm always rushing off to attend something. Last night it was my husband's company's Christmas party. Tonight it's our bunko Christmas party. Sunday I'm off to a copic class. When am I supposed to bake, decorate, and shop?
Well, thank goodness Lindsay has come up with some ways to make my gift wrapping faster and cheaper! The LSS shop has these cool new Christmas Card, Tags, and Toppers Printable Kit. Look at what I started with. It cost .50 at the dollar store.

It's a bag, right! Nothing special...until I add a topper from Lindsay's Stamp Stuff which I just sized to fit the bag and printed it out. That's it!

This will look much cuter under the tree than that plain ole bag I started out with. I also used one of the ornaments in my favorite set Christmas Potpourri Digital Stamp set. I printed the image out on my GinaK paper, colored it with a couple of copics and spica glitter pen, cut out the ornament and added it to the tag that came with the bag. I did use SCAL2 and my cricut to cut out a mat for the ornament in red and drew in the wire hanger with a copic pen. But this project took just minutes to put together and I could very easily make dozens more in a short amount of time.
Okay, if this doesn't convince you to run right now and pick up these two sets, how about this:

ANDDDDDD...Lindsay's got a great new set in the shop which is just perfect for making calendars! Be sure to check out the special and all the great items in the shop to ease your holiday stress! Need some ideas? See what the LSS ladies have been up to this week and start by stopping by Lindsay's blog. Look under the tree. She may have a present just for you! Happy Holidays everyone!