Sunday, November 28, 2010

Pink Cat Studio Snowman

Pink Cat Studios is having a Holiday Challenge. Since I love challenges and PCS images, I decided to play along.





I think my love of snowmen was well documented last week and this is another one I have in my collection. I was happy to be able to print him out, color him, and give him a home.

Well, I'm going to keep this post short. I have been fighting off a cold. I plan to drink a cup of tea and head off to bed.


Thank you for stopping by!


Supplies:

  • Stamps: Friendly Snowman from Pink Cat Studios, Tree Trimming Trio from PaperTrey
  • Papers & CS: Neenah Crest Solar White CS, PaperTrey kraft CS, My Mind's Eye Signature Christmas DP, misc. brown, green & red CS scraps
  • Inks: Close To My Heart chocolate ink
  • Tools: Big Shot, My Favorite Things jumbo scallop die, Stampin' Up word window punch, Provocraft Snowflakes embossing folder, Copic markers
  • Embellishments: PaperTrey bakers twine, misc. snowflake buttons, Inkssentials white gel pen

Challenges:

Sentimental Sundays - Challenge 31: A Recipe

It's Sunday so that means it is time for the new Sentimental Sunday challenge. This week we have a recipe challenge for you. We want to see your creation with 3 designer papers, 3 buttons, and a ribbon (plus a sentiment). You are free to add anything else you would like to your project as long as it includes these elements.

So here is a look at my project.




On Friday you learned of my weakness for snowmen. As soon as I saw these cute new snowmen from Whimsie Doodles I had to purchase some of them. I think I will be back to get the rest soon. (You just can't have too many cute snowmen digis.)

Once again, I made my own crinkle ribbon by coloring seam binding with my Copic markers. For more info and tips on how to do this, please see my post from Friday.

I hope you will join the Sentimental Sundays recipe challenge this week for your chance to win 4 digital sentiments sets from Raindrop Echo Designs. If you stop by the Sentimental Sundays blog, be sure top download the free weekly sentiment digis available for one week only.

Supplies:

  • Images: Cup of Tea digital stamp from Whimsie Doodles, PaperTrey Holiday Treats
  • Papers & CS: Neenah Crest solar white, GP CS, PTI Dark Chocolate, BasicGrey Eskimo Kisses paper pack
  • Inks: Close To My Heart Chocolate & Blush, Distress Ink Antique Linen
  • Tools: Big Shot, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic markers
  • Embellishments: Misc buttons, DMC floss, Hug Snug rose seam binding, Tattered Angels Snow Queen glimmer mist
  • Techniques: Distressing

Challenges:

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Music Saves My Soul Saturday

I don't know what happened to Marcea's challenge. It kind of looks like it died off. But since I love music I am still planning on sharing with you a song every Saturday. A friend of mine shared this song on FB earlier this week and it has been stuck in my head ever since. I have to admit my daughter and I were dancing around the kitchen to it on Monday night. That girl has some awesome moves!


Thanks for stopping by!


Friday, November 26, 2010

Meljen's Designs - Challenge #35-Buttons & Bows

I admit it. I have a weakness for snowmen. Our Christmas tree is decorated almost exclusively in snowmen and snowflakes. I have to control myself to keep myself from buying more snowmen knick-knacks. After all, I only have so much room to display them. And as much as I love looking at them through the holidays, I detest having dust them, or worse yet, to put it all away in January.


So, I was super excited to see Melissa's 11-24-10 new release. Check out these cute snowmen! I LOVE them! I can look at them or use them on projects any time I want and they are digital so they take up zero space and don't need to be put away.



Here is a peek at the entire new release available at Whimsy Stamps.



Do you like my matching ribbon? I used some Winter White Hug Snug seam binding. I sprayed it with a little rubbing alcohol and randomly colored on it using the same Copic markers I used to color my snowmen. (Just the purple shades). I put it in a plastic baggy, spritzed it with a little more alcohol and smooshed it around a bit so the colors blended. I then spritzed it with some glitter mist and smooshed around some more. I then dumped it in a pile on a paper towel to air dry while I assembled my card. The alcohol dries pretty quickly. The glimmer mist takes a little longer but sometimes I help it along by using my hair dryer on a low setting. (Keep it bundled up a bit in your hand if you do this so you don't blow out the crinkled look.)


Don't forget to enter the Buttons & Bows challenge on the Meljen's Designs blog this week for your chance to win some free digital images.



Thank you for stopping by!



Supplies:


  • Stamps: Caroling Snowmen from Meljen's Designs on Whimsy Stamps, Made of Snow from PaperTrey
  • Papers & CS: Neenah Crest solar white CS, PaperTrey white CS, Cosmo Cricket Mitten Weather Dp, misc. purple DP
  • Inks: Close To My Heart Petal
  • Tools: Stampin' Up edge punch, Copic markers
  • Embellishments: Hug Snug winter white seam binding, misc: buttons, DMC floss, Liquid Applique, Crystal Stickles, misc. fibers, Snow Queen Glimmer Mist (on seam binding)

Challenges:

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Lindsay's Stamp Stuff - Doodle Flowers Friend Card

Happy Thanksgiving to all my blogging friends in the USA! I hope you enjoy the day. Are you venturing out on Black Friday? I won't. I don't really like crowds; they bring out the worse in me. Better I just stay home and cyber shop. Or better yet, craft!


Lindsay gave her DT the week off to celebrate Thanksgiving with our families but I found this card when I was cleaning up my photo files earlier this week. Since it has never been posted, I thought I would you today.


This is one of the cards I sent in to Operation Write Home (OWH) a few months ago. Although it is too late to send in Christmas cards for this year, they collect cards for all occasions and our troops really appreciate them.

**Updated: Check out the 50% off Black Friday sale on all Lindsay's Stamp Stuff product at mygrafico.com. You won't see a sale like this again!


Thank you for stopping by!


Supplies:

  • Stamps: Doodle Flowers digital stamp set from Lindsay's Stamp Stuff (at mygrafico.com
  • Papers & CS: CTMH Let's Get Together, sentiment printed on Georgial Pacific white CS
  • Ink: None
  • Embellishments & Tools: pop dot, Sakura black pen
  • Techniques: Paper piecing, faux stitching

Challenges:


Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Bugaboo News

I got the coolest email today. My card using Birthday Turtle from Bugaboo is being featured on the Bugaboo blog today. Woo hoo!

If you want to shop, you can click here to find the Bugaboo Stamps store.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

KLM Designs - Thanks

Only 2 days left until Thanksgiving. I am especially looking forward to this year's family gathering because I will be able to visit with some aunt's, uncle's and cousins that I haven't seen in ages. I hope all my US friends have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.


For my KLM Designs DT post this week, I thought I would make a "Thank You" card using the Birdhouse Globe image. This time of year I never seem to have enough thank you cards on hand.





Using some of the left over scraps, I also decorated the inside of the card. I like this paper too much to throw any of it out!





Don't forget that the Sentimental Sundays challenge this week is "Thoroughly Thankful ". Please stop by and enter your Thank You or Thanksgiving card in our challenge.

Thank you for stopping by!




Supplies:
  • Images: Birdhouse Globe by KLM Designs, Celebration by Close To My Heart, (inside sentiment) Gratitude Sentiments by Raindrop Echo Designs available on Whimsy Stamps
  • Papers & CS: Neenah Crest Solar White, Papertrey dark chocolate & white CS, Cosmo Cricket Togetherness mini deck DP
  • Inks: Close To My Heart Chocolate, Distressed Inks Antique Linen
  • Tools: EK Sucess punch, paper piercing tool, Copic markers
  • Embellishments: Papertrey bakers twine, misc. buttons
  • Techniques: Ink distress, faux stitching

Challenges:

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Sentimental Sunday - #30 Thanks or Thanksgiving

The theme for this weeks Sentimental Sundays challenge is "Thanks or Thanksgiving". It gave me the perfect opportunity to share a little thank you card that I made for a blogging friend.





This is my first experiment making one of the ribbon roses that I have been seeing everywhere. It was pretty easy and I think it looks pretty good.

Please join us in the "Thanks or Thanksgiving" challenge at Sentimental Sundays.



Thank you for stopping by!






Supplies:

  • Images: You Are... by Inktegrity (digital stamp freebie)
  • Papers & CS: Papertrey kraft & vintage cream, My Mind's Eye Complete Boy
  • Inks: Distress Inks old paper, Close To My Heart Vineyard Berry
  • Tools: Spellbinders Nestabilities, Big Shot
  • Embellishments: Tattered Angles Pearl glimmer mist, misc. cranberry & brown ribbon, green leaf ribbon from Papertrey

Challenges:

Music Saves My Soul


I have something a little different this week. I have had this song stuck in my head most of the week. If you would like to play along, please link up your post on Marcea's blog.

Have a great week end and enjoy the tunes!





Friday, November 19, 2010

Meljen's Designs Warmest Wishes

Can you believe how quickly this year is going by? I can't believe it is less than a week until Thanksgiving.

This week, I have a Christmas card using Ice Skating Mouse from Meljen's Designs. I love this image because she looks so content and peaceful as she skates by.

Don't forget that you still have a lot of time to enter the "Sparkle & Shine" challenge four your chance to win some images from Meljen's Designs. We want to see your projects using glitter, rhinestones, foil, anything that blings! You can find the details on the challenge on the Meljen's Designs blog.

While you are there, you can check out the design team creations new the images just released this week. These are all available at Whimsy Stamps.

Supplies:
  • Stamps: Ice Skating Mouse by Meljen's Designs (available on Whimsy Stamps), Holiday Treats from Papertrey
  • Papers & CS: Georgia Pacific GP, Papertrey Chocolate CS, Stampin' Up Real Red CS, October Afternoon Very Merry Fill the Stockings, Wrap the Presents, & Sing the Carols
  • Inks: Close To My Heart Chocolate
  • Tools: Martha Stewart edge punch, Copic markers
  • Embellishments: Red ribbon, misc. dew drops, Sakura stardust glitter pen
  • Techniques: Paper piecing



Challenges:

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Lindsay's Stamp Stuff - Season's Greetings

This week I wanted to try a little something different on my LSS card. I paper pieced the holly image from Nature's Christmas and then used the cracked glass technique on it. I don't think the picture does it justice, it looks really pretty in real life.






I think the holly would also look really pretty covered with glitter instead of the UTEE.


If you are starting to work on your Christmas cards, make sure you check out these Lindsay's Stamp Stuff digital stamp sets. They are gorgeous, versatile and fun to work with.





Don't forget about the "Don't Shop, Crop" virtual crop in the mygrafico class room which Lindsay is hosting. It is free to join and sure to be a lot of fun. So instead of fighting the crowds on Black Friday, come spend some time at the crop. Or drop by when you are done shopping for some craft time.





Thank you for looking! Please visit the rest of the DT to see their new projects. Lindsay will have her weekly freebie available on her blog.

Lindsay Weirich (Owner & Stamp Designer)
Cindi Hooks
Diane Bove
Jennifer Bliss
Karin Martin
Laurel Seabrook
Leanne Garner
Margie Visnick
Micki Harper
Rhonda Walker
Shannon Neparko
Tamara Bennett
Tracey Allen


Supplies:



  • Images: Vintage Christmas Labels & Nature's Christmas digital stamp sets from Lindsay's Stamp Stuff (available on mygrafico.com)
  • Papers & CS: PaperTrey white CS, Close To My Heart Mistletoe DP
  • Inks: None
  • Tools: Big Shot, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Heat tool, UTEE, Stampin' Up edge punch
  • Embellishments: KaiserCraft gemstones, Close To My Heart gold satin ribbon
  • Techniques: Paper piecing, cracked glass

Challenges:



Wednesday, November 17, 2010

I'm the featured member at the Latte Lounge!

You can see it HERE if you are interested. While you are there, sign up as a member to join in the fun.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Meljen's Designs - Extra Special Release

Melissa Jenkins, artist & owner of Meljen's Designs, created a special release of digital images in honor of her father, Keith Smith, who passed away a year ago today. She designed this set to celebrate his life and love of fishing.




Melissa is giving away the Fisher Moose digital image to one winner. To enter the drawing, share one loving memory of a favorite family member or friend on the Meljen's Designs blog . You can get another chance to win by sharing another memory on the Meljen's Designs FaceBook page. The winners will be announced next Monday.

Here is a look at the entire release which is available on Whimsy Stamps.

Don't forget you still have time to enter the "Food" challenge on the Meljen's Designs blog for your chance to win some free digis. "Like" Meljen's Designs on FaceBook so you can keep track of all the new releases, DT inspiration, challenges and chances to win free Meljen's digis.

Thank you for stopping by today! Stop by the Meljen's blog to give Melissa a hug today.


Supplies:
  • Stamps: Fisher Moose by Meljens Designs, Great Day To Fish sentiments from Raindrop Echo Designs (both available on Whimsy Stamps)
  • Papers & CS: Neenah Crest solar white CS, PaperTrey kraft & dark chocolate CS, Pink Paislee Old School DP
  • Inks: Distressed Ink Old Paper
  • Tools: Copic markers, Big Shot, Spellbinders Nestabilities, My Favorite Things Die-namics Jumbo Ric-Rac, ProvoCraft Swiss dots embossing folder, PaperTrey Linen & Canvas Impression plate, Paper piercing tool
  • Techniques: Faux stitching

Challenges:

KLM Designs

Wow - I can't believe how quickly Christmas is approaching. It seems like I was just making Independence Day projects. I am trying to get my supply of Christmas cards filled out so you are going to be seeing a lot of Christmas projects from me over the next few weeks.





This little mouse comes from KLM Designs. Doesn't he look happy looking at the cheese?

Thank you for stopping by today!




Supplies:
  • Stamps: Cheesy Mouse from KLM Designs, Tree Trimming Trio from PaperTrey
  • Papers & CS: GP white CS, Neenah Crest Solar White, PTI Dark Chocolate, KaiserCraft Be Merry Collection
  • Inks: Stampin' Up Ruby Red, Distress Inks Antique Linen
  • Tools: Copic markers
  • Embellishments: KaiserCraft gemstones, misc. ribbon

Challenges:

Monday, November 15, 2010

Rosette tutorial

Several people said they would like to see a tutorial for the rosettes that I made on these cards last week. The pictures are not the best, I am taking them on Sunday night and don't have good light, but you will definitely be able to get the idea. I am using some scrap paper for my demonstration.

You will need:
Paper strip cut to 1-1/2 x 12 inches
Small circle of paper (for the bottom)
Scoring tool
Strong adhesive
Embellishment for top of rosette


The first step is to decide how wide you want the rosette. I wanted one approximately 3-inches wide, so I cut a strip of paper 1-1/2 inches wide and 12-13 inches long. If your paper is not long enough, you can connect two strips of paper to form one longer one.


If you want a rounded or fancy edge on the rosette, punch one edge of your paper strip. I used a scalloped edge punch on my rosettes.

Then score the paper to make it easier to fold. I just used my embossing tool and my paper cutter to score between each scallop.



Accordion fold your paper on each score mark. This is also a good time to cover your circle with adhesive.

Put adhesive on one end of the accordion folded paper. Pinch the sides together to make a circle.

Adhere the rosette to the adhesive covered circle to hold your rosette in shape.


Here is a peek at the back side of the rosette.



Then you can decorate the top side as you would like.


I hope this all makes sense. If you have any questions, please email me at shestamps11-blogs at yahoo dot com.

Thanks for looking!

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Sentimental Sundays #29 - Childhood

I can't believe it but my baby is turning 9 years old on Monday. Where did the time go? It seems like it was just last week when my husband and I were trying to get the nursery set up. I wanted to post a baby picture of her but don't have any in a digital format. So I'll have to settle for a picture of the 2 of us taken at the end of October. We had high tea at the Grand Floridian in Disney World. We both had such a good time (and people complimented her on her manners!). Sorry the picture quality isn't the best, but I still love it.







So, happy 9th birthday Baby! I am so proud of you!

Now I'll get to my Sentimental Sundays project. Our theme this week is "Childhood". For some reason, my brain twisted this around to "for a child". Oops.... I made a card for my daughter thinking it fit the theme until I went to post it. Good thing the SS team is fun and relaxed.




Thank you for looking! I hope you enjoy the rest of your week end. Please join us for the Sentimental Sundays Childhood challenge for your chance to win digis from Raindrop Echo Designs.
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Supplies:
  • Images: Freebie image from Sliekje Stamps
  • Papers & CS: October Afternoon Ducks In A Row, PaperTrey Dark Chocolate & White CS, Stampin' Up vellum, misc. blue
  • Inks: None
  • Tools: Stampin' Up edge punch, Copic markers, Circut, George cartridge
  • Embellishments: Hug Snug seam binding, KaiserCraft gemstones, misc. cardboard & glitter, Glossy Accents

Challenges:

Music Saves My Soul Saturday - Crazy Chick!

Crazy chick - yep that's me this week. It has been one of those crazy weeks, so what's better than putting some music you can dance around too. (Who cares if your daughter thinks you're a nut?) Can you believe this is Charlotte Church? What happened to the sweet little girl singing classical music? I guess she grew up and got crazy.





If you would like to share a song for Music Saves My Soul Saturday, be sure to link up on Marcea's blog so every one can get a chance to listen.

Friday, November 12, 2010

Meljen's Designs challenge #33 - Food

This week the Meljen's Designs DT has a fun challenge for you. The challenge is FOOD. Cupcakes, pie, Christmas pudding - you name it, we want to see it on your project!



For my project, I used the newly released Christmas Cupcake image.


Here is a peek at the all the digi images released yesterday.



All digital stamps (including these and all of the Meljen's Designs digis) are 50% off at Whimsy Stamps thru Sunday, 11-14-10, so now is the perfect time to purchase them. This cute Christmas Cupcake digi is only $1.50 right now. Melissa also release 2 stamps available exclusively in rubber through Whimsy Stamps earlier this week. Check them out while you are at the store. I am ordering Cozy Little Snowman for myself.


Please come join our FOOD CHALLENGE at the Meljen's Designs blog for your chance to win some Meljen's digis. You do not need to use a Meljen's image because we want every one to join in the fun. If you have a Meljen's Designs image, we would love to see it.



Thank you for stopping by today! Have a great week end!


Supplies:



  • Images: Christmas Cupcake from Meljen's Designs (on Whimsy Stamps), Holiday Wishes from PTI
  • Papers & CS: PTI kraft & dark chocolate CS, October Afternoon Very Merry DP, Neenah Crest Solar White
  • Inks: Stampin' Up Ruby Red
  • Tools: Stampin' Up edge punch, Copic markersEmbellishments: Hug Snug seam binding, Sakura clear stardust glitter pen, misc. gemstones

Challenges:


Thursday, November 11, 2010

Lindsay's Stamp Stuff - Christmas Cards

I had FUN making these cards. The new Homemade Holiday digital paper pack from Lindsay's Stamp Stuff is so lovely I wanted to do something that really showed off the paper. Making these fun rosettes made me feel like a kid. Remember accordion folding paper to make fans? In your comments, let me know if you would like a tutorial on how to create these rosettes.


Since I enjoyed making the first one, I made another one using some different papers.


Here is a look at the entire paper pack. (Did I mention that I love these?)



Do you like them? If so, you can get them today for 40% off. Mygrafico is having a 40% site wide sale today so you can pick these up at the Lindsay's Stamp Stuff store.



Be sure to check out the new sets too. Vintage Christmas Labels are designed to work with your Nesties and are becoming my favorite Christmas stamp set. If you don't have Nesties, they are still really easy to cut by hand. Here is a peek at this awesome set:



Be sure to visit the rest of the DT to see what they created for your this week. As always, Lindsay will have a freebie for your on her blog.


Lindsay Weirich (Owner & Stamp Designer)
Cheryl Gorka (DT Coordinator)
Diane Bove
Jennifer Bliss
Karin Martin
Laurel Seabrook
Leanne Garner
Margie Visnick
Micki Harper
Rhonda Walker
Shannon Neparko
Tamara Bennett


Thank you for stopping by!



Supplies:

  • Stamps: Tree Trimming Trio & Holiday Treats from PTI
  • Papers & CS: Homemade Holiday Paper Pack (digital paper) from Lindsay's Stamp Stuff (mygrafico.com), PTI kraft CS
  • Inks: Close To My Heart Sweet Leaf & Tulip
  • Tools: Stampin' Up border punch, Big Shot, Spellbinders Nestabilities
  • Embellishments: Jenni Bowlin buttons, Hug Snug seam binding, misc. pearls & lace


Challenges:


Wednesday, November 10, 2010

New Meljen's Designs Rubber


Jump in on the blog hop to see the new designs from Meljen's Designs, Raindrop Echo Designs, and more. Start on Chrissy's blog and get hopping!

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

KLM Designs - One of a Kind

I don't have a lot of chit chat for you today. Things are very busy and I just don't feel chatty. Don't worry, I'll make up for it on another post I'm sure. I'll get right to my card share for the day.






As soon as I saw this image from KLM Designs I knew the sentiment I wanted to use. The rest of the card came together really easily. The center flower is paper pieced using a piece of complementary DP, layered (2X), shaded with Copics, and edged with Stickles.

Thank you for stopping by today!



Supplies:
  • Images: Daisy Border from KLM Designs
  • Papers & CS: PTI white CS, Stampin' Up Close to Cocoa CS, Papaya Puree Medium from Taylored Expressions (mfg. unknown), KI Memories Paisley Parade DP
  • Inks: none
  • Tools: Stampin' Up border punch, Creative Memories corner punch, Copic markers
  • Embellishments: Diamond Stickles, Kaisercraft gemstones, K&Company gemstones, misc. ribbons

Challenges:

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Sentimental Sundays Challenge #28-Sketch

This week the Sentimental Sundays team has sketch challenge for you to try.

Here is DT member Dorcas' sketch that I worked from. Isn't it a fun one?



My card started out as an anniversary card for my husband but just looked too childish. So instead of using the "Happy Anniversary" sentiment that I had ready, I typed up this one. Now I still need to make an Anniversary card! Yikes - I'm running out of time.

I hope you will join us and use this wonderful sketch from Dorcas. Just remember to include a sentiment.

Last week I was sadly remiss in welcoming the new designers to the Sentimental Sundays team. We have a large, international team that is going to be a ton of fun and will offer you a lot of inspiration.

Meet the new designers on the Sentimental Sundays team.


A complete list of all 23 (yes 23!) designers including the senior DT can be found on the Sentimental Sundays blog.

Thank you for stopping by today! I hope to see your entry in the Sentimenal Sundays sketch challenge.

Supplies:
  • Images: Ellie digital stamp (freebie) from Tiddly Inks, Hugs & Kisses (freebie) from Wendy Colledge
  • Papers & CS: My Mind's Eye Love Nest, PTI Dark Chocolate, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White
  • Inks: None
  • Tools: Paper piercing tool, Copic Markers
  • Embellishments: Inkssentials white gel pen, Glossy Accents, PTI bakers twine, misc. button
  • Techniques: paper piecing, paper piercing

Challenges:

Mojo Anniversary

As I mentioned in my previous post, tomorrow is our 12th wedding anniversary. I used the Mojo Monday sketch 163 to give me some inspiration to make a card for DH.



This is the 3rd attempt at an anniversary card and my 2nd remake of this one. It just wasn't working for me. Thank goodness for that little spatula thingy in the Cricut tools. It works great to peel up the layers of card stock. I added some paper piercing to add a little interest.

We are planning on having a date night tonight. We are very excited to find our favorite chef opened a new Mexican fusion restaurant and I think we will be heading up to Milwaukee to check it out. (Thank you to my MIL for taking my DH overnight!)

Thank you for looking! Have a great week end!

P.S. Mojo, my muse, please come back! I miss you!

Supplies:
  • Images: Marriage Sentiments from Raindrop Echo Designs (available at Whimsy Stamps)
  • Papers & CS: October Afternoon Road Map & Fly a Kite DP, PTI kraft cs, Paper Studio black cs
  • Inks: None
  • Tools: Paper piercing tool, Copic markers, Martha Stewart edge punch
  • Embellishments: Misc. ribbons & brads

Challenges: