Thursday, September 29, 2011

Teddy Bear Cast

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It’s Thursday so it is time for the new Meljen’s Designs digi release and the new challenge. Before we get to the details on all the new stuff, I thought I would share this card that I made for the daughter of a friend of the family that broke her arm. Although I am not happy she broke her arm, I am happy that I finally get to use this cute digi.


The new challenge this week is “Shapes - use a Square AND a Circle”. Stop by the Meljen’s Designs blog to see the challenge rules, link up your project and see the DT inspiration projects.

I most likely will not be around much over the next week. I am having my foot surgery later today and I am not too sure of how my short term recovery period will be. I have a few posts scheduled in advance to keep you entertained.

Thank you for stopping by!

Supplies:

  • Stamps: Teddy Bear Cast (digital image) by Meljen’s Designs available at Whimsy Stamps
  • Inks: None
  • Papers: Neenah Crest solar white CS, Papertrey kraft CS, Bazzill Basics CS, My Mind’s Eye Fine and Dandy Tickled Pink paper pad
  • Tools: Sewing machine, Big Shot, Provo Craft Swiss Dots & Seeing spots embossing folders, Martha Stewart edge punch, Copic markers
  • Embellishments: Sakura stardust gelly roll pen, Close To My Heart star dust glitz, Hug Snug seam binding, misc. button & crochet lace, Papertrey silk ribbon

Challenges:

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Ballerina Bear

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Today I have another card made with a sweet image from Whimsy and Stars Studio. Have I mentioned how much I love Mabelle’s adorable images? This teddy is so sweet!

Don’t forget that the Whimsy and Stars Studio Christmas images will be available in a couple of weeks and I can’t wait to show them to you.

Stop by the Whimsy and Stars Studio blog to see what the rest of the DT has been up to.

Thank you for stopping by!

Supplies:

  • Stamps: Ballerina Teddy (digital stamp) from Whimsy and Stars Studio, Just the Ticket from Paper Trey
  • Inks: Close To My Heart Blush & Sorbet, Distress Inks Antique Linen, R20 & R21 Copic ink
  • Papers: Neenah Crest solar white CS, Paper Trey kraft CS, Echo Park Victoria Gardens paper pad
  • Tools: Copic markers, sewing machine, Stampin’ Up edge punch
  • Embellishments: Hug Snug white seam binding, Ranger Petal Pink liquid pearls, Close To My Heart Glitz, Paper Studio gemstones, Fireworks Angel Pink spray, misc. pink tulle

Challenges:

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Step Out Of Your Comfort Zone!

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“Step Out Of Your Comfort Zone!” is the new challenge on the Sentimental Sundays blog. We would love to see you try something different than your usual style or type of projects. Don’t forget to include a sentiment. Please tell us how you stepped out of your comfort zone in your blog post.

For my project, I was inspired by a card created by my talented friend Maria of Crafty Cre8tions. You can see her card HERE. Look, I only have 1 layer on top of the base and the card is pretty clean and simple. No buttons, digis, Copics or stitching either. This card took me only about 15 minutes compared to my usual couple of hours per card. I could get used to this!

This pretty butterfly is from some wonderful blog candy that I won from Tereza Crump. You can see her blog HERE and her Etsy store HERE. I colored it using Tsukineko’s Fireworks mist and love the way it looks.

Today we attended the annual fund raiser for my daughter’s school. The PTO did a really great job. There was a silent auction with gift baskets put together by each class and donations from families and local businesses. They also had a mini carnival with tons of games and prizes for the kids, a really good face painter, those big, blow up jumpy houses and slides, a cake walk, snacks, drinks and sandwiches, a bake sale and a dunk tank where all the teachers and the school administrator took a turn on the hot (or should I say “wet”) seat. It was a good time!

I hope you will join the Sentimental Sundays team in our “Step Out Of Your Comfort Zone” challenge. Stop by the Sentimental Sundays blog to see how the rest of the DT is stepping outside their comfort zones.

Thank you for stopping by!

Supplies:

  • Stamps: Unknown Butterfly, Take Flight from Gina K Designs
  • Inks: Close To My Heart Chocolate & Cranberry inks
  • Papers: Papertrey kraft CS, book page
  • Tools: Big Shot, Provo Craft Seeing Spots embossing folder, sponge
  • Embellishments: Misc. twine, Lady Bug Fireworks mist

Challenges:

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Music Saves My Soul 9-24-11

 

Happy Saturday!  I can’t believe I almost forgot to get my post ready this week.  Too much going on!   If you would like to play along and share a song, link up your post on Marcea’s blog.

I love the 80’s/Joy Division sound to the song I’m sharing today.  Sorry I couldn’t find a better video.  I decided to go for the one that had the better song quality.

 

 

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a great week end!

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Monster-ific Birthday

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I love little monster that I used on my card for the new Meljen’s Designs sketch challenge. I used one of the new images called Fuzzer the Monster. I kept trying to color him to look fuzzy and just wasn’t getting the look I wanted. I finally had my “Aha!” moment and pulled out the Fun Flock. Still not satisfied, I colored some spare “spots” and embossed them to get the bumpy texture. Now I love how he turned out.

The new Meljen’s Designs challenge is a sketch designed by our teamie, Dianna. You can see the rest of the DT’s creations and link up your project on the Meljen’s Designs blog.

And here is a look at the images being released today. You can find these in the Meljen’s Designs store. These images are perfect for all those cards for boys!

Thank you for stopping by! Have a great day!

Supplies:

  • Stamps: Fuzzer the Monster (digital stamp) by Meljen’s Designs
  • Inks: None
  • Papers: Neenah Crest solar white CS, Paper Studios black CS, October Afternoon Night Light DP
  • Tools: Sewing machine, Big Shot, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Provo Craft Mesh Texture embossing folder, Copic markers
  • Embellishments: Close To My Heart white fun flock, DMC floss, misc. buttons

Challenges:

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Winner, Winner

Thank you to every one that entered into my blog candy drawing. I really enjoyed reading your comments about what you love best about Halloween. Thank you too for all the well wishes for my upcoming foot surgery.

I used random.org to pick the winner. The lucky winner is ….

Fullscreen capture 9202011 80140 PM

#22 – Linda C.

Linda C., Please send me your mailing address at shestamps11-blogs at yahoo dot com and I will get your prize in the mail.

Thank you!


Halloween Blog Candy!


** This post will stay on top until 9-20-2011. Please scroll down to see new posts. **

I wasn’t planning on offering blog candy this month, BUT I messed up and ordered 2 Apothecary Emporium paper pads. With Halloween coming up soon, I thought I would offer it up as blog candy now so that the winner will have time to use it to make some creepy, fun projects.

The blog candy consists of these two Halloween related items, a Echo Park Apothecary Emporium 6x6 paper pad and a brand new Sleepy Hollow DVD. (You can click on the images for more information.)

 

The blog candy will end on September 20th and I will use Random.org to pick the winner. I am having foot surgery at the end of September and I won’t be able to drive for 4 weeks so I want to be able to get this to the post office before then.

 

So what do you have to do to get a chance to win my Halloween candy?

  1. Be a follower of my blog
  2. Enter your info in the Linky tool below
  3. Leave a comment telling me what you love best about Halloween, what was your favorite costume, or just saying “Hi”.

Easy peasy! Good luck!




Nuts!

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A few weeks ago, Mabelle let the DT pick out a few digis from her store. I swear I wanted every digi there but I knew I had to have this squirrel. There is just something about this image that makes me smile. I wish the squirrels around my house were this cute instead of chewing holes in my bird feeders.

Mabelle just shared with us a peek of the Christmas digis that she will be putting on the store on October 18th. They are soooooo cute! Once again, I don’t know how to pick…. Make sure you stop back here and the Whimsy and Stars Studio blog to check them out on October 18th!

Thank you for stopping by!

Supplies:

  • Stamps: Acorn Squirrel (digital stamp) from Whimsy and Stars Studio, Trees, Birds & Messages from Hero Arts
  • Inks: Close To My Heart Chocolate, Distressed Inks Frayed Burlap
  • Papers: Neenah Crest solar white CS, Papertrey dark chocolate CS, Close To My Heart Boom-Di-Ada DP pack
  • Tools: Sewing machine, Big Shot, Stampin’ Up Edge Punch, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic markers
  • Embellishments: Misc. twine & button

Challenges:

Sunday, September 18, 2011

We’re going MONOCHROME!

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The new Sentimental Sundays challenge is MONOCHROME (with a sentiment)! This one was a bit of a challenge for me. I generally try to avoid monochrome projects because they intimidate me. But I gave this one a try and am pretty happy with the results.

I’m going to keep this post short since I am late getting it up. Drop by the Sentimental Sundays blog to see the other fabulous MONOCHROME (with a sentiment) creations from the rest of the DT and download your free sentiment set from Ann Vento of Raindrop Echo Designs. I can’t wait to see your MONOCHROME project.

Have a great day!

Supplies:

  • Stamps: Sympathy (digital sentiment) by Ann Vento of Raindrop Echo Designs
  • Inks: Copic reinkers (to die ribbon) &
  • Papers: Papertrey white CS, Bazzil Basics CS, Pink Paislee Think Big & Imagine from the 365-degree collection
  • Tools: Sewing machine, Big Shot, Spellbinders nestabilities dies
  • Embellishments: Ranger Liquid Pearls, Hug Snug cream seam binding, lace

Challenges:

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Music Saves My Soul

I had a hard time picking a song this week.  I think it because I just have too much going on right now and haven’t really been paying attention when I’ve been playing music.   In the end, I decided to post a cover of Nick Drake’s “Cello Song”.  I have always loved this song and find it relaxing. 

 

 

If you would like to play along, link up your blog post with your musical pick on Marcea’s blog.

Have a great weekend!  Thank you for stopping by.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Pumpkins & Paper Piercing

Halloween is creeping closer! Are you getting ready? My daughter is already planning her costume. Right now, she is asking to be Medusa. I need to try to figure out how to make Medusa-like snake hair. (If you have any ideas, let me know! I’m sure I’ll be combing the internet in the next few weeks.)

Keeping in the Halloween spirit, I made a card using the new Pumpkin Pile image to make a card for the new Meljen’s Designs challenge, PAPER PIERCING. (not paper piecing). I know it doesn’t show up very well in the photo, but I pierced along the edges of both pieces of DP.

Stop by the Meljen’s Designs blog to see the creations from the rest of the DT and join in our PAPER PIERCING challenge.

Don’t forget to check out my Halloween Blog Candy!

Thank you for stopping by!

Supplies:

  • Stamps: Pumpkin Pile (digital image) by Meljen’s Designs
  • Inks: Stampin’ Up Basic Black ink pad & ink refill
  • Papers: Neenah Crest CS, Paper Studio black CS, misc. orange CS, BasicGrey Eerie DP
  • Tools: Paper piercing tool, Big Shot, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic markers
  • Embellishments: Cheese cloth, Black Diamond Stickles, Sakura stardust gelly roll pen, American Craft Chit Chat glitter letter stickers

Challenges:

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

It’s Beginning to Look Like Fall!

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I can’t remember if I have mentioned it before, but autumn is my favorite time of the year. The fresh, crisp breeze, the fall colors, the sky which is a color of blue you don’t see any other time of the year, the pumpkins and apples, hay rides, bonfires… I could go on and on. While I was feeling inspired by the season, I decided to make a card using Acorns Pumpkin Teddy. Doesn’t he just epitomize the spirit of the season?

After coloring Teddy, I decided I didn’t like any of the papers I had on had so I ran to my LSS to pick up some new papers. I added some cork and dyed seam binding that I had on hand. The border was die cut from a Starbucks coffee sleeve and colored using Maya mist. I know it is hard to tell in the picture but it is brown with a metallic gold gleam.

Did you see Mabelle’s exciting announcement last week? She is going to start selling some of her images as rubber stamps through her Etsy store. I know some of you will really love this! You can see the announcement on the Whimsy and Stars Studio blog.

Thank you for stopping by! Please stop by the Whimsy and Stars Studio blog and check out some of the lovely creations from the rest of the DT.

Supplies:

  • Stamps: Acorns Pumpkin Teddy (digital stamp) from Whimsy Stars & Stamps Studio
  • Inks: None
  • Papers: Neenah Crest CS, Papertrey kraft & dark chocolate CS, American Crafts Night Fall DP
  • Tools: Sewing machine, Big Shot, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Papertrey edge die, Copic markers
  • Embellishments: Latte Metallic Maya Mist, distressed Hug Snug seam binding, Papertrey button twine, Starbucks coffee sleeve, cork, misc. button

Challenges:

Monday, September 12, 2011

I’ve been a bad blogging friend

I have been a bad blogging friend. Although my birthday was last month, I haven’t yet posted the cards I received from some of my on-line friends. So I am going to rectify that immediately!

2011-09-11 friends cards

The adorable birdie card is from Karin. You can visit her blog and see the details on this card HERE.

The fabulous card with the lady holding the cocktail is from Maria. You can visit her blog HERE.

The sweet cupcake card is from my friend Joy. I haven’t talked her into a blog yet, but you never know….

Thank you to every one who sent emails, Facebook messages and good wishes on my birthday.

Have a great day!

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Where were you?

I wanted to take a moment on the anniversary of that tragic day in September 2001 to reflect. Looking at the videos from that day and the aftermath still brings tears to my eyes.

I was 7 months pregnant and when I walked into my office in Pewaukee, no one was at their desks. Some one told me every one was in the conference room because a plane flew into the World Trade Towers and they were watching the news on the TV back there. I put my purse and stuff down and walked into the conference room just in time to see the 2nd plane hit. I couldn’t believe what my eyes were seeing.

My thoughts and prayers go out for all the family members that lost someone that day and for the survivors of that horrible attack.

Saturday, September 10, 2011

A is for Autumn and Apples!

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It’s Sunday so it is time for a new Sentimental Sundays challenge. This week our challenge is “Autumn”. Don’t forget to include a sentiment!

For my card I inked up a House Mouse stamp that I had stashed away. I get so used to using digital images that I sometimes forget that I have some rubber laying around. I love to go apple picking with my family in the fall. We have fun trying all different varieties of apples, posing for cheesy photos, and just goofing around. Of course we also love the fresh donuts and apple cider shakes they sell there too. This little guy reminds me of all the fun that we will have in the not to distant future when we head to the apple orchard.

I planned on chatting on a while more but things got a bit hectic with a sick dog, an emergency trip to the vet, and mopping the floor numerous times. I’ll save you the details and postpone my chit chat for a better day.

I hope you will join the Sentimental Sundays team and link up your “Autumn” themed project (with a sentiment). Be sure to stop by the Sentimental Sundays blog to see the projects created by my talented teamies.

Have a great day!

Supplies:

  • Stamps: An Apple a Day (Hop It) from House Mouse Designs and Worldwide Thank You Ticket Sentiments (digital stamp) by Raindrop Echo Designs at Whimsy Stamps
  • Inks: none
  • Papers: Papertrey kraft & dark chocolate CS, Neenah Crest CS, Cosmo Cricket Circa 1934 mini deck
  • Tools: Sewing machine, Stampin’ Up edge punch, Copic markers
  • Embellishments: Twinery baker’s twine, misc button

Challenges:

Music Saves My Soul

Hurray!  The weekend is here!  I don’t know why but 4 day work weeks always seem extra long,instead of shorter.  Maybe because we are trying to cram the same about of work in one less day…

Here is my pick for the week – a new song and video by Madi Diaz.    If you would like to play along and share a tune,  be sure to link up your blog post on Marcea’s blog.

 

 

If you like this song, you can download free at http://www.madidiaz.com/

 

Thank you for stopping by!

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Go Badgers!

On, Wisconsin! On, Wisconsin!
Plunge right through that line!
Run the ball clear down the field,
A touchdown sure this time. (U rah rah)
On, Wisconsin! On, Wisconsin!
Fight on for her fame
Fight! Fellows! - fight, fight, fight!
We'll win this game.

(Click here if you would like to hear “On Wisconsin!”, the Wisconsin Badger’s fight song)

The new Meljen’s Designs challenge is “All Things Sporty”. Of course I couldn’t resist coloring up this teddy to be a Badgers fan.

Sports Fan Teddy can be colored to be a fan of your favorite team for any sport and works great with the “We’re #1” freebie sentiment available on the Meljen’s Designs blog. Sports Fan Teddy and Little Football Boy are both new to the Meljen’s Designs store today.

Don’t forget to stop by the Meljen’s Designs blog to see if you were one of the lucky winners from the blog hop last week.

Thank you for stopping by!

Supplies:

  • Stamps: Sports Fan Teddy (digital image) by Meljen’s Designs
  • Inks: None
  • Papers: Neenah Crest solar white CS, Paper Studio black CS, Jillibean Soup Blossom Soup paper pad (Striped paper made with scrap white CS & black Sharpie)
  • Tools: Copic markers
  • Embellishments: Sakura stardust gelly roll pen, The Twinery bakers twine, misc. cork, rick rack, button

Challenges:

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Pumpkin Kitty

A couple of weeks ago when I was running errands and picking up things my daughter needed for school, I stopped in the Yankee Candle store. Since they were having a fabulous sale on their candles, I picked up a few to alter and donate to my daughter’s school for their fall auction and fundraiser.

This is the first candle I have completed. It is a yummy smelling Frosted Pumpkin one. I added some ribbon to the top of the candle and added a tag using the new Pumpkin Kitty image from Whimsy and Stars Studios.

The new Fall Digis, including Pumpkin Kitty, are arriving in the Whimsy and Stars Studio store today! You can also see the projects created by the DT using the new images on the Whimsy and Stars Studio blog.

Thank you for stopping by!

Supplies:

  • Stamps: Pumpkin Kitty (digital image) from Whimsy Stars & Stamps, All Year Cheer from Stampin’ Up
  • Inks: Memento tuxedo black
  • Papers: Papertrey kraft CS, Echo Park Apothecary Emporium paper pad
  • Tools: Cricut, Tags, Bags, & Boxes cartridge, Copic markers, Stampin’ Up edge punch
  • Embellishments: Annabelle Stamps Metallic Black Currant 3mm sprinkles, the Twinery bakers twine, misc. ribbon , button, gemstones

Challenges:

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Fight Like A Girl!

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The new Sentimental Sundays challenge is “Thinking of You” or “Sympathy” with a sentiment. A friend of mine was recently diagnosed with breast cancer so I made this card to let her know that she is in my thoughts.

I used an MFT sketch for inspiration.

You can link up your “Thinking of You/Sympathy” (with a sentiment) project at the Sentimental Sundays blog. While you are there, you can check out the projects created by the rest of the DT.

Thank you for stopping by!

Supplies:

  • Stamps: Fight Like A Girl (digital stamp set) from Whimsie Doodles
  • Inks: None
  • Papers: Papertrey kraft & dark chocolate CS, misc. pink CS, Neenah Crest solar white, Echo Park Life Is Good DP
  • Tools: Sewing machine, Copic makers
  • Embellishments: Paper Studio pink gemstones

Challenges:

Music Saves My Soul

I have a new song to share this week.  I just found this artist after I signed up on Spotify and really enjoyed listening to her album.   If you would like to play along, link up your blog post on Marcea’s blog.

 

Don’t forget to check out my Halloween blog candy while you are here.


 

Have a great week end!

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Hey Gnomies! Welcome to the Meljen’s Designs blog hop!

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** Please scroll down for my Whimsy and Stars Studio post **

Welcome to the first stop on the Meljen’s Designs blog hop!

There are exciting things going on at Meljen’s Designs! First, Melissa is opening a brand new store for all the Meljen’s Designs digital and precolored images. You can check the new store out HERE and save 50% on your purchase during the duration of the hop.

Since this is a celebration, we have PRIZES! Be sure to visit each stop on the hop, including the final stop, the Meljen’s Design blog. The GRAND PRIZE winner will be chosen from the comments left at the final stop and will get to choose three images of their choice from the new shop! 3 additional winners will get to pick one digital image from the Artsy images being released today. All winners will be announce on September 8th on the Meljen’s Designs blog.

For my project, I used an older image that I just love but hadn’t yet worked with. Isn’t this gnome sweet? I just want to pinch is cheek. I paper pieced his hat and added a felt flower. I took some inspiration from an old WOJ sketch.

To go along with the new images, we also have a new challenge. The challenge for this week is “No Designer paper”, use just cardstock. You can link up your creation on the Meljen’s Designs blog.

That is all the new and exciting news so let me tell you what is going to remain the same.

  • You will still be able to get all the Meljen’s Designs RUBBER STAMPS at Whimsy Stamps. (HERE)
  • New releases will still be every Thursday. You can see them at the Meljen’s Designs blog and will be able to purchase them in the new store.
  • The Meljen’s Designs challenges will continue as usual every Thursday. You will be able to find all the information on the latest challenge on the Meljen’s Designs blog.
  • There will still be freebies on Mondays. (They will be offered on the blog and in the store.)

I won’t keep you here any longer. The next stop on the hop is the talented Darsie’s blog.

While you are here, you might want to check out my Halloween blog candy.


Thank you for hopping by!

Supplies:

  • Stamps: Beardy Gnome (digital image) from Meljen’s Designs, Just the Ticket from Papertrey
  • Inks: Close To My Heart Juniper
  • Papers: Papertrey kraft & dark chocolate CS, Neenah Crest CS, My Mind’s Eye Stella & Rose Hattie paper pad
  • Tools: Sewing machine, Big Shot, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Papertrey ticket die, Tim Holtz Alterations Tattered florals die, Copic markers, Stapler
  • Embellishments: DMC floss, Marvy Twinklette gold pen, Stampin’ Up ribbon, misc. felt, dew drop, buttons, twine, staples
  • Techniques: Distressing, paper piecing (on hat)

Challenges:

Boo to you!

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I am excited to join the Whimsy and Stars Studio design team. Today we are introducing the Fall & Winter Design Team and giving you a peek at the new Fall digi images that will be available in the store on September 6th.

Whimsy & Stars Studio Fall & Winter Design Team:

Returning team members:

New team members:

I have really fallen in love if Mabelle’s images. If you aren’t familiar with Whimsy & Stars Studio, you can check out all the adorable images in the Etsy store HERE. You might also want to sign up to follow the Whimsy and Stars Studio blog and join the Facebook group.

I had a hard time picking which image to start with because they were all so cute. I finally decided to use Halloween Girl first. Isn’t she sweet?

Did you notice that I am following through with my resolution to color more images of people? Have you noticed they are all blonde? I think I gravitate towards giving them all blonde hair because my daughter and I are both blondes. My DH used to be blonde but his hair has darkened to brown through the years. My next resolution is to try different hair colors. Thank goodness there are a lot of great tutorials out there!

While you are here, don’t forget to check out my Halloween blog candy and my Meljen’s Designs blog hop post!

Thank you for stopping by! Have a great day!

Supplies:

  • Stamps: Halloween Girl (digital stamp) from Whimsy and Stars Studio, Halloween Ticket Sentiments (digital stamp) from Raindrop Echo Designs on Whimsy Stamps
  • Inks: Close To My Heart Autumn Terracotta ink
  • Papers: Papertrey kraft CS, Paper Studio black CS, Neenah Crest solar white CS, Cosmo Cricket Matilda mini deck, dictionary page
  • Tools: Sewing machine, Big Shot, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic markers
  • Embellishments: Black jute ribbon from Really Reasonable Ribbon, The Twinery bakers twine, misc ribbon and buttons, Sakura gellyroll stardust pen

Challenges: