Saturday, October 29, 2011

Music Saves My Soul–Halloween Style

 

I had to pick a goth inspired song to share this Halloween weekend.  It’s an oldie, but I’ve always liked it.

 

 

 

Have a great week end!

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Sweet Little Chickadees

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The weather around here had turned a bit cold and the birds are flocking to my bird feeders. Although we have a few black capped chickadees year round, we have more of these adorable little birds in the cold months. They are so cute and make the funniest sound.

Seeing the chickadees back at my feeder inspired me to use this image, Cozy Little Chickadees, from Meljen’s Designs to make a Christmas card. (Yes, another one done!)

I love the DP that I used. I think it looks perfect for Christmas. I don’t think it was designed for Christmas since the coordinating stamp set had butterflies and such. Oh well, I like it better as Christmas paper. The colors are perfect.

I made my own embellishments for this card. The ribbon was winter white Hug Snug seam binding that I dyed using my BG72 Copic ink refill and some Glimmer mist. The snowflakes were punched out of vellum, covered with Versa mark ink and then embossed using Ranger Bridal Embossing Tinsel. (They look even prettier in real life!) I finished them off by coloring some clear gemstones with my BG75 Copic marker so that they would coordinate with the paper.

My card also fits the new Meljen’s Designs challenge, which is HOLIDAY – CHRISTMAS. Melissa is releasing some new images to the store today that are perfect for the challenge. Here is a little looksee. Stop by the Meljen’s Designs blog to see what some of the DT has created using these cuties.

Thank you to every one that wished me good luck. Woo hoo! I am able to wear a regular shoe and drive again. Hurray!

Thank you for stopping by!

Supplies:

  • Stamps: Cozy Little Chickadees (digital image) by Meljen’s Designs, Just the Ticket & Signature Christmas by Papertrey
  • Inks: Close To My Heart Juniper, New England Ivy, Sweet Leaf inks, Versa Mark ink, Copic BG72 and 00 ink refill
  • Papers: Neenah Crest solar white, Papertrey kraft CS, misc. green CS, Close To My Heart Wings & Veranda paper packs, Stampin’ Up vellum
  • Tools: Sewing machine, EK Success snow flake punches, Fiskars edge punch, Copic markers, heat tool
  • Embellishments: Hug Snug winter white seam binding, Papertrey button, , Tattered Angels Pearl glimmer mist, Paper Studio gem stone, Frosted Lace Stickles, Clear glitter Spica pen, misc twine & lace

Challenges:

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

The Angel Felicity

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I was able to finish a few more Christmas cards over the week end. This is the first one that I have to share with my blogging friends. This card uses the lovely image, Felicity, from Whimsy & Stars Studio. I made 2 cards using this same image and papers and they are so different. I’ll post the 2nd card later this week.

I am hoping that my doctor will release me to drive on Wednesday. Keep your fingers crossed for me! Also on Wednesday, we are going to a family Halloween party at my daughter’s school. It is always a lot of fun. There is a haunted trail behind the school in the trees, trick or treating down one of the wings of the school, the gym is filled with games and activities, and there are snacks in the cafeteria. It is always fun seeing how much fun the kids have. The kids have off school on Thursday and Friday.

Have a great day! Thank you for stopping by!

Supplies:

  • Stamps: Felicity (digital stamp) from Whimsy and Stars Studio, Signature Christmas from Papertrey
  • Inks: Distress Inks Old Paper, Close To My Heart Cranberry
  • Papers: Neenah Crest solar white CS, Papertrey kraft CS, Bazzill Basics red CS, Echo Park Season’s Greetings paper pad
  • Tools: Sewing machine, Big Shot, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Papertrey Damask Snowflake Christmas die, Clear Dollar Stamps Tab & Tags die, Copic markers
  • Embellishments: Papertrey silk ribbon, misc. button & pearls, Marvy Twinklette gold glitter pen, Crystal Stickles, Studio G red glitter glue, Marvy Liquid Applique

Challenges:

Monday, October 24, 2011

Halloween Treat Bags

I just have a quick project to share with you today. I wanted to make up a few Halloween treat bags. I had these black lunch style bags from my blogging friend Maria of Crafty Cre8tions that I wanted to use.

Since I only had a little bit of time, I wanted to try to put together something relatively quick. I had these cute clip art images from Dover Publications that I printed out. (You can sign up on their blog for free, weekly samples.) I also used some doilies, embellies, and papers scraps that I had laying around my craft room. I added a Vintage Halloween Label from Lindsay’s Stamp Stuff. With the shading on the image, it was a snap to color these and cut them out using Nesties.

Don’t forget you still have time to enter the Halloween challenge at Sentimental Sundays.

Thank you stopping by! Have a great day!

Supplies:

  • Images: Vintage Halloween Clip Art from Dover Publications, Vintage Halloween Labels by Lindsay’s Stamp Stuff on Mygrafico
  • Papers: Echo Park Apothecary Emporium, Georgia Pacific CS
  • Inks: Distress Inks in Antique Linen & Tea Dye
  • Tools: Big Shot, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic markers
  • Embellishments: misc. doilies, twine, buttons, brads, plastic spiders etc.

Challenges:

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Sentimental Sundays–Halloween

It’s Sunday so it is time for another Sentimental Sundays challenge. The theme for our challenge this week is “Halloween” – don’t forget to include a sentiment.

The challenge sponsor, Whimsie Doodles, was kind enough to give the DT some images to use for the challenge. When I saw this image, I wanted to try to make a shaped card.

Stop by the Sentimental Sundays blog to see the creations from the rest of the DT. Link up your card for a chance to win the prize from Whimsie Doodles.

This challenge is a bit sad for me as it will be my last challenge as a member of the Sentimental Sundays team. The DT is a wonderful group of ladies and I have really enjoyed working with them.

Thank you for stopping by!

Supplies:

  • Stamps: Halloween Hootenannies (digital stamp) by Whimsie Doodles
  • Inks: Close To My Heart Honey ink, Stampin’ Up Old Olive & Pumpkin Pie inks, Distress Inks Frayed Burlap
  • Papers: Papertrey kraft & dark chocolate CS, Close To My Heart Olivia paper pack
  • Tools: Big Shot, ProvoCraft Swiss Dots & Script Texture embossing folders, Sizzix Tim Holtz Alterations wood grain embossing folder
  • Embellishments: Misc. button & raffia, October Afternoon Mini Market kraft & black alpha stickers

Challenges:

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Music Saves My Soul

It’s time for another Music Saves My Soul Saturday which gives me the opportunity to share a song with you.   If you would like to play along with us, link up your blog post containing a link to the video to your pick on Marcea’s blog.

 

I really like this song but am not too wild about the video.  Let me know what you think?

 

Thank you for stopping by!

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Counting Crows

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Hello my blogging friends! Our beautiful autumn weather has turned cold, windy, and rainy. Yesterday I had a flock of blue birds stop by my back yard for awhile. They didn’t see to like to weather much either. I was surprised to see that any were still around since most have already migrated. I’m sure they will be on their way south soon.

The weather doesn’t seem to be bothering the crows. I can see them out picking through what is left in the field next to our house. I wish they looked as cute as “Farmer Crow”.

My card fits the new Meljen’s Designs challenge which is “RED & GOLD”. These colors are perfect for autumn or Christmas. I can’t see what you make. Link up your creation on the Meljen’s Designs blog.

Before I go, here is a look at the new images going into the store today.

Do you love Melissa’s images and want to join the Meljen’s Designs DT? You still have time to submit your application to join our fun team! Check out THIS POST on the Meljen’s Designs blog for details. The deadline for applications is Monday, October 24th, 8 a.m. eastern time.

Thank you for stopping by!

Supplies:

  • Stamps: Farmer Crow (digital stamp) by Meljen’s Designs
  • Inks: Distress Inks Antique Linen & Frayed Burlap
  • Papers: Neenah Crest solar white CS, Papertrey kraft & dark chocolate CS, My Mind’s Eye Stella & Rose Gertie paper pad
  • Tools: Sewing machine, Copic markers, Martha Stewart circle punch
  • Embellishments: October Afternoon Farm Fresh word stickers, Papertrey button twine, burlap, misc buttons

Challenges:

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Jolly Christmas with Whimsy & Stars Studios

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It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Today the Whimsy & Stars Studio’s DT is showing off the new Christmas themed images going in to the shop. I decided to work with the Jolly Girl digital stamp.

Here is a look at the Christmas images. They all are available as digi stamps except #4 which is only available in rubber. Additionally, you can also purchase a digi of just the adorable reindeer from #9.

If you are having a hard time deciding which of these sweet images to purchase, Mabelle is having a sale so you can get one free digi of your choice when you purchase 2 digis. How great is that? (Sale through December 10, 2011 – see the Whimsy and Stars Studio blog for details.)

Stop by the Whimsy and Stars Studio blog to see what the rest of the DT has made with these Christmas sweeties!

Thank you for stopping by!

Supplies:

  • Stamps: Jolly Girl (digital stamp) by Whimsy & Stars Studios
  • Inks: Antique Linen Distress Ink
  • Papers: Neenah Crest solar white CS, Papertrey kraft CS, Bazzill Basics red CS, Lily Bee Design Jingle Tiny Tablet
  • Tools: Sewing machine, Big Shot, Papertrey Damask Snowflake die, Spellbinders nestabilities, Copic markers
  • Embellishments: Stampendous white Fun Flock, Turkey Red Hug Snug seam binding, Studio 18 gemstones, Merlot Memories Mists, Pearl Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist, Marvy Twinklette gold glitter marker, Sakura Stardust clear glitter gelly roll pen, misc. jingle bells, lace, & cord

Challenges:

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Special Release–Breast Cancer Awareness stamps by Meljen’s Designs

In honor of all of the brave people out there who have had Breast Cancer touch their lives, Melissa decided to create two special digital stamps.

These are available in the Meljen’s Designs shop.

Music Saves My Soul

Hello!  Happy Saturday! 

I have a gorgeous song from Grace Potter to share today.   I love this song.  I wish I could find a better video, but this live version was the best I could find.

 

 

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!  Thank you for stopping by!

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Cozy Owl Christmas

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Another Christmas card done! Have you started yours? I envy the people that have been working on them all year. I know I will come up short and have to send out (dare I say it?) store bought cards. Oh well, I will continue working on them as much as I can over the next couple of months. (Eeks –Can you believe Christmas is only a couple of months away?)

This is another Meljen’s Designs image that I loved as soon as I saw it. For what ever reason, I didn’t have time to use it before now so I am happy to finally have the chance to color him up.

By the way, are you a fan of Meljen’s Designs images? Did you see there is a DT call going on right now? We are looking for a few fun and talented people to join the team. You can find all the details on this post.

Since it is Thursday, Melissa is releasing some new images into the shop. Here’s a look at them. If you would like to see some projects using them, stop by the Meljen’s Designs blog. The DT has some projects ready for the new challenge (Ribbon) using these new images.

I hope you will join the Meljen’s Designs “Ribbon” challenge this week!

Thank you for stopping by!

Supplies:

  • Stamps: Cozy Winter Owl (digital stamps) by Meljen’s Designs, Holiday Wishes by Papertrey
  • Inks: Close To My Heart Cranberry ink
  • Papers: Neenah Crest solar white CS, Papertrey kraft CS, Close To My Heart Mistletoe paper pack
  • Tools: Copic markers, Cricut, Pretty Packaging SVG file from Lindsay Stamp Stuff on mygrafico.com
  • Embellishments: Stampendous Fun Flock, Crystal Stickles, Winter White Hug Snug seam binding, Kaiser gem stones, Tatter Angels glimmer mist

Challenges:

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Pumpkins

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Wisconsin has been a great place to be over the last few weeks. The weather is wonderful, the autumn leaves look gorgeous, and all the sports teams are doing great! It has been perfect weather for pumpkin and apple picking, bonfires and hay rides. All these things inspired me to use Alex’s Pumpkin (digital image) by Whimsy & Stars Studio. It sure looks like he is enjoying our great autumn weather.

A few months ago, I made a promise to myself to start coloring more images of people. This image is a couple of first for me – my first time coloring a boy image, and my first time coloring hair other than blonde. What do you think?

I also wanted to share some of the Halloween decorations my hubby put up this weekend. Although we have the usual graves, cob webs, spiders and skeletons, I really love what he did here.

It looks like these skeletons are going to break into my craft room! Keep your boney hands off my crafting supplies! I have a hot glue gun and I’m not afraid to use it! (Okay, maybe I am a little afraid since I burn myself every time I use it, but we won’t let these guys know.)

Make sure you stop back next Tuesday, October 18th, to see all the Whimsy & Stars Studios’ Christmas digi stamps. They are all so cute you just might want them all. I know I do!

Thank you for stopping by!

Supplies:

  • Stamps: Alex’s Pumpkin (digital stamp) by Whimsy and Stars Studios
  • Inks: None
  • Papers: Neenah Crest solar white CS, Paper Studio black CS, Papertrey kraft CS, American Crafts Night Fall DP
  • Tools: Sewing machine, Copic markers
  • Embellishments: Papertrey button twine, Close To My Heart button

Challenges:

Monday, October 10, 2011

Meljen’s Designs DT Call!

The following has been copied from the Meljen’s Designs blog.

HERE IT IS, what you have been waiting for! An official, public, DESIGN TEAM CALL! If you have been interested in getting on the Meljen's Team, now is your chance to apply!

Please send the following to:

nicole.anderson@insightbb.com

a. Your blog addy
b. 3-4 jpegs of some creations that reflect your style
c. A link to your SplitCoastStampers account, if you have one
d. A bio of yourself and WHY you feel you would be a good addition to Melissa's team!
Please try to include creations using Melissa's images! That helps for sure!

What can you expect? ALL of Melissa's images free for the duration of your term. You will need to supply us with ONE creation a week, every other week using a new-release image and incorporating the challenge of the week. easy peasy! Of course you need to post your creation on your blog each week as well! Your term is as long as you want! Once you get on, it's your choice when to leave!

I look forward to the applications! However, if you don't follow the above guidelines, you will NOT be considered for a position, so PLEASE be sure to submit everything asked!

Deadline is: MONDAY, October 24th, 8am eastern time!

Be there or be square! GOOD LUCK!

I LOVE working with Melissa’s digital stamps and hope you will consider joining our team. Check out the Meljen’s Designs blog for more information.

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Sentimental Sundays Challenge 76 - Anything Goes

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Woo hoo! I was able to get into my craft room for a little bit this week. On Friday I was able to hobble upstairs, prop up my foot with some ice, and made this card!

The Sentimental Sundays team has a great challenge for you this week. Our theme for Challenge 76 is ANYTHING GOES with a sentiment. We have a great sponsor this week too – Meljen’s Designs!

I’m going to keep this short & sweet. Thank you to every one that sent me get well wishes after my foot surgery. Although I am not ready to go dancing, I am on the road to recovery.

Thank you for stopping by!

Supplies:

  • Stamps: Mr. Snowman 003 (digital stamp) by Heather Ellis, Tree Trimming Trio by Papertrey
  • Inks: Color Box Warm Red Chalk ink
  • Papers: Neenah Crest solar white CS, Stampin’ Up Real Red CS & Vellum, Cosmo Cricket Mitten Weather paper pad
  • Tools: Sewing machine, heat tool, Copic makers, EK Success snowflake punch
  • Embellishments: Close To My Heart Glitz, Studio G Red glitter glue, Stickles Baby Blue, Clear Spica marker, misc. dew drops, Ranger clear embossing powder

Challenges:

Music Saves My Soul

This week I have a quirky song and video to share with you.  Warning – this song might get stuck in your head!  (At least it was stuck in mine for part of the week.)

 

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

 

Thank you for stopping by!

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Merry Christ-moose!

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Another Christmas card completed! This is another image that I have loved for a long time and never before got the chance to use. I’m so glad I finally took the time to color this cute moose. I enjoyed coloring him and trying to figure out how to color the lights so that they look lit.

If you are reading this, my recovery from my foot surgery is going slower than I expected and you are reading a scheduled post. So once again I will be keeping it short.

Here is a little peek at the new images that are being released today that the Meljen’s Designs store.

These images are perfect for the new Meljen’s Designs challenge, “HALLOWEEN”. Stop by the Meljen’s Designs blog to see the challenge rules, check out the rest of the DT’s Halloween inspiration projects and link up your challenge entry.

Thank you for stopping by!

Supplies:

  • Stamps: Moose Lights (digital stamp) from Meljen’s Designs
  • Inks: Stampin’ Up Whisper White, Distress Ink Antique Linen
  • Papers: Papertrey kraft CS, Neenah Crest solar white CS, Kaiser Craft Be Merry Collection DP
  • Tools: Sewing machine, Big Shot, Provo Craft Snowflakes embossing folder, Copic markers
  • Embellishments: Misc. ribbon, twine & button, Sakura white gel pen, Sakura stardust gelly roll pen, Tsukineko sheer shimmer spritz

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Birthday Chick!

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Hello my blogging friends! I wanted to share a new project using a digital stamp from Whimsy and Stars Studio. I tried a new (for me) technique for coloring the balloons from this video. Although I like the technique, I think I need to practice more.

I’m sorry this is a short post. I have it scheduled and I just don’t know what to chat about. Hopefully by this time I am well on my way to recovery after my foot surgery. I will be back with new posts and and update soon.

Thank you for stopping by!

Supplies:

  • Stamps: Birthday Chickie (digital stamp) by Whimsy & Stars Studio
  • Inks: None
  • Papers: Neenah Crest solar white CS, Bazzill Basics Guava Sensation CS, Echo Park Country Drive paper pad
  • Tools: Sewing machine, Copic markers
  • Embellishments: Hug Snug seam binding, Cotton Candy Stickles, American Crafts gray marker

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Pretty Sunflowers

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** Please scroll down for my OWH World Card Making Day blog hop post **

I colored this image a while ago when I was teaching my daughter how to color with Copic makers. (You can see her project HERE.) Since it was sitting around in my craft area, I finally put it on a card and decided to share it here.

Although I am taking a week off the Sentimental Sundays challenge while recovering from my foot surgery, the rest of the talented ladies on the DT have been busily creating projects for the new challenge, “Sewing or Stitching”. Link up your “Sewing or Stitching” projects (with a sentiment) for your chance to win a prize from Sweet N Sassy Stamps.

Thank you for stopping by! Have a great week!

Supplies:

  • Stamps: Cute Little Vase from Moon Cookie Gallery (available on Whimsy Stamps)
  • Inks: None
  • Papers: Papertrey kraft & dark chocolate CS, Stampin’ Up So Saffron CS, My Mind’s Eye Stella & Rose Gertie paper pad
  • Tools: Sewing machine, Big Shot, MFT Scallop die, Circle Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic markers
  • Embellishments: Hug Snug seam binding, white cotton crochet thread, misc buttons

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Music Saves My Soul

**Scroll down for my OWH Blog Hop post **


I want to share this brand new song from the Dum Dum Girls. It was a free download this week on iTunes and has been stuck in my head ever since I first hear it. I love the “oldie”, lo-fi sound on this one. The video is not so great, but I still like the song.

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

If you like the song, stop by iTunes to see if it still available for free download.

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

OWH World Card Making Day Blog Hop

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It’s a fabulous day for a blog hop, especially when it is for a great cause like Operation Write Home (OWH). I am thrilled that you have found your way to my blog. If you just happened upon the blog hop and would like to start at the beginning, click on the “Start the hop” button above. If you are interested in finding out more about the OWH organization or how you can donate cards, you can find their blog HERE.
For my cards I used an image designed specially for this hop by Melissa Jenkins of Meljen’s Designs. I tried to keep them relatively flat so that they would be easy to mail. On the inside, I attached an additional flap of paper so that they will have additional room to write a letter. (I got that idea from some one on a previous OWH blog hop.)

I’m not going to make you read through a long blog post. I know you have a lot of blogs to stop at today. If you like the image I used on my cards, make sure you hop by the Meljen’s Designs blog hop post to download this digital freebie.

Thank you for hopping by!

Supplies:

  • Stamps: Roger the Army Reindeer (digital stamp) by Meljen’s Designs, Holiday Wishes by Papertrey
  • Inks: Stampin’ Up Real Red
  • Papers & CS: Neenah Crest solar white CS, Stampin’ Up Real Red CS, Stampin’ Up Dashing DP
  • Tools: Sewing machine, Stampin’ Up edge punch, Copic markers
  • Embellishments: Old Olive ribbon, white cotton crochet thread, misc. button