Blog Candy Winners!

Wow!  I have to say I am amazed at how many people signed up for my blog candy.  Thank you for visiting me.   It was so fun visiting all the people from around the world that left me comments.  There are a few that I am still trying to get caught up on, so if I haven’t dropped by yet, I’ll be around soon.

I won’t keep you waiting any longer, I’ll get right to the winners. 

 

The first drawing is for the blog candy including the 9 Copic Sketch markers as described here.

The winner is……..

 

 

 

#125– Stacie G

 

 

The second drawing is for the blog candy including the Cosmo Cricket UPcycle mini-deck as described here.

 

The winner is……..

 

#184 – Karen McAlpine

 

 

Congratulations Stacie & Karen! Please email me at shestamps11-blogs at yahoo dot com with your mailing address by August 15, 2011.  If I do not hear from the winners by that date, I will use random.org to pick a new winner.

 

Stay tuned!  I will have a new blog candy post going up later this month.

Color Your World! - Blog Candy!

**This post will stay on top until 8-1-2011** **Please scroll down to see my new posts.**

Because it is a long holiday weekend...

Because the temperatures are finally above 80-degrees...

Because the sun is shining...

Because my sweet husband brought me a Starbuck’s mocha this morning...

Because I have met so many wonderful people since I began blogging...

Because I have been lucky enough to win challenges and blog candy myself...

Because I have received wonderful RAK’s that have put a smile on my face when I found them in the mail box...

I am offering up blog candy.



What can you win? 1 lucky winner will receive the following:

• “Coloring Techniques for Card Making” – this wonderful book walks you through coloring with watercolors, colored pencils, and alcohol inks.


• 5 sheets of Classic Crest paper from Neenah in Solar White. This smooth card stock is great to use with markers or pencils.


• 9 Copic Sketch markers in the colors B05, B23, B26, YR61, YR68, V04, V09, G02, G09. This would be a great start for a Copic collection or to fill in if you already are using Copics.

What do you need to do to win? Just these 4 easy steps.

1. Be a “Follower” of my blog.


2. Post about my candy on your blog. Please be sure to link back to my blog http://shestamps.blogspot.com/. If you do not have a blog, email it to your crafting friends and copy me at shestamps11-blogs at yahoo dot com.


3. Leave a comment on either this post or any post on my blog.


4. Put your name in Mr. Linky.

Entry for the blog candy will end on July 31, 2011 at midnight CST. One entry per person. The winner will be chosen by random.org out of the qualified entries and will be announced here on Monday, August 1, 2011. If the winner does not contact me by August 15, 2011, I will draw a new name.

If I get at least 400 followers (45 more) I will put together another blog candy package to send to a second lucky winner. The contents of this package will be determined once I reach my goal.

**Edited 7-5-11** I reached my goal and have added the following blog candy. I will draw a 2nd name from the valid entries to win this package. Same rules apply.

Included is a Cosmo Cricket UPcycle mini deck, package of Heidi Grace ribbons, package of fabric designer brads, spool of bakers twine, and Petite Posies clear stamp from Technique Tuesdays

Good luck!

It’s a Garden Party!

Can you believe how quickly this summer is flying by? I can’t believe it is already the end of July. It seems like the kids just got out of school a couple of weeks ago but we are already starting back to school shopping.

The new Sentimental Sundays challenge is “It’s a Garden Party”. This is the perfect time of the summer to enjoy your garden, whether flowers or veggies. We want to remind you to take time to stop and smell the flowers or enjoy the start of the harvest. Please link up your Garden Party themed creations (don’t forget a sentiment) on the Sentimental Sundays blog. Your project does not need to be a card. We love seeing all types of crafting projects as long as it fits the theme and displays a sentiment.

My husband and I are not really into flower gardens. While we love seeing other people’s flowers, neither one of us is very good at flower gardening and really don’t enjoy it at all. Last year, my husband built a raised garden for vegetables. It is funny how that seems different from flowers. He enjoys managing his vegetable garden. This year he planted corn, potatoes, beans, peas (which died), basil, tomatoes, cucumbers, and brussels sprouts. The brussels sprouts were requested by my daughter since she loves them. Can you believe that? Soon we will start harvesting the fruits (or veggies) of his labors. Yum – I can’t wait!

So why did I tell you all this? I wanted you to understand what “garden” means to me. While most of the rest of the DT have projects with flowers, I used this cute Amber Ink girl. To me, she looks like she is getting her vegetable garden ready to plant. I was given this clear stamp set at the end of my term as an Amber Ink torch bearer and was excited to have the chance to ink it up. If you prefer digital stamps, the entire set is also available HERE. Boy, I wish I looked this cute when I’m out sweating in the garden.

Thank you for stopping by! I hope you will the Sentimental Sundays team and link up your Garden Party project.

Supplies:

• Stamps: Grow Green from Amber Ink
• Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black, Stampin’ Up Whisper White
• Papers: Papertrey Kraft CS, Neenah Crest Solar White CS, Stampin’ Up Ruby Red, Cosmo Cricket Garden Variety mini deck
• Tools: Big Shot, Papertrey linen embossing plate, Provo Craft Seeing Spots embossing folder, Copic markers, Spellbinders nestabilities
• Embellishments: Copic Sepia multiliner, misc. buttons, ribbon, crochet thread, Hero Arts Sparkle gems

Challenges:

• Deconstructed Sketch – Sketch 12
• Catered Crop – FTR17 (I used colors of red, green, kraft, sentiment stamp, gingham, copic markers, & ribbon)
• Clear It Out – Use your stash (old paper pad)
• Craft Us Crazy – Anything goes
• Crazy Challenge – Ribbon
• Deep Ocean Challenge – Ribbons
• Digi Doodle Shop's Best – Anything Goes
• Everybody Art Challenge – Garden
• HIMCR – Freestyle
• Just Some Lines – Outdoors/Summer colors
• Paper Play – Garden
• Paper Shelter – Anything goes
• Sew Many – Anything goes
• There’s Magic in the air – Lots of layers

New Scrapbooking Challenge!

If you love to scrap, there is a new challenge in blog land, Scrap It Girl's Saturday Scrap Challenge,  being hosted by my friend Scrap It Girl.        The first challenge has already started and one lucky participant will win an awesome prize.  So go on, go check it out!  

Music Saves My Soul

I have 2 songs to share this week, an newer song and an old song.  Both of these have been stuck in my head this week.    If you would like to play long and share a song or two, link up your blog post at Marcea’s blog. 

Here is the newer one.  I think it is from 2010.

 

 

 

This one reminds me of clubbing with my friends, dancing until bar time at Eso or the Sanctuary.  

 

 

Have a great week end!

Stamping Fundraiser

Kim Sherrod is hosting a fundraiser to help out a friend of hers. Below I have copied the wording directly from her blog explaining the fundraiser.

This is a fundraiser to help my friend out at this time to help her with expenses so she can see her son. He has a heart problem and it's costly for the trip and it's financially difficult for her to travel. Help us to make it possible for her to spend some time with him. She doesn't think he's going to make it and anything will help to ease her burden during this difficult time.

We are so grateful to Ann V. of Raindrop Echo Designs for designing these beautiful stamps to help us with our fundraiser. We are offering these stamps in both digi and clear stamps. We will send you the digi stamps within 24 hours.

The clear stamps are a pre-order item. We have to meet a minimum in order to place the clear stamp order. The minimum is very minimal. The clear stamps are a wonderful quality and we've worked with the stamp manufacturer before.

Your file will come in jpeg and png files.

Thank you for your support :-)

Here is a look at the images that are available either as clear stamps or as digital stamps.

To order these images or to find out more information on the fundraiser, please stop by Kim Sherrod’s blog HERE.

Button, Button, Who’s got the Button?

I do! In fact, I have tons of them. I think I have mentioned previously that I have a problem with pink buttons in particular. They seem to multiply every time I leave my craft room. Since the new Meljen’s Designs images (see the preview below) are craft related, I thought I would see if I could find a way to use up some of my pink buttons.

How’s that? I was happily able to use up some of my stash of buttons, ribbon, and trims. I keep telling myself that I need to use up more of my stash before buying new goodies.

Check out Melissa’s new images which are available today on Whimsy Stamps. I hope these might inspire you to use up some of your stash. Stop by the Meljen’s Designs blog and get the adorable freebie from Monday that coordinates beautifully with the new images or could be used on its own.

The Meljen’s Designs challenge for this week is “Frame It!” We are challenging you to make something and put it in a frame or make a card with the image framed with nesties or something similar. You can find the challenge rules and inspiration from the design team on the Meljen’s Designs blog.

Thank you for stopping by!

Supplies:

• Stamps: Sewing Machine by Meljen’s Designs on Whimsy Stamps, Vintage Button Cards by Paper Fashions, Etc.
• Inks: Distress Inks Antique Linen
• Papers & CS: Papertrey kraft CS, Paper Studios black CS, Georgia Pacific white CS, My Mind’s Eye Lost & Found – Madison Avenue DP pad
• Tools: Sewing machine, Big Shot, Spellbinders Nestablities, Copic Markers
• Embellishments: Misc. buttons, ribbon, & trim, DMC floss

Challenges:

• Card Making Fairy's Digi Day challenge – Girly
• Clear It Out – Anything goes
• Crafts & Me – Ribbon
• Crazy Challenge – Ribbon
• Deep Ocean Challenge – Ribbon
• Digi Doodle Shop's Best – Anything goes
• Emerald Fairies Garden Challenge – Girly
• Frosted Designs – Buttons
• Our Creative Corner – the B’s (black , buttons, bows)
• Paper Cutz – anything goes
• Ribbon Carousel Challenge – Stitching
• Stamp & Create – ribbons & bows
• Stamp Something – Favorite Embellishments (buttons)
• Top Tip Challenge – Make it girly
• Totally Stampalicious – Anything Goes
• Truly Scrumptious – buttons & bows
• Use It Tuesday – Make a project with 2 hoarded items (buttons, trims)
• Wags n Whiskers – buttons & bows

So Cherry Sweet with Daisy Doodles

My daughter Liz has been a guest designer for Daisy Doodles this month. She was unable to get a project completed this week for Tableau Tuesdays because she wasn’t feeling well. We didn’t want to let the Daisy Doodles Team down because they are so sweet and fun to work with, so I decided to jump in and make a project. I had this yummy image, Knickerbocker Glory, colored up waiting for a project . I matched it up with some papers and goodies from my stash and here we go. Just looking at it is making me crave an ice cream sundae.

You still have time to enter the Daisy Doodles Creative challenge this week. The current theme is “Anything Goes”. You can find all the challenge details at the Daisy Doodles Creative Challenge blog. I hope you will join in the fun.

Don’t forget you still have time to enter my Color Your World blog candy for your chance to win some Copic markers.

Thank you for stopping by!

Supplies:

• Stamps: Knickerbocker Glory digital stamp set by Daisy Doodles
• Inks: None
• Papers: PaperTrey kraft & dark chocolate CS, October Afternoon Report Card: Story Hour and other misc. October Afternoon scraps
• Tools: Creative Memories corner rounding punch, Copic markers
• Embellishments: October Afternoon Cherry Hill journal cards, cotton crochet thread, misc. buttons, EAD Designs Stickerz

Challenges:

• 2 Sisters Challenge – Anything Goes
• AI Factory – more than 2 layers
• Card Makin' Mamas – Food or Drink
• Clear It Out – Anything goes
• Lollipop Crafts –Anything Goes
• Our Creative Corner - The B’s (I used buttons & brown)
• Paper Cutz – Anything Goes
• Paper Issues – Life is Sweet
• Pixie Cottage – Fun with Food
• Really Reasonable Ribbon –Cool it!
• Sarah Hurley – Colouring
• Sew Many – Cookies (on the sundae)
• Stamp Challenge – Embellish with your favorite embellishments (buttons)
• Totally Stampalicious – Anything goes

Guest Designer at Forever Friends

I was asked to be a guest designer at Forever Friends for the new challenge PASTEL COLORS. The challenge is being sponsored by Whoopsi Daisy. Stop by the Forever Friends blog to see the challenge details.

I have to admit, I messed up my project. For some reason, I had it in my head that it was a birthday challenge and I completely missed the pastel colors challenge. I’m not sure how I did that. I can only plead that I had too much going on and it made me a space cadet.

For my card, I used one of the adorable images supplied by Whoopsi Daisy and my card design was inspired by this card at Handmade Creations by Stephanie.

I hope you will join the Forever Friends PASTEL COLORS challenge.

While you are here, don’t forget to check out my Color Your World blog candy.

Thank you for stopping by!

Supplies:

• Stamps: Sheet 242 from Whoopsi Daisy
• Inks: Antique Linen Distress Inks
• Papers: Papertrey kraft & dark chocolate CS, Neenah Crest CS, My Mind’s Eye Fine & Dandy Ticked Pink paper pad
• Tools: Big Shot, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic markers
• Embellishments: Kaiser pearls, Crochet cotton, misc. button, lace, & ribbon

Challenges:

• 2 Sisters challenge – Anything Goes
• AI Factory – more than 2 layers
• Alota Rubber Stamps – Circles
• Craft Your Days Away – Anything goes + digital
• Creative Card Crew – Animal Antics
• Die Cut Dreams – Animals
• Everybody Art Challenge – Dots
• Fab N Funky – Animals
• Heart Song Designs Challenge - Anything Goes AND/OR Use your favorite crafting technique
• Ladybug Crafts Ink – Summer Birthday
• Paper Play Challenge – Ribbon, Lace, Button
• Ribbon Carousel Challenge – Buttons
• Sarah Hurley – Colouring
• Stampavie – birthday
• Stampin’ For the Weekend – Paws for thought (4 leg animals)
• Stamp Something – Favorite Embellishments (buttons)
• Stamps R Us – birthday
• That’s Krafty Thursday – kraft paper
• Totally Gorjuss – Punch or Die
• Totally Stampalicious – Anything Goes
• Wags N Whiskers – Buttons & Bows

Just a Sentimental Fool

This week on the Sentimental Sundays challenge we are asking you to get sentimental with us and make a sentiment the focus of your project. This challenge is sponsored by Raindrop Echo Designs and Heart Song Designs.

Every other week, Ann Vento of Raindrop Echo Designs creates a sentiment set using quotes from a member of the DT for the weekly freebie. Last October, I was asked to supply my favorite quotes and Ann created this gorgeous digi sentiment. I paired it up with another sentiment set from Ann, Fancy Curvy Frame-Dots which is available at Whimsy Stamps. I love the versatility of digital stamps. You can resize them, recolor them, flip & rotate them, or, in this case, I place my digi sentiment inside the digi frame and printed them out. I printed it twice, once on red paper and once on the graph type paper and pieced them together for the look you see here. I love these new papers that I bought and couldn’t wait to use them. I used all old embellishments from my stash to add some detail.

I hope that you will join us for our challenge asking you to focus on the sentiment. You can link up your project, download the weekly free digi sentiment set, and see the rest of the DT’s inspiration pieces on the Sentimental Sundays blog.

There is only about a week left to get in the draw for my Color Your World blog candy. Click on the photo below to see how you can get a chance to win.

Thank you for stopping by!

Supplies:

• Stamps: Fancy Curvy Frame – Dots by Raindrop Echo Designs (available on Whimsy Stamps)
• Inks: None
• Papers: Papertrey kraft CS, PaperStudios black CS, My Mind’s Eye Lost & Found –Union Square paper pad
• Tools: Sewing machine, Big Shot, Spellbinders Nestablities, Papertrey scalloped edge die
• Embellishments: Kaiser pearls, Close To My Heart Filigree Charms brad, misc. black trim

Challenges:

• 2 Sisters Challenge – Anything Goes
• AI Factory – at least 2 layers
• All Sorts challenge –Free & Easy
• Alota Rubber Stamps – Circles (1 or more)
• Art Impressions Stamps – Stitching
• Clear It Out – anything goes
• Craft Us Crazy – Anything goes + digital
• Craft Your Passion – Text It (next in sentiment and newspaper print paper)
• Crafty Sentiments – Happy Ever After
• Cupcake Craftroom – Dots
• Daisy Doodles Creative Challenge – Anything goes + a digi
• Everybody Art Challenge – Dots
• Hiding in my Craft Room – Something New, Something Old
• House of Gilli – Anything Goes
• Lil Red Wagon – Music Notes
• Lollipop Crafts – Anything Goes
• Paper Cutz – Anything Goes
• Shelly’s Terrifically Thrilling Thursday – Anything Goes
• That’s Krafty Thursday – kraft paper
• The Kraft Journal – my favorite things (kraft papers, digi stamps, spellbinders dies)

Exciting News!

Whimsy Stamps is introducing a new challenge blog where the Digi Design Team will be taking it in turns every week to host a challenge. Our first challenge will begin Wednesday, August 10th.

Who can enter our challenges....? Everyone!

We need your help.... We would love you to help us spread the word and tell your friends we are here Please grab the badge above to add to your sidebars. Of course there is an incentive ;-)

What do I do to win? Grab the Badge,Tell your Friends that there will be a new challenge starting here on Wednesday 10th August and leave a link to your blog on the Whimsy Stamps Inspirations Challenges blog... Simple! Everyone who follows these 3 simple steps will be entered into our draw to win a mystery prize. The winner will be announced on the Whimsy Stamps Inspirations Challenges blog on the 10th August on the first Challenge day!

As well as a random winner being chosen each challenge one lucky player who has used a Whimsy Stamps image will have the opportunity to be a guest designer for a future challenge. The guest designer will be able to choose a digi stamp of their choice from the store to create their guest card too! Does that sound good?

So what are you waiting for :-)

(post taken from the Whimsy Stamps Inspirations Challenges blog)

Music Saves My Soul

I heard this song when I was driving down to my meetings in  Chicago this week.    I added it to my iPod when I got home and it has been stuck in my head ever since.

 

 

If you would like to play along and share a song, link up on Marcea’s blog.

 

Have a great week end!

Amber Ink Blog Hop Winners!

Did you hop along to help us celebrate Amber Ink’s first birthday? If so, you will want to head to the Amber Ink blog and check if you are one of the lucky winners. One of the lucky winners came from the commenters on my blog. So head on over there and see if you are the winner of some Amber Ink goodies.

Have a great day!

Meljen’s Designs–Recipe Challenge

These week we are challenging you to join in our RECIPE CHALLENGE. The recipe is ONE bow, THREE brads and a CIRCLE.

Melissa finally took a much deserved vacation so we don’t have any new images for you. Each of the DT is using a past Meljen’s image to create projects following the challenge.

Since it has been SO HOT, I decided to use this sweet little penguin image to try to cool things down. I was traveling for my job the last few days and the air conditioning at the hotel I was at could not keep up with the high temperatures. Ugh! (Although on a good note, when I went out to dinner with my boss, I was carded! Yippee! This is pretty exciting when you are over 40. Seriously, I do not look any where near 21 but it still felt pretty good!) So any how, back to the business at hand… Here is my card using Penguin’s Cocoa.

The paper is from a sample pack that I received at CHA last year. Since I couldn’t remember why I was saving it, I decided to use it. Clean out that stash! I also used sketch SSSC125 from Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge for inspiration.

I hope you will join our RECIPE CHALLENGE. You find more inspiration pieces from the DT at the Meljen’s Designs blog. You can purchase Meljen’s Designs digital and rubber stamps at Whimsy Stamps.

While you are here, don’t forget to check out my blog candy!

Thank you for stopping by! If you are in the areas with the record heat, take care of yourself and stay cool!

Supplies:

• Stamps: Penguin’s Cocoa by Meljen’s Designs on Whimsy Stamps
• Inks: None
• Papers: Georgia Pacific CS, PaperStudio red CS, Neenah Crest CS, Upsy Daisy Avalanche DP
• Tools: Sewing machine, Big Shot, Spellbinders Nestabilities, EK Success snowflake punch, Copic markers
• Embellishments: PaperTrey button twine, Crystal Stickles, misc button and brads

Challenges:

• 2 Sisters Challenge – Christmas in July
• All Sorts Challenge – Free & Easy
• Alota Rubber Stamps – Circles (one or more)
• CES Challenge – Christmas
• Clear It Out – Anything goes using your stash
• Cooking it up with Katie – Colors of your flag (Red, white & blue)
• Crafty Pad – Christmas in July
• Crazy Challenge –Christmas in July
• Creative Belli – Christmas in July
• Creative Card Crew – Animal Antics
• Daisy Doodles Creative Challenge – Anything goes with a digi
• DigiStamps 4 Joy – Christmas
• Do You Stack Up – Wings
• Fresh Brewed Challenges – Get Wild (animal)
• House of Gilli – Anything Goes
• I Did It Creations – Animals
• Little Claire’s – Things with Wings
• Paper Creations Ink – Christmas in July
• Really Reasonable Ribbon – Cool It
• Ribbon Carousel Challenge – buttons
• Shelly’s Terrifically Thrilling Thursday – Show us what you got
• Simply Create – Christmas
• Stamp Something – Christmas Something
• Stampin' for the Week end- Wings & Things
• Stampin’ With the Dragon – Christmas in July
• Stamptacular Sunday – Animal Antics

Happy Birthday Amber Ink!

Twelve short months ago we made our big debut,

So now we'd like to commemorate our 1st birthday with you!

This flash mob of torchbearers always light our way.

Won't you please jog along on our special day?

Leave your comments here and there over the next 48.

On Friday we'll announce the loot. Don't wait...let's CELEBRATE!

I was lucky enough to be an Amber Ink torch bearer last February and am thrilled to be able to take part in this blog hop celebrating the first birthday of Amber Ink!

Since it isn’t a birthday party with out presents, cake, and a little vino, I made this card for the hop. Of course I had to add lots of gemstones because Amber, Pam and my teamies all deserve a little, well, make that a lot, of sparkle.

Your next stop on the hop is Michelle! Below you should also find a complete blog hop list, courtesy of a InLinkz tool. I won’t have a chance to check to make sure it works correctly on the day of the hop, so if there are any problems, you will be able to find the complete blog hop list on the Amber Ink blog.

Don't forget to hop around to all the blogs and leave comments for your chance to win Amber Ink goodies.

Thank you for hopping by!

P.S. While you are here, you might want to check out my blog candy post.

Supplies:

• Stamps: Bake A Cake, Perfect Package, & Hope, Wine, & Popcorn from Amber Ink
• Inks: None
• Papers: Neenah Crest CS, Stampin’ Up Real Red, Bazzill Basics blue CS, Memory Box Brioche paper collection
• Tools: Sewing machine, Stampin’ Up edge punch, Copic markers
• Embellishments: Paper Studios gemstones, Sakura stardust & white gelly roll pens

Challenges:

• All Sorts Challenge – Anything Goes
• Birthday Sundaes – Anything goes bday card
• Bling It On – Anything Goes with bling
• Catered Crop – FTR16 – I used red, cake, copics, border punch, birthday
• Dare to Be Sassy – Edge punches
• Ellephantastic – Celebration
• Gimme A Break – Something New (new papers & new images)
• Gingerloft Challenge – Make it sparkle
• Hanna & Friends –Birthday
• Ladybug Crafts Ink - Summer Birthday
• Pattie's Creation Challenge - Glitter or Bling
• Southern Girls Challenge – Birthday
• Stampavie – Birthday
• Victorine Stamps - Bling
• Wags N Whiskers – Birthday
• Whoopsi Daisy – Sparkle & Shine

It's a Party!

Amber Ink is turning 1 this week! Amber and Pam have lots of fun planned over at the Amber Ink blog.

The party starts NOW with your chance to win a $24 gift certificate to the Amber Ink store.

We have an awesome blog hop kicking off on Wednesday, July 20th with lots more opportunities to win Amber Ink goodies. I hope you will put on your party hats and join in the fun!

Also my daughter (age 9) has another post for her time as Daisy Doodles guest designer. You can see it HERE.

Have a great week!

Sentimental Sundays–Masculine Projects

The new challenge at the Sentimental Sundays blog is “Masculine Projects”. Don’t forget to include a sentiment.

I used the challenge as an opportunity to make a birthday card for my Dad. It also gave me the perfect excuse to ink up one of my new Lili of the Valley stamps.

I hope you will join in the fun and link up your Masculine Project on the Sentimental Sundays blog. Stop by the blog to see the rest of the inspirations projects from the DT and to download the weekly free sentiment set from Ann Vento of Raindrop Echo Designs.

If you love the digital sentiments Ann provides every week, be sure to check out the sale going on right now at Whimsy Stamps – 25% off of all digital images for the entire month of July. That includes all the fabulous Whimsy Stamps digi artists including Raindrop Echo Designs, Meljen’s Designs, Crissy’s Digis, Moon Cookie Gallery, and Stamp Art Designs by Kathryne.

While you are here, don’t forget to check out my blog candy! Click on the photo for more details.

Thank you for stopping by!

Supplies:

• Stamps: Sausage Snatcher from Lili of the Valley, Party Mini Letter Seals from Raindrop Echo Designs (on Whimsy Stamps)
• Inks: Close To My Heart Moonstruck
• Papers: Papertrey kraft CS, Neenah Crest CS, Paper Studio black CS, BasicGrey Oxford paper pad
• Tools: Sewing machine, Martha Stewart circle punch, Big Shot, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic markers, paper crimping tool
• Embellishments: Sakura white gelly roll pen

Copics:

• Dog – C9, C7, C1, C00, R01
• Sky – B91, B93
• Grass – YG93, YG95, YG97
• Sausages – E17, E15, E13

Challenges:

• Truly Scrumptious – Challenge 61 – Sketch
• Alota Rubber Stamps – Circles
• All Sorts Challenge – Free & easy
• AUD Sentiments – Sentiments with 2+ words
• Crafting for All Seasons – Furry Friends
• Crafty Creations – Boyz to Men
• Do You Stack Up? – Stitching
• Gem of a Challenge – Let’s Hear It For The Boyz
• Gimme A Break – Something new (New stamp and new paper pad)
• Hanna & Friends – Happy Birthday
• Happileigh Challenge – There’s a critter in the house
• iCopic challenge – Birthday
• Lollipop Crafts – Anything Goes
• Paper Pretties – Animals
• Penny’s Paper Crafty challenge – Birthday
• Rainbow Lady – Stitch
• Sarah Hurley – Colouring
• Simon Says Stamp – Anything Goes
• Stampavie – Birthday
• Sweet Stampin’ Challenge - One for the Boys
• There’s Magic in the Air – Birthday
• Totally Gorjuss – All About the Boys
• Wags N Whiskers – Birthday

Music Saves My Soul

I love the ‘80’s feel to this song.   Sorry I couldn’t find a better video.  The rest were all recorded live and the song quality was really poor.    If you would like to play along with us and share a song, link up your blog post on Marcea’s blog. 

 

 

Have a great day! Thank you for stopping by!

How Much For That Kitty In the Window?

Hello my blogging friends! It has been a busy week but I feel like I’ve been productive. Although I haven’t gotten a lot of crafting done, I got a ton of things completed for work and I did some organizing around the house. I have a friend that is having a sale of crafting supplies in her home next week end and I was able to get some stuff together to include in the sale. I hope it sells so that I can spend the money on new, fun crafting supplies.

<Insert smooth segue here – ha ha ha> Speaking of new crafting goodies, Meljen’s designs released some new digi stamps today. You can get them at Whimsy Stamps. One of the new images is Window Kitty, which I used in my project.

What do you think of my button flower? I wanted to try something new. I made it using glue dots, twine, and buttons of course. I only had to pry it off my desk a few times before I had it completed. (It’s a great way to use up some of my stash of buttons and twine!)

The challenge this week at the Meljen’s Designs blog is “Buttons & Bows”. We would love for you to play along with us. You can link up your project and find all the details at the Meljen’s Designs blog. When you are there, you can see all the inspiring projects from the DT for the challenge.

Before I finish up, here is a peek at all of the new digis being released today. All are available at Whimsy Stamps.

Whimsy Stamps is releasing their new rubber stamps and dies for July on the 15th. Sneak peeks are available on the Whimsy Inspirations blog. Don’t forget to hop along with the talented Whimsy rubber stamp designers for prizes starting on July 15th.

While you are here, don’t forget to check out my blog candy. Click on the photo to go to the blog post.

Thank you for stopping by!

Supplies:

• Stamps: Window Kitty by Meljen’s Designs on Whimsy Stamps
• Inks: None
• Papers & CS: Papertrey kraft & dark chocolate CS, My Mind’s Eye Stella & Rose Gertie papers
• Tools: Sewing machine, Copic markers, Stampin’ Up word window punch, Martha Stewart circle punch
• Embellishments: Papertrey button twine, misc. buttons & lace

Challenges:

• AUD Sentiments – Sentiment with more than 2 words
• Card Making Fairy's Digi Day challenge – Include an animal
• Crafting for all Seasons – Furry Friends
• Crafty Ann’s Challenge - Get Well/Thinking of you/Just because
• Cupcake Craft Challenge – #51 Buttons & Stitching
• Digi Doodle Shop's Best – Make your own flowers
• Do You Stack Up – Stitching
• Scrap Creations – At least 2 DP and 2 embelli
• Happileigh Challenge – There’s a critter in the house
• Lollipop Crafts – Anything Goes
• One Stitch At A Time – Anything Goes
• Paper Pretties – Animals
• Phindy’s Place – Buttons
• Simon Says Stamp – Anything Goes
• Sweet Stampin’ Challenge – Cute & Cuddly
• Use It Tuesday – You’re an animal

My Daughter is a Guest Designer

Hi there!  If you get a chance, stop by my 9-year old daughter’s blog, Crafts By Liz.  She is guest designing for Daisy Doodles this month and is totally thrilled.      Thank you!

Another Christmas Card?

Warning - This is a rather long blog post for me. You might want to sit down with your favorite beverage and get comfy before reading.

Dare I say I am on a roll? Two Christmas cards completed and it is only July. I’ve probably jinxed myself now and will be stamping like mad on December 20th trying to get my cards in the mail.

When I was scrolling through my file of digis this week, I saw this one from Crissy Armstrong and decided to color him up.

I tried to use up some stash on this one. I feel like I have used this CTMH heart paper on a zillion cards but I still have two 12x12 sheets of the DP and lots of bigger pieces left. How much of this stuff came in the pack? If I remember correctly, I think I even split with some one. I still think it is cute, but I am ready for it to be gone.

The snowflake felt ribbon (?) is also from my stash. Anne Marie used it on a card last year and mentioned she found it at Target. The next time I was at Target, I checked it out. Since it was on sale, I had to buy a roll. You know how that goes.

As for the buttons, don’t even get me started… How in the world did I get so many pink buttons? Are they like bunnies? I think I will be using them on every project from now on until I get my stash under control.

Although you can’t see it really well, I did make my own baker’s twine after watching a tutorial from UKMaryAnne. I love this! Using your alcohol markers, you can make baker’s twine to match your projects.

Several people have asked me how I create the spotted background I sometimes use. I watched a tutorial from Crissy Armstrong to learn how to do it. Check out Crissy’s blog – she has a some great tutorials for coloring with Copics.

Speaking of Crissy, don’t forget she has a DT call going on right now for Sundays with Crissy. Click on the badge below for details.

Today also kicks off the new challenge over at the Sentimental Sundays blog. The new challenge is “Inky Fingers – Unconventional stamping techniques or materials”. (Don’t forget a sentiment!) Although I am sitting this one out, there will be plenty of DT inspiration on the Sentimental Sundays blog.

Wow – this really is a long post for me. Thank you for sticking it out. One last thing, don’t forget about my “Color Your World” blog candy which includes 9 Copic markers.

Thank you for stopping by!

Supplies:

• Stamps: Teddy’s First Christmas by Crissy’s Digis (available on Whimsy Stamps), Holiday Wishes & Just the Ticket by Papertrey, Winters Butterfly by Hero Arts
• Inks: Juniper, Tulip, Hollyhock, Blush inks from Close To My Heart
• Papers: Neenah Crest Solar White, Papertrey white CS, Close To My Heart Jiggle paper pack, Close To My Heart Tulip and Juniper CS
• Tools: Sewing machine, Big Shot, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic markers, Papertrey ticket die
• Embellishments: Felt snowflake ribbon (from Target), white crochet thread, misc. buttons, Sakura stardust and white pens

Challenges:

• All Sorts Challenge – Free & Easy
• Art Impressions Stamps – Use something from your stash
• AUD Sentiments – sentiments with at least 2 words
• Card Making Fairy's Digi Day challenge – include an animal
• Clear It Out – Things with Wings
• Clearly Inspired – Punches, Die Cuts, Cut outs
• Craft Us Crazy – Christmas
• Craft Your Passion – Anything Goes
• Creative Belli – make your own embellies (Bakers twine, ticket)
• Creative Friday – Christmas in July
• Do It With Digis – Spots or stripes or both
• Hand Stamped Sentiments – Buttons
• Lil Red Wagon – Christmas in July
• Lollipop Crafts – Anything Goes
• Lothian Crafts – Die Cuts
• Moving Along with the Times – Christmas in July
• Paper Shelter – Lots of Dots
• Paper Variety – Christmas
• Papertake Weekly – Anything Goes
• Party Time Tuesdays – Square card
• Phindy’s Place – Buttons
• Simon Says Stamp – A Stitch in Time
• Spoonful of Sugar – Sewing
• Stampavie – More than 3 layers
• Stampin’ with the Dragon - Christmas in July
• Stampsmith – Christmas
• Sweet Stampin’ Challenge – Cute & Cuddly
• The Latte Lounge - Christmas
• Tiffany Doodles – All Creatures Great and Small
• Tuesday Throwdown – Christmas
• Your Next Stamp – Button Up

Music Saves My Soul

 

I know this is an old song, but I ran across it this week and it still has the power to make me giggle.   If you would like to play along in our weekly musical blog hop, link up on Marcea’s blog.      Have a great week end!

 

 

While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my “Color Your World” blog candy.

It’s a Berry Sweet Life

I’m typing up this blog post in my new (almost finished) craft room, or as my husband calls it, “The Girl Cave”! I even have a TV so I can SYTYCD! Now I just need to figure out a place to stash a mini-fridge and I might never come out. I’ll try to take some pictures to post soon.

I actually took a break this week from the Meljen’s Designs challenges which is one of the perks of being a senior DT member. But it feels really strange so I though I would post this card I made a couple of weeks ago but hadn’t shared with you yet. I printed out this image because I really wanted to color something with strawberries. Strawberries always remind me of summer and they are especially beautiful this year. (Extra yummy and sweet!) I had to pair this sweet Strawbeary Fairy with some of my favorite October Afternoon papers. I only have a few pieces and scraps left from this collection, but they work so well with this image that I busted them out of my stash.

Just because I took a break this week (sort of), doesn’t mean there isn’t anything going on at the Meljen’s Designs blog. Since it is Thursday, Melissa is releasing new digital images on Whimsy Stamps today. You can get a peek at them below. There is also a new challenge. Challenge #66 is “No More Than 2 Layers”. You can stop by the Meljen’s Designs blog to see some inspiration from the DT. I hope you’ll link up your project.

Here’s a look at the new release.

While you here, don’t forget to check out my “Color Your World” blog candy. There is still plenty of time to jump in!

Thank you for stopping by! Enjoy the rest of the week!

Supplies:

• Stamps: Strawberry Fairy by Meljen’s Designs available on Whimsy Stamps
• Inks: None
• Papers & CS: Papertrey white CS, Neenah Solar Crest CS, Bazzill Basics red CS, October Afternoon Fly a Kit DP pad
• Tools: Copic markers, Sewing Machine, Big Shot, Spellbinders Nestabilities ,Stampin’ Up oval punch
• Embellishments: Liquid pearls, misc. ribbon, button, crochet cotton string, Sakura white pen

Challenges:

• All Sorts Challenge – Free & Easy
• By the Cute & Girly – Things with Wings
• Catch The Bug – Anything Goes
• Catered Crop – FTR15 Recipe (used red, anything that grows in the ground(strawberry), polka dots, digital stamp, dimensional adhesive, buttons)
• Clear It Out – Wings
• Craft Your Passion – Anything Goes
• Creative Stamp Friends – Dots
• Deep Ocean Challenge – Cards
• Desert Island – used Copics, Nesties, Ribbon, Pop Dots
• Divas by Design – Die cuts & punches
• Dream Valley – Ribbon
• Flutterby Wednesday – Open challenge
• Hand Stamped Sentiments – Buttons
• Lollipop Crafts – Anything Goes
• My Time To Craft – A la carte (food item) –strawberries
• One Stitch At A Time – use a digi
• Paper Play Challenge - Fruity
• Papertake Weekly – stitching
• Simon Says Stamp – A Stitch In Time
• Spoonful of Sugar – Anything Goes
• Stamp & Create – Ribbons & bows
• Stamp Something – Digi day
• Stampavie – More than 3 layers
• Truly Scrumptious – Things with wings

Sunday’s with Crissy is looking for DT members!

 

Sentimental Sundays–Birthday Bumps

I hope your weekend is going well! Our challenge this week at Sentimental Sundays is “Anything goes with a sentiment”. How easy is that? I love it because it gave me the chance to use one of my new Lili of the Valley stamps. I finally splurge and ordered a few. I say “splurged” because I hate paying shipping. I couldn’t find a store in the US that carries them so I had to pay for over seas shipping. Oh well, they are so cute they were well worth it.

I enjoyed coloring up these little guys. I tried a new technique to make the sky background. It was so easy and I love the way it worked out. I would share the link to the tutorial but I can’t find it. I thought I had it saved on one of my Pinterest boards, but….. (If anyone recognizes the technique using copic refills and qtips, let me know so I can give proper credit.) On a good note, I can share the link to the tutorial for the flowers HERE.

Before I forget, I used an old Lili of the Valley sketch found HERE.

These little bears remind me of summer days with my friends when I was a kid. We never were able to toss each other up in the air like this but we would put a stuffed animal on a blanket and toss it around. We tried to get it as high in the air as we could with out dropping it when it came down. Did you have “parachutes” at school? It was one of my favorite things. We would all hold and edge of the parachute and a bunch of balls were put on it. We would “pop corn” and try to keep all the balls on it. What simple fun!

While you are here, don’t forget to check out my blog candy on this post.

I hope you will join in the Sentimental Sundays “Anything Goes with a Sentiment” challenge for your chance to win your choice of 4 digital sentiment sets from Raindrop Echo Designs. Stop by the Sentimental Sundays blog to see the rest of the inspiration from the DT and pick up your free digital sentiment set for the week.

Thank you for stopping by!

Supplies:

• Stamps: Birthday Bumps from Lili of the Valley, Party Mini Letter Seals by Raindrop Echo Designs on Whimsy Stamps
• Inks: Close to My Heart chocolate ink
• Papers: Papertrey kraft & dark chocolate CS, Neenah Solar Crest CS, My Mind’s Eye Lime Twist Life of the Party paper pad, misc. green scrap CS
• Tools: Sewing Machine, Big Shot, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Stampin’ Up circle punch, Copic markers
• Embellishments: Stickles
• Tutorial for flowers can be found here

Challenges:

• Lili of the Valley Challenge – celebrate
• 4 Crafty Chicks – Stitching
• Catered Crop – recipe – I used orange & green & polka dots
• Catch the Bug – Anything goes
• Creative Stamp Friends – dots
• Cupcake Craftroom – Polka dots
• Digi Design House – Handmade Flowers
• Digi Doodle Shop’s Best – anything goes
• Divas by Design – Die Cuts & punches
• Forever Friends – Birthday
• Hooked on Crafts – Flowers (handmade flowers)
• Lollipop Crafts – Anything goes
• My Mum’s Craft Shop – Something old (sentiment stamp), Something new (image, papers, techniques)
• Ooh-La-La creations– Flowers
• Paper Crafting journey – Anything goes
• Pear Tree Designs – Stamp Something (no digis)
• Pile It On – Circles
• Scrapbook Sisters – Summer fun
• Stamp & Create – Summer
• Stampavie – more than 3 layers
• The Kraft journal - Something old (sentiment stamp), Something new (image, papers, techniques)
• Top Tip Challenge – T is for…. Teddy Bears

Music Saves My Soul

I don’t have much chit chat today.  We are getting the house and yard ready to have some family and friends over to celebrate the 4th of July over the weekend.      Although I am not a huge Mellencamp fan, I love this song and it is perfect for the holiday.

If you would like to play along with our weekly, musical blog hop, link up your blog/song at Marcea’s blog.

 

Thank you for stopping by!