Tuesday, March 31, 2009

It Stinks!


Isn't this a cute little pig? Having camped "primitively" for a good part of my married life (and yes, I love it -- well, except when it rains), this little pig in the outhouse brings some smiles! I used Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red, and Chocolate Chip for my main colors, as given in today's SCS Color Challenge 212. Try them!

Both stamps on my card today are by Hambo Stamps. And check this out! This magazine will soon be on the stands or in your mailboxes in June! Design Team member Jane Bosi made the cover with another cute Hambo pig. Congratulations, Jane! See all of the fun Hambo Stamps designs HERE.


This is a busy week for me -- last night I had two musical programs at my elementary school. The K-2nd kids did a show called "Circus, Circus" and was it ever fun. Clowns, bears, acrobats, lions, flame swallowers, and trapeze artists filled the stage. That was followed with "Dig It!" by the 3rd-5th graders - a show about discovering what impact the past has had on the future. We had mummies, Greek dancers, Mesopotamian workers, a toga party, a visit from Confucius, and a great time! Tonight I begin dress rehearsals for my daughter's high school's performance of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown," which opens this Friday. I am the musical director for that, and am looking forward to the performances this weekend. My daughter plays Sally.

So -- off to practice my music (I direct, but also play keyboard!). Have a great day!
Stamps: Hambo Stamps
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Riding Hood Red, GP White, SU Watercolor, Bella Rose DP (SU!)
Ink: Palette Noir Black, Certainly Celery, RHR, Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip, Bliss Blue
Accessories: pink brads, slit punch, Nestabilities, paper flowers (Hero Arts), RHR ribbon, button
Techniques: watercolor

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Make a Scene!

I suppose you can take that two ways! But the kind I mean is the kind Michelle is so fabulous at making. AKA JustPaintingAround at SCS, Michelle was chosen as today's Featured Stamper! Check out her gallery, as she has a really cool style!

I chose this fun card of Michelle's to case. Mine is a bit different, but I do like how it turned out.
(With a giraffe, how could I not? LOL)


I changed a few of the images, the layout a bit, added giraffe twill trim at the top. The tree I had on my desk already from Friday, and it looks similar to the acacia trees that giraffes love. The wind is picking up in the Savannah, as I tried to show with a double sponged edge below the tree.

Thanks for coming to look!

Stamps: MFT: It's a Jungle Out There; SU: Thoughts & Prayers; Stampabilities: sentiment
Paper: Basic Grey Lucky DP, Basic Black, GP White, Ruby Red
Ink: Palette Noir Black
Accessories: circle punch, giraffe twill, sponges
Techniques: brayering, sponging

Saturday, March 28, 2009

World Record INSPIRATIONAL Unity BLOG HOP!

Today I am participating in the Unity Stamp Co. World Record INSPIRATIONAL Unity BLOG HOP! Over 200 stampers are playing today! The Hop starts HERE.

Here is my card for today's Hop:


I used two stamps from the March Kit of the Month, called "Simple Life." I LOVE these little quail. Growing up in Arizona, they were everywhere and I miss seeing all the babies scurrying to stay up with Mom. There is a border along the bottom that I scored using my Scor-Pal.

I don't know that I have a favorite quote, but I do like this one that makes me laugh:
"It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others."

Next up in the Hop is Lila Holgate! Hop on over to Lila's Creative Corner!
And after that, visit Anne!

Stamps: Simple Life (Unity)
Paper: GP White, River Rock, Basic Grey DP
Ink: VersaFine Sepia
Accessories: Scor-Pal, Bitty Brads (CTMH), dotted grosgrain ribbon

Friday, March 27, 2009

Out Like a Lamb~

Well, the end of March is almost here! In like a lion and out like a lamb?
I don’t know about your weather, but mine is definitely not “LAMB” yet!
But the SCS Limited Supplies Challenge I am hosting today is!

Although I collect giraffes, I do love sheep too. So today, we are making “Out Like a Lamb” cards: BLACK AND WHITE ONLY. I know there are some brown lambs out there, but we are sticking with shades of black and white. (For the sake of embellishment, silver is a shade of gray, which is a shade of black!)~

NO other colors – not in embellishments, coloring (no green grass, brown owls, blonde hair, blue sky, anything like that!), designer paper (no DP where there are more colors!), trim, anything. You are welcome to choose any theme (sheep not necessary!), use any embellishments, any number of layers, tools, kinds of trims – but you know the “limit”!

Come play along!

I used a combination of sets from Stampin' Up! and Our Daily Bread designs for my sample today. The bird is already on the designer paper (a really pretty collection called Best Occasions that WalMart put out!)!

Stamps: Scripture Collection 1 (ODBD); Thoughts & Prayers (SU)
Paper: GP White, Basic Black, DP by Best Occasions (WM)
Ink: Palette Noir Black
Accessories: photo corner punch, Paper Frills by Doodlebug, satin trimmed white organdy ribbon

Monday, March 23, 2009

I Like Challenges That Aren't Challenges!

I like challenges that aren't challenges! But then are they really a challenge? :)
For both of my design teams today we had challenges that really were challenging to me.

First up is my House Mouse card for the weekly challenge at House Mouse & Friends. We invite you to join in today and make a "shape card"! Any shape but a rectangle or square will do! I thought about hearts, and circles, but wanted to do something that was a little different. I had this darling Monica With Blankey stamp and decided to make a baby onesie card.
I used a circle punch for the neckline and leg holes, and then freely cut the sides and sleeves. I used a Cuttlebug embossing folder for the sleeve designs, and scored a fold at the bottom before I added my pink eyelet "snaps." Monica is stamped in Palette Noir Black and watercolored with Pink Pirouette and Basic Gray ink. A small Prima and a pearl and this standard-sized A2 baby card is ready to send!

Next is the challenge over at DRS Designs. This week the Design Team was asked to make a one-layer card. Definitely not my forte! I am getting into the spring mode, however, and wanted to use these little sheep so I gave it a go!

I scored two lines perpendicular to each other with my Scor-Pal, and then stamped the sheep in Palette Noir Black in the opposite corner. They are standing in a Pink Pirouette field, and colored with Copic C-1 on their hooves, horns, and faces. The flowers are by Hero Arts, with Martha Stewart providing the branches. Here is a close-up of the little silver charm, by Charm Me, which says "The Lord be with you." It is so shiny that it's hard to get a decent picture that isn't so "black" on the charm.


Be sure to check out what the other design team members at each site have done! Play along! Thanks for stopping by today!

Sunday, March 22, 2009

There is Nothing Like R & R!

Well, I am back from my Arizona trip and my visit with my sister. We had such a great time. We did all sorts of fun things --- and I got to feed one of the giraffes at the Reid Park Zoo! It was super cool and I had a great time doing it. I do have a couple of pictures, but my sister still has those on her camera, so I will post them as soon as I get them. I don't have a Michael's in my town, so of course we had to go there -- and I only spent $35! Pretty good, wouldn't you say? :)

I also got to have lunch with Connie McCotter (at Macaroni Grill YUM!) and it was a delight to finally meet her. Connie has our picture! Send it on over, Connie! :) I know she is with her family in the White Mountains right now, and I hope to show that picture soon too.

Now I have to draw on that R & R, as in the next two weeks I have performances for three musicals I am working on (yes, concurrently - don't ever do that......). Everything is done April 5, and I will be RESTING that day! HA!

Today I got to stamp something new for the first time in a week. And what fun it was. Today's SCS Featured Stamper is probably in the Top Five of everyone's book - Beate Johns! Beate has such fantastic designs and ideas, and is the nicest person! If you aren't a frequent visitor to her blog, you will be now! She just recently hit almost THREE MILLION hits.

I really loved the whole look of this card of Beate's, so I didn't change much at all - and I am now wishing I had changed a LOT, as I still love hers more!

I changed images, added a layer of ribbon, left off the corner punches on my black layer, and used DP instead of stamping the background. And I am out of Kraft! Ordering that today! Stamps are from Scripture Collection 1, newly released last week by Our Daily Bread designs.

Congratulations, Beate!! I could case you forever!

Stamps: Scripture Collection 1 (ODBD)
Paper: Creamy Caramel, Basic Black, Whisper White, DP by Stampin' Up!
Ink: VersaFine Onyx Black
Accessories: satin trimmed white organdy ribbon, Kraft Tafetta, Pretties Kit flower, button, Nestabilities, Signo Gel Pen, ticket corner punch, distressing tool, circle punch

Friday, March 20, 2009

What an Awesome Sketch!

A simple card today with classic lines:
For my You Are The Potter card I used Sketch 219 at Splitcoast. I love the triangle piece in this sketch - I think it adds a lot of interest. My designer paper is from the Old World MatStack by DCWV. I stamped the pots and sentiment in VersaFine Black Onyx ink. The big square brad is by The Paper Studio. Cardstock is Ruby Red and Basic Black by Stampin' Up!

Thank you for coming to take a look at my creations. I appreciate every reader and all the comments you leave!

Thursday, March 19, 2009

FREE STAMPS? Sounds good to me!

Rubber Stamp Tapestry will be giving away a free stamp set along with the suggested inks to one blog subscriber per week for a limited time. All you have to do to win is enter a comment in any of the comment sections on THEIR BLOG and they will randomly draw a winner. Winners will be chosen from the previous week's comments and will be announced each Monday. Susan does some amazing tutorials. Take a look at this darling Easter Egg Border tutorial! She shows just how easy it is to make such sweet cards!

My sample today comes from the March special, Yumy's Garden Set. I chose to make a larger wreath, and then add the vase and a bouquet in the middle. I love this set - especially the little Sprig that I stamped in VersaColor Umber.


I added Diamond Stickles to many of the flowers for a little sparkle. All inks and the Stickles are available at Rubber Stamp Tapestry. I added a bow made from satin-trimmed organdy ribbon and a flower brad.

Thanks for stopping by today. I scheduled this to post ahead, because today I am on my way home from my visit with my sister in Arizona, where I hope I got to soak up the sunshine and warmth! Have a great day!

Stamps:SFL34063 - Yumy's Garden
VersaColor Ink List: Boysenberry, Hyacinth, Atlantic, Polar Blue, Laurel Leaf, Umber
Paper: Whisper White, Lavender, Darker Lavender (Purple)
Accessories: Diamond Stickles, satin trimmed organdy ribbon (white), hardware (flower brad), glue dots or sticky tape

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Remember Your First Love?


Isn't this a sweet image? It's called First Love and is one of the Cutie Pie Kids by DRS Designs. I stamped the image on watercolor paper and then watercolored with reinkers and an aqua brush to blend the color. The sentiment is All About You Birthday. I just used the top part and then only inked the part of the words that I wanted. It can be for just about any occasion now!

My paper is from Basic Grey's Two Scoops collection, and the flowers are by The Paper Studio.
The ribbon is Blue Bayou (retired SU!).

A short post, as I am actually in Arizona right now - hopefully having yummy, authentic Mexican food before I come back to the Plains!
Thanks for stopping by today!

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Happy Anniversary Our Daily Bread designs!

"Celebrate good times,come on! (Let's celebrate)........"

Can you hear Cool and the Gang? lol
I am celebrating the One-year Anniversary at Our Daily Bread designs! It was one year ago today that owner Kelley Holland began her adventure, bringing inspirational images and scripture verses to the public.

Thanks for stopping in on your way through the ODBD Blog Hop. If you didn't know about our Blog Hop and landed here by chance, there are goodies for you along the way and it's important to hit the blogs in the order of the Hop. You'll want to start out with Dina at Mama Dina's Stamperia. If you followed me here from Stamping to the Wright with Betty Wright, then you are in the right place! There is blog candy along the way, so be sure to start at the beginning of the Hop so you don't miss it!

For a special grand prize, we are playing "Scripture Scramble!" Each blog has one or two words that you can collect at each stop and put together to make a scripture verse (NIV edition). Once you have collected all the words, send the verse in the correct order, along with the scripture reference by EMAIL to me at lidaroseroz@gmail.com. Correct entries will be put into a hat and the Grand Prize winner will receive a set of their choosing from Our Daily Bread designs AND a selection of cards made especially for this celebration by some of the Design Team members. How cool is that?! Entries must be received by MIDNIGHT CST on March 19th.

Here are my Scripture Scramble words: and, but (each used once)

Speaking of scriptures, today is the release of two new scripture sets: Scripture Collection 1 and 2. Each of the Design Team members chose a verse that is special to them and Kelley made them into special anniversary sets that are available for purchase today!

I chose Isaiah 12:2:

"Surely God is my salvation;
I will trust and not be afraid.
The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation."

I have many favorite verses, and almost all of them have a mention of music or song in them. Music is such a huge part of my family's lives and there are so many "musical" verses I turn to in times of need, and in times of plenty~
This one became more special to me after my church choir sang "The First Song of Isaiah" by Jack Noble White. It's a beautiful joyful message of hope!

Here is my card:
I used Always Artichoke and Pink Pirouette as my cardstock colors, because I simply LOVE this new Porcelain designer paper by Basic Grey, available HERE. The corner embellishment is from a Cuttlebug die cut, and the embossed strip is a Cuttlebug embossing folder. The pearls are available HERE.

Now, to continue on, next you'll be visiting the amazing Becca at Amazing Paper Grace. Wait until you see what she has to show you! See you at the end of the Hop!

And a Happy St. Paddy's Day to you all! Want to see some of my Ireland trip pictures from last May? Click HERE.

Monday, March 16, 2009

It's House Mouse Monday - Do You Carrot All?


Ok, that is a bad pun! But I hope you like my card! I seem to be on an orange kick this week!
Today at House Mouse & Friends, we have a sketch for you to try! I love it - it has so many possibilities. Here is the sketch:
I used the darling little "A Carrot Between Friends" for my image. I stamped it in VersaFine Black Onyx Ink and then watercolored using reinkers and an aqua brush. The designer paper is all from Stampin' Up!. I have so many eyelets and brads and buttons that I decided to use some of each on here! The ribbon is from Hobby Lobby. I also sponged some Bashful Blue in the sky, using my hand-cut cloud stencil.

I like how this turned out and hope that you will play along! Our sponsor today is KL Stampin N Scrappin, so be sure to stop by the HM & F blog to see what they are all about! The prize this week is yummy and fun Basic Grey Cupcake Designer Paper! And check out the other Design Team members' cards while you are there!

ODBD fans, check out Laurie's and Becca's blogs today! If you have never visited them, I can guarantee you will be back. There is Blog Candy too! And speaking of that, congratulations for my blog candy winner for Cross of Christ: msfreida!! Freida, please email your name and address to kelley@ourdailybreaddesigns.com and she will send out your set! Be sure to mention that it was on my blog, and which set! Thanks to everyone for playing along~

Thanks for stopping by today! I am on my way to sunny Arizona for a few days, and will have scheduled posts while I am gone! Enjoy your week!

Sunday, March 15, 2009

And today's Featured Stamper is...


.....my friend, Stacy Morgan! Congratulations to Stacy {aka Twinshappy}!! What fun it was when Beth asked me if I would be the Guest Hostess for today's SCS Featured Stamper Challenge. When I asked her who she had chosen for the week, I was "doubly" happy!

Stacy is an incredibly prolific stamper, which such an eye for great CAS layouts (Clean and Simple). I also love that she sends a LOT of her cards to the troops! I think to date, she has sent over 850!! HERE is her blog and HERE is her SCS Gallery.

And here is my card! I chose THIS one to case (copy and share everything). The cupcakes reminded me of these adorable Party Sheep (3202) - one of the new releases from Hambo Stamps! They were all stacked up the same, and it seemed to fit --- eat a lot of cupcakes, look like these sheep! HA~
I changed images, of course, colors, and her layout, since it was a sketch from MFT. Thank you to Tim for the shading expertise and stripes on the party favor!

Congratulations, Stacy! I had a lot of fun knowing it was you before you did, and I know you will enjoy your week ahead!!

For you ODBD fans, check out these blogs today for a chance to win some yummy candy!
Angie
Sita

Stamps: Hambo Stamps: 4 Ewe (3205); Party Sheep (3202)
Paper: DCWV Textured Lime and Orange, K & Co. DP, Whisper White
Ink: Copic C-1, Black Stazon, Only Orange
Accessories: lime mini office clip, Nestabilities, oval punches, slit punch, ticket corner punch, paper piercer, lime organdy ribbon, Crystal Stickles, flower brads

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Happy Blog Candy!

Today is Day Five of the Our Daily Bread designs Anniversary Celebration! Hop over to Jane's today and see the three Lord is My Shepherd cards she made! I am excited to show off one of my favorite sets, Cross of Christ. This set, designed by DT member Dina Kowal, has beautiful crosses and verses/sentiments that can be combined and used year 'round.

I have made an Easter card with my set today. The picture is a little dark, and it's hard to see the Eggplant cardstock, but it matches the flower perfectly. My ribbon is placed so that it makes a cross to highlight the stamped image. The flourish is grungeboard by Tim Holtz. After inking with VersaColor Bamboo Pigment ink, I sprayed it with Metallic Pearl Glimmer Mist. I really love Glimmer Mist and I know you will too. Many of you have already tried it, but if you haven't, you need to get a bottle and give it a try. In April I will be doing a tutorial on this new product at ODBD. But for now, here is a close-up of the shimmer and shine:


My designer paper is from Basic Grey's Porcelain collection, which is also available at ODBD, in my favorite 6x6 size pad. The piercing is done with an Ornare template, and many styles are available HERE.

Now, for my Blog Candy!! I am giving away a brand new Cross of Christ! To enter, leave me a comment on this post. Comments must be received by Sunday, March 15th (tomorrow!) at 12 NOON CST. It is a short contest, but I am leaving for Arizona on Monday, and want to notify the winner Sunday night! If you leave Jane a comment too, you can come back here and enter twice! Make sure there is a way for me to contact you - a link, or email!

Thanks for stopping by today on what I hope is a beautiful day for you!


Stamps: Cross of Christ (ODBD)
Paper: Always Artichoke, Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White, Basic Grey Porcelain DP
Ink: Black Stazon
Accessories: Metallic Pearl Glimmer Mist, Tim Holtz grungeboard, silk flowers, flower brad, Nestabilities, Ornare piercing template, oval punch, designer label punch, celery organdy ribbon

Friday, March 13, 2009

Snail Stop


I haven't done any new projects yet, but be sure to come back tomorrow to see some new stuff!

An honest evaluation of one's work is always a good thing. This is one of those cards where the longer I look at it, the more I want to change it! But, all artists say you should never go back and fix things. I love this little snail and the sentiment from SUINK. It's from a set called At A Snail's Pace and has some great character!

I like the layout and the colors and the embellishments, but I wish I had put the snail on the ric rac, so it could have been his trail, rather than the Copic C-1 that I used. I also wish I had stamped some flowers for him to be smelling! And I wish I had moved the snail down farther for better balance.

I scored several vertical lines on the Baja Breeze piece, but wished I had scored the other way, where the score would be a "mountain" instead of a "valley" (turned over). But at the time I made this, I thought I would try the valleys. I don't think the scoring shows up well enough.

So, that being said, I am going to make a very similar card tonight and show you the results tomorrow and then you can see what you think and which one you like better. I may end up liking this one more, and that is fine too!

What kinds of things do you wish you had done differently on your latest projects? Maybe you love them just the way they are! Well, I certainly love what Betty and Dina have done today with some beautiful Our Daily Bread designs projects! Head on over to their blogs and see what you think! You may win one some Blog Candy while you are at it!

See you tomorrow!!

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

More ODBD fun!

Are you playing in the Scavenger Hunt? Only a couple of days left! See all the fun HERE.

Today we are giving away some more Blog Candy! Do you want an opportunity to win one of my personal favorites? Then take a visit to see Nancy, Lorelie and Holly today for a chance to win Fishers of Men!

There are two awesome tutorials to show you today too, so hop on over and take a look at their fun projects and demonstrations!

Right now I am taking a little break from stamping -- I have three musicals I am directing that I am working on for performances in 2 weeks, and on a sadder note, one of my daughter's good friends was killed in a car accident early this week, and it's been a little hard at my house to stamp right now. So - I will be back to it soon - but in the meantime, HAVE a GOOD time with my team members and all they are doing!

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Anniversary Week Begins Today at ODBD!

Anniversary Week begins today at Our Daily Bread designs and you won't want to miss out on the fun. Start HERE for a fun Scavenger Hunt for cool prizes! Be sure to stop by Amy's and Angel's today. They both have awesome tutorials that you will want to see -- Scor-Pal and Shimmerz! ----- and did I mention that one of them has Blog Candy??

And now about today's card:
Congratulations to Kelly H! I have long admired Kelly's artistic flair and was excited to see her showcased in the SCS Featured Stamper Challenge last week.

I chose THIS card of Kelly's to case (copy and share everything). I kept her basic design and used a flourish, my Cuttlebug, and the same color family. I changed images and substituted twine for ribbon.

The grungeboard by Tim Holtz is something I won on Connie's (cmc2stamp) blog awhile back and I am finally glad to be able to use it! I love it~
(And I get to meet Connie next week on my trip to Arizona!)

My stamps are from a March new release by Our Daily Bread designs called You Are The Potter.

Be sure to stop by each day this week to see what is happening at ODBD!

Stamps: You Are The Potter (ODBD)
Paper: NQN, Soft Sky, Blue Bayou, Cool Caribbean, watercolor
Ink: Black Stazon and every blue I have!
Accessories: blue twine, Cuttlebug Mesh EF, aqua brush, Stampin' Up! tag Sizzlit, Fiskars decorative scissors, Tim Holtz grungeboard
Techniques: watercolor

Monday, March 9, 2009

Happy Birthday to My Daughter!

Today I want to say a very Happy 16th Birthday to my daughter!! Driver's License - here we come!

Today's creation comes from a challenge that the DRS Design Team had - to make a Stained Glass card. I made this:
This was a real challenge for me, as I had never made a card quite like this before! I used Lots of Dots Butterfly and Large Rectangle Stained Glass, both available at DRS Designs. To see a sample demonstration of how I made this card, click HERE. To see the other DT members' projects, click HERE.
I embossed the butterfly with Clear EP, and after coloring, added Crystal Stickles all over the wings. I pierced the butterfly at each dot, and then watercolored in the rest of the stained glass with Gable Green and Bashful Blue ink. A little heated organdy ribbon, and some flowers and hardware from Stampin' Up! and I was all done!

Thanks for coming by today! House Mouse fans, be sure to check back later for my Mousie card!! Off to a birthday celebration!

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Me???

Every morning, I go downstairs to my computer and log onto SCS to see what the new challenge is, or what has been happening since the night before (it's usually the last thing I do at night too!) I had just cleaned out my PM box the day before because it said I was getting close to the inbox limit! So when I went to bed (early, as I wasn't feeling so great), I had ZERO PMs. I log on today and there are many PMs! I am thinking "What is up?" Boy, was I surprised when I saw all the notes and well wishes and congratulations!

I had been chosen as today's SCS Featured Stamper! That Beth is a sneaky one! I had no idea and was totally surprised. I have heard that she sends out emails to people asking them if they are willing to be a FS, and I had never gotten one of those, so it really was a surprise!

So - no stamping to share today -- I am just enjoying looking at all of your beautiful creations. Thank you to everyone who has made a card and sent a message!! You are all wonderful and inspire me every day.

Friday, March 6, 2009

Sweet Chickies and a New Release!


Well, yesterday it was 72 here! Doesn't matter that tomorrow is supposed to be in the thirties. For one glorious day, it was SPRING! And my little chicks are excited to get out and enjoy it!

I made this for the SCS Limited Supplies Challenge: On Your Mark, Get Set, Go! My 30 minute card uses a darling new release by DRS Designs called Easter Sleepover. You can see all the new DRS Designs releases HERE. Be sure to check out the DRS Blog for lots of fun projects by the Design Team HERE.

This card is 5 inches square. There are three scored lines on the left side, which I alternated (scoring on the front and back) for added interest.

One little thing I learned today! White gel pen sticks to ribbon! Part of the silk-screened white dots had come off of my ribbon, and I just colored it in with my white gel pen! It dried right away and didn't smear!

This was a tough challenge for me, as I take forever to make my cards, but I think most of it is the "thinking" part! Thanks for coming to look!


Stamps: Easter Sleepover (L600) by DRS Designs
Paper: Green Galore, Whisper White, Barely Banana, DP by Provo Craft
Ink: VersaFine Onyx Black, Yoyo Yellow, Green Galore, Bliss Blue, Almost Amethyst, Certainly Celery
Accessories: giant brad (The Paper Studio), dotted grosgrain ribbon (Hobby Lobby), Scor-Pal, Paper Frills (Doodlebug), Nestabilities, white gel pen
Techniques: watercolor

Thursday, March 5, 2009

I Finally Got Them!

Yay! I finally got my new Hambo stamps yesterday. These little Love Birds are so cute and fat and full of love! LOL
Today's SCS Ways To Use It Challenge 208 called for making ATCs. I love these little cards! For more information on ATCs, and cutting instructions, see THIS post. To see an ATC made into a full-sized card, see THIS post.

I used Encore Silver pigment ink to stamp the sentiment. The Tim Holtz Grungeboard is stamped with VersaColor Polar Blue pigment ink. The Love Birds are stamped in VersaFine Onyx Black and then watercolored with Bashful Blue ink.

You can find all the new Hambo releases HERE.
Thanks for stopping by today!

Stamps: Hambo Stamps: Love Birds (3218) & Love (0511)
Paper: Bashful Blue, watercolor, Provo Craft DP
Ink: VersaFine Onyx Black, Bashful Blue, Barely Banana, Encore Silver, VersaColor Polar Blue Pigment
Accessories: Tim Holtz Grungeboard, Nestabilities, silver organdy ribbon
Techniques: watercolor

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Make a Wish!

Today I want to share a project I made for my daughter's sixteenth birthday. I can't even believe I am writing that; time has gone by so fast and it seems she was just six! She is a real joy and such a talented young lady. In two years she will be off to college (out of state, no doubt), and I know I will miss her a lot! Her birthday is the 9th.

I made this little box for a special gift for her. Now if you follow my blog at all, you will know that I am not a 3D kind of person. I like to stick with cards! But this little box was calling my name, and it's really easy! You can print the pattern right on your cardstock, cut, decorate, adhere, and voila! A little gift box for something special. I got the pattern from a Technique Challenge on Splitcoaststampers, and you can download it HERE.

I used the fun and festive Birthday Candle Burst by DRS Designs and colored each candle using markers, reinkers, and an aqua brush. Then I added Crystal Stickles to the candles and the fun swirl that is holding them all together and punched the corners with a ticket corner punch. Here is a close-up:

Since the actual stamp was a little too long for my box, I cut apart the candles and sentiment, and added them to the top of my box. I punched holes in the top with a 1/4" circle punch and ran different fun ribbons through, using glue dots to adhere them. You could also use colored staples for another option and fun look. I cut a strip of hot pink cardstock and ran it through my crimper (I had to think for a minute to remember where it was! When is the last time you used yours? LOL), and added that as a layer before I adhered my main panel with pop dots.

I think she will like what is in the bottom of this box. It's small and can fit into your hand. Remember, she is going to be 16...... Can you guess what is inside?

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

The Garden Special!


Each month Rubber Stamp Tapestry has some wonderful sales on sets and accessories. This month's set special is Yumy's Garden. I love this set, because it has a vase that is really versatile, and the flowers that come with the set are just beautiful and so delicate.

Here is a sample I made using Yumy's Garden:

You can see the steps and materials I used to make this card HERE. Be sure to check out the featured products HERE. There are some really cute little eggs for spring cards!
Thanks for stopping by today!

Monday, March 2, 2009

What Were You Thinking?

It's Monday and that means time for a House Mouse & Friends Challenge! Today we are making cards or projects that have chipboard. I chose this fun arrow by The Paper Studio for my chipboard piece. I inked it with Cardinal Red and Bark VersaColor pigment pads, and then embossed it with Black Sparkle Embossing Powder.

My Gruffie has eaten too many pieces of pizza, don't you think? I actually made this for a friend who is on a quest to win the "Most Poundage Lost" contest with me. She is going on a cruise in June, and turns 40 in May, and I have my 39th birthday (hahahaha) in July, so we are having a little contest to see who wins. There is a great prize for the winner (from the loser), but I will wait to tell you more about that in the coming months! Anyway, I thought she would get a kick out of this.
Be sure to see what all the other HM & F Design Team members did HERE. Play along with us! Our sponsor today is Simon Says Stamp! Check it out for lots of fun stuff! They have over 1000 House Mouse products!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Sunday, March 1, 2009

It's New Release Day at Our Daily Bread designs!

March is a special month for Our Daily Bread designs! March 17th will mark the one-year anniversary of this awesome company, run by my friend, Kelley Holland. If you haven't checked out her stamps and products, be sure to do so this week and throughout the month. And stay tuned for all sorts of fun challenges and contests and prizes as we celebrate!

I want to show you two cards that I made for the new release. The first one is from the new set You Are The Potter. I absolutely LOVE this set, and I am sure I will wear it out! Growing up in Arizona and living in the southwest a large part of my life, I was immediately drawn to the images in this set. And the scriptures are some of my favorites!

I watercolored my pots with reinkers and an aqua brush. The piercing is done with an Ornare piercing template. The Metallic Copper cardstock is by Prism. and the fabulous matching designer paper is by Masterpiece Studios.

My next card is made a sketch from SCS Sketch Challenge 217. I turned the sketch and added another panel for my Serenity Prayer. This stamp is a single stamp release available today! I love this prayer and I know many of you do too! I used Stampin' Up!'s Bella Bleu designer paper, along with Whisper White and Bliss Blue. Can't go without my favorite embellishment - pearls! For a final touch I added some Not Quite Navy organdy ribbon.

Be sure to check out what the rest of the Design Team is doing! Links to their blogs are in the left sidebar.

And one final card - that I didn't make! For the February DT challenge, I sent the DT a "secret" name - and a challenge to make a Valentine or friendship card using one of the Feb. released sets. The only other stipulation was that they use pink (my favorite color, and the favorite color of owner Kelley!). Look at this beauty I received from Betty Wright!! Thank you, Betty, for brightening up my day and mailbox with this gorgeous card!

Anniversary celebrations will officially begin at the ODBD blog on March 10, so be sure to come back and see what all the fun is!

Stamps: You Are The Potter (ODBD)
Paper: Metallic Copper (Prism), Masterpiece DP, Whisper White, Mellow Moss
Ink: Copic C-1, Black Stazon, Close to Cocoa, Mellow Moss, Pumpkin Pie, Brocade Blue, More Mustard
Accessories: square copper stickers (Mark Richards), Nestabilities, paper piercer, Ornare template, fibers, beads
Techniques: watercolor


Stamps: Serenity Prayer (ODBD) Paper: Bliss Blue, Designer Paper is Bella Bleu by Stampin' Up! Ink: Not Quite Navy Accessories: pearls (Mark Richards), wired NQN organdy ribbon, paper piercer