Joy in a JAR

Green Eggs and.....Hambo!

2012-01-27T07:00:00.006-06:00

Welcome to "Green Eggs and ......Hambo" sponsored by Hambo Stamps! Today Hambo customers and the Bacon Bits Design Team are bringing you fun creations that depict book titles! It might be our favorite book, or just one that was fun to design. If you arrived here from Leslie's blog you are in the right place! If not, you might want to start back at the beginning at the Hambo blog to make sure you are eligible for the hopper prize!

A prize will be awarded to one participant whose book-themed creation tickles the Bacon Bits’ fancy in a hammin’ jammin’ way! Another prize will be awarded randomly to a hopper who comments on all the blogs along the way. The winners will be announced on the Hoedown blog, as well as on the Hambo company blog, Talk to the Ham, on Wednesday, February 1.

My card today is based on the book I am currently reading: The Confession by John Grisham. It tells the story of two men: one in prison for a crime he didn't commit, and the other, a terminally ill man who actually did commit the crime and is trying to make restitution. But no one believes him.

I used Pig Inmate for my images. He looks a little shell-shocked from all the years in prison - he has been counting the days until someone will squeal the real story, and he will be free. He has to get out so he can head on over to Sandy's blog for another great book! Don't forget to leave a comment to be eligible to win some Hambo prizes!

We love comments anytime, but the deadline for prize entries is Tuesday, January 31 at 5 PM CST. Our current team will be retiring that day, and we will be welcoming a new Design Team AND celebrating the Hambo Hoedown’s ONE YEAR BIRTHDAY on February 1st. Don't miss it!

Hop Order:

Talk to the Ham
Jennifer S
Melissa
Karin
Pat
Laura
Stephanie
Sherry
Leslie
Judy <-------you are here!
Sandy
Michele
Allison
Jessica
Jen N
Andrea
Libby

Looking For A Sketch Challenge? With A Prize?

2012-01-26T07:15:00.000-06:00

Come join my Sketch Challenge for Stamp School!

We call it "Geometry Class" of course! :)

You can see the sketch and all the deets here.

And here is what I came up with:

All supplies I used are from A Walk Down Memory Lane, and are listed at the bottom of the Geometry Class post -- with links to find everything! Thanks for stopping by today!

More Pottery With Love

2012-01-24T12:22:00.002-06:00

I wanted to share another card with you using yesterday's "Inspired by Belleek Pottery" technique. And I also wanted to share how you can stamp RIGHT ON pottery and have a beautiful collector's piece that you have made!

But first things first. My card today is made with images from Nature's Path by Rubber Stamp Tapestry. This darling little set makes beautiful delicate designs. I used a Spellbinders Heart die and punched out a heart template to sponge for my guide, and then stamped the wreath. I finished off with Love Block Stamp in another Spellbinders heart.

I added a second panel using the Inspired by Belleek Pottery technique (CLICK HERE) and a Sizzix embossing folder with Sahara Sand ink.

NOW, to see some really beautiful pottery and art using Rubber Stamp Tapestry's stamps on ceramic bisque, CLICK HERE. Susan has some gorgeous tutorials and ideas to show you about how easy it is! Here is a peek:

I did not make this! This is one of the many works of art that Susan has made using Rubber Stamp Tapestry's stamps. Have a look! You will love the technique and end results~!

Other challenges:
Cooking It Up With Katie - Heart, emboss, punch
Crafts and Me - pink and sparkly
Creative Belli - fancy frames
Inky Impressions - heart you
My Mum's Craft shop - flowers
Simon Says Stamp - anything goes
Whimsy Inspiration - pearls or bling
Anything Goes Challenge - To The One I Love
My Time To Craft - Your Favourite Embellishment
Sweet Stamps - Love

Stamps: Nature's Path & Love Block Stamp by Rubber Stamp Tapestry

Paper: Rose Red, Sahara Sand, Whisper White

Ink: Rose Romance (retired), Sahara Sand, Always Artichoke, Mellow Moss

Accessories: Diamond Stickles, Kaiser Blush Pearls, Spellbinders heart die cuts, Sizzix EF, sparkly ric rac (RRR)

Inspired by Belleek Pottery

2012-01-22T20:41:00.001-06:00

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to go to Ireland for eleven days with my daughter and her high school choir. We spent all of our time in the north part of Ireland from Dublin to Galway, and then on up to Northern Ireland and the Belfast area. I wish I had known Bridget and Sabrina then!

It was a wonderful trip. One of the highlights for everyone on the trip was the Belleek Pottery tour. No one knew quite what to expect, but by the time we finished the tour we were all mesmerized and enchanted with what we had seen, and every person with the choir purchased something to bring home.

I was absolutely astounded at the careful, detailed work that is done there. Here are some of the pictures I took:

My Technique Challenge today at Splitcoast is inspired by that pottery (Growing up in Arizona, it's really more like china and porcelain than what I think of as "pottery.").

We have had a Technique Challenge where we inked up our embossing folders for a negative effect: TLC160 Cuttlebug: The Negative Effect 3/17/08, and this is similar, but there are some restrictions.

We want our backgrounds to look reminiscent of porcelain or bisque pottery/china, so we will be limited in what colors we can use.

Instructions:

1. Use white or ivory cardstock only for your background.

2. Choose an embossing folder that has some negative space. Ink up the front or top side (usually where the business logo is) with a light neutral dye ink (you can use pigment, but the result will look different and not as subdued, plus it's harder to clean the embossing folder). Suggested ink colors: Crumb Cake, Sahara Sand, and similar colors in other brands. I used my brayer for even coverage. My sample uses Sahara Sand. No dark or bright colors.

3. Place the white or ivory cardstock on the inside back side of the embossing folder (the non-inked side), close the folder, and emboss using your machine of choice. I used my Cuttlebug.

4. Open the folder, and voila! A nice, subdued, porcelain-look for your background!

5. Try to keep your design focused on the background, even though you will be adding other images and embellishments. In my sample, I stamped my sentiment in Sahara Sand, and kept my lamp image uncolored to not take away from the background.

Here is my card. Click on the photo for a close-up!

I was going to make a tutorial for those visual people, like me(!), but then I found this awesome one that Diana Gibbs has done using this same technique HERE.

I hope you will play along!

Stamps: Unity Stamps

Paper: Pink Pirouette, Sahara Sand (SU!), Sweet Tooth (Stamp School)

Ink: Sahara Sand (SU!), London Fog (Memento)

Accessories: Wild Orchid roses, MS branch punch, Cuttlebug EF, Really Reasonable Ribbon Noelle Crocheted Lace, Spellbinders Long Rectangles and Long Scalloped Rectangles die cuts, Kaiser Blush pearls

It's A Kittie Kits Hop!

2012-01-21T09:00:00.052-06:00

Thank you for joining in on the KITTIE KIT HOP fun!! We are SO excited to share with you! In case you didn’t know, Rubbernecker Stamps has a line of stamps called KITTIE KITS (designed by Kittie Caracciolo) and they include a variety of images; these images can be used together in MANY different ways to create MANY different things. Just wait, you will see what I mean! The Stampin’ Sisterhood has come together to share some of the ways that THEY use them! There is a HOP ROUTE for you to follow below. You will find it along with my creation. Each Sister will have this list for you, to help you on your journey!!

My card is made with Kittie Kits The Moose is Loose set. I was too careful in sponging my sky and snowdrifts, so the color is a bit washed out in the photo, but the Starfire Glitter picks up the drifts a bit. These trees remind me of where I grew up - beautiful hills and spruce and pine trees - and cross-country skiing! Click on the photo for a close-up view.

Make sure to leave some LOVE at every stop, for you will want to be eligible for our PRIZE!! What fun would it be without a PRIZE!!?

***You could win your choice of one AWESOME KITTIE KIT stamp set of your CHOICE!***
***The winner will be announced FRIDAY 1/2so you all have time to HOP!!***

How cool is that? OK, better get HOPPIN’, there is LOTS to see!! Be on the look out for our NEXT HOP coming IN FEBRUARY!! We look forward to bringing you MORE sharing and prizes!! Until then, be sure to check out the daily posts on the STAMPIN’ SISTERHOOD blog!! There is LOTS of inspiration to be found! Thanks again for joining us today and ENJOY!!

**HOP ROUTE**

Rubbernecker Stamps is also having a Design Team Call right now! Check it out and come join our fun team! Click HERE to read the details! Deadline is tonight at midnight!

Stamps: Rubbernecker Stamps Kittie Kits The Moose is Loose
Paper: Always Artichoke, Glossy White (SU!), Sno Cone (Stamp School's Poptone)
Ink: Always Artichoke, Sahara Sand (SU!), Sno Cone, Berrylicious (Stamp School)
Accessories:White Dots Organdy Ribbon (Really Reasonable Ribbon), button (Basic Grey), Pennant die cut (Spellbinders), rhinestones (Studio G), embossing folder (Cuttlebug), Starfire Glitter (Sparkle N Sprinkle), silver thread (in button)

Flowers, Ribbon, Lace and Pearls = Smile

2012-01-19T07:44:00.003-06:00

Today's sentiment comes from TLC Creations. Paulette has lovely word art and vintage images at her blog - the majority of which are FREE! If you haven't ever been there, check it out.

How do you start your cards? Sketch, color, theme, image? I think I change every time I design. This one started with a sketch I did, and then I chose the designer paper. I loved all the colors and richness. It's Madeline by Prima. Wild Orchid has the loveliest flowers, don't you think? I get mine at I Brake For Stamps. Add some pearls and lace and I am a happy girl!

I would love it if you would be a Follower! Just click the button in the right sidebar! Have a wonderful day!

Challenges for this card:

Gingersnap Creations - favorite paper

Penny's Paper-Crafty - birds

Whimsical Wednesdays - anything goes

Cupcake Craftroom - anything goes

Lexi Creations - anything goes

Stamps: I Wish You Comfort by TLC Creations

Paper: Mellow Moss, Chocolate Chip, GP White, Madeline DP by Prima

Accessories: Wild Orchid roses, MS bird punch and branch punch, SU! Chocolate Chip striped grosgrain ribbon, slit punch, lace trim, Bazzill Just the Edge cardstock strips, pearls, Spellbinders Circles Large die, Cuttlebug EF

Comfort and Peace

2012-01-17T08:00:00.007-06:00

As I get older, I find that I need more sympathy cards. I love the message on this sentiment from Stamp School's Christian Sympathy stamp set:

This was a quick card to make, as the Authentique Gathering 6x6 pad has such beautiful paper in it and I wanted to highlight those vibrant colors.

You can see how I made this, and all the supplies that I used in today's Study Hall at Stamp School!

And there is a Facebook Giveaway! Read all about it:

Did you know Stamp School has a Facebook Page? We’d love it if you “liked” us… in fact we’d love it so much that we’re running a Facebook Contest. There will be a Stamp School prize pack awarded to one lucky Facebook commenter (randomly chosen by random.org). All you need to do to enter is like us on Facebook and answer a question. Since we’re Stamp School, we want to know the name of your all time favorite teacher! For additional entries, you can tell others about Stamp School. When your friends like Stamp School they should answer the question AND tell us who sent them (i.e. My favorite teacher was Mrs. Smith, and Samantha Taylor sent me). They’ll get an entry for commenting, and you will receive an additional entry for every friend you send over to Stamp School.

All comments need to be made by 11:59 pm CST on Friday, January 20th, on our Facebook Page. To comply with Facebook rules and regulations, the winner will be announced here on the Stamp School blog on Saturday, January 21st.

Good luck!

Challenges for this card:

Die Cut Dreams - Sympathy

Lexi's Creations - Anything Goes

Squigglefly - Buttons

Truly Madly Crafty Challenges - Anything Goes

Pollycraft - BINGO (ribbon, button, die cut)

The Crazy Challenge - Tic Tac Toe (ribbon, image, pearls)

Kenny K Krafty Girlz - "Bow-Dacious"

Halfway Through January!

2012-01-15T06:30:00.005-06:00

Today is the 15th and that means it's time for two new Dirty girls to join the Dirty Dozen at Splitcoaststampers. If you are a Fan Club member, you will be able to see who they are and see the creations I made for this month's theme! If not, head over there and join! It's a great way to support SCS and receive benefits just for FC members! I am SUPER excited about both girls that are joining the SCS Design Team this month! Here is a sneak peek of one of my creations:

Isn't he cute?

I can't believe how fast my six months on the team has gone! I only have one more month as a Dirty Girl! Seems like I was just announcing my secret! It has been so much fun.

The 15th also brings a new challenge to Really Reasonable Ribbon and today's challenge is Valentines! Of course you must have ribbon or trim somewhere on your project! Here is what I made:

I used my Grand Calibur and Grand Ovals dies to cut out my frame, then added some fun designer paper by The Paper Studio to the inside before I stamped my sentiment. I embossed with Cuttlebug's Seeing Spots embossing folder. The heart is a Spellinders die. I made two slits and tied it with Dots White Organza and Cherry Baker's Twine from Really Reasonable Ribbon. I used my heat gun to curl the edges of the ribbon.

Kind of hard to get a good photo that shows both the inside and out! I hope you will play along!

Other challenges for this card:

Card Cupids - Valentines
Catered Crop - Buttons
Dream Valley Challenges - Anything Goes
Gingerloft - Anything Goes
Let`s Ink It Up - Anything Goes
One Stitch At A Time - Anything Goes
PanPastel UK Challenge - Anything Goes
Penny Black and More - Love and Hearts
Sentimental Sundays - Ribbon
Designed 2 Delight - Card or Project to include a Heart
Drunken Stampers - Love
A Gem of a Challenge - Picture Inspiration

Stamps: Pretty Phrases by Paper Smooches

Paper: PTI White, Cherry Cobbler, DP by The Paper Studio

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories: (and Tools): heat gun, Grand Ovals and Heart dies (Spellbinders), Cherry Baker's Twine & Dots White Organza (Really Reasonable Ribbon), button, Seeing Spots embossing folder (Cuttlebug)

A Stamp School Tutorial PLUS HEALING

2012-01-14T00:59:00.002-06:00

For the Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog Hop CLICK HERE.

Over at Stamp School in yesterday's Teacher Lounge, I showed a technique tutorial using Distress Inks. I hope you will check it out and let me know what you think! Here is the finished product:

Head over to Stamp School to see how I made this!

And I would love it if you would check out my AIHU website HERE. I LOVE LOVE these products. Here is Aihu's Mission Statement (CLICK on it to see larger print):

If you suffer from arthritis, fibromyalgia, psoriasis, dermatitis, migraines, sinus headaches, or tension and stress, AIHU products may help alleviate some of the pain associated with those ailments. I would love to tell you more about it, and help you find the products that will best help.

Healing Skin Care, Facial Healing Skin Care, Healing Mineral Make-up, Anti-Stress, Baby, and Home Keeping products are what we offer!

Check out the site! Have a great weekend~!

Challenges for my card:
Annabelle Stamps Challenge – Anything Goes
Crafty Catz - Something New (felt)
Fairy Tale - Something New (felt)

Hopping With Really Reasonable Ribbon

2012-01-13T06:00:00.033-06:00

Welcome to the January Blog Hop with Really Reasonable Ribbon! If you arrived here from True's blog, you are in the right place! If you just happened along, be sure to start at the beginning at the RRR Blog (I am the third stop, so you don't have far back to go!) so you don't miss out on the awesome projects, fun news, and a prize from Really Reasonable Ribbon!

This month we are showcasing the fun pinks, reds, and whites in the January Monthly Ribbon Club Kit. If you really love ribbon and would like to have a wonderful assortment of ribbons sent to you automatically each month, just join the Really Reasonable Ribbon Club! Monthly ribbon club assortments are selected and pre-packed to reflect a specific theme, color, or holiday season. The assortments vary from month to month, but an average assortment has 5-8 different ribbon styles and consists of 10-15 yards of ribbon.

Here is what I made:

My images are from Cats Set 597 by Rubbernecker Stamps. It has such fun images and sayings for cats! I chose the fun pink dotted satin ribbon from the January Club for my card. This is a 4.25" square card. Click on the photo for a closer view.

Now off to Joanna's blog, where she has something super fun to share! Thanks for stopping by today!

Bonnie will be giving away a January Ribbon Monthly Club kit to a random commenter so please make sure and comment on all of the girls' projects to increase your chances of winning! There is also a Blogoversary Giveaway to celebrate and you will want to enter HERE!

Stamps: Cats 597 by Rubbernecker Stamps

Paper: Pink Passion, Positively Pink, Basic Black, Whisper White (SU!), Sweet Stack DP (DCWV)

Ink: Pink Passion, Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories and Tools: gems (Studio G), brads (The Paper Studio), embossing folder (Cuttlebug), Spellbinders die cuts, January Ribbon Club (Really Reasonable Ribbon), border punch (EK Success)

Inflation?

2012-01-11T07:34:00.002-06:00

Over at the Hambo Hoedown today there is LOTS of fun news! There is a DT Call, a blog hop you can join, and a fun new image! BALLOON COST is the image the Bacon Bits worked with this week, along with the challenge of using TWO CIRCLES OF DIFFERENT SIZES. I love the look of rainbow colors together and I made a CAS (Clean and Simple) card for my design. Above is the outside, and this is the inside:

I thought the sentiment was perfect to pair with Balloon Girl! Dance on over to the Hoedown to see what everyone else made and read all about it!

Other challenges for this card:

Paper Pretties - sentiment as focal point

365 Cards - candyland

Anything Goes Challenge - Anything Goes at Anything Goes

Deep Ocean Challenge - Lots Of White

Stamps: Balloon Cost & Balloon Girl by Hambo Stamps

Paper: Green Galore, Yoyo Yellow, Real Red, Only Orange, Lovely Lilac, Ballet Blue, PTI White

Ink: Copic MarkersY08, R29, YR68, B24, B00, V15, YG06

Accessories: large oval punch, Spellbinders Circle dies, Cuttlebug embossing folder

The Best of 2011 Techniques

2012-01-09T07:33:00.003-06:00

I am excited to announce that I will be joining my good friends Holly and Joan as a Splitcoaststampers Technique Challenge Hostess for 2012! And today I am hosting a "Best of 2011" Challenge. Come on over to the TLC forum and play along! There are 52 challenges to choose from; something for everyone!

I chose TLC313 Bargello Design for my background. I love this technique! It gives me a chance to use several different designer papers (and I have oodles!). Joan has a wonderful tutorial on her blog that shows how easy this technique is. It takes a little time, but I love the effect! Try it! If you are like me, I know you have enough paper out there!

My images are Coffee Girl by Hambo Stamps. She is one of my all-time favorite Hambo digital images! Speaking of Hambo Stamps, there is a Design Team Call going on right now through January 18th! We would love to have you apply! Get the DEETS HERE.

On another fun note, my "Out With the Old, In With the Newt" Hambo Stamps card won Top Three over at Come and Get It Challenges! Woo!

Have a great day!

Other challenges for this card:
Creative Inspirations Paint - Something Old (buttons & twill)
Dream Valley Challenges - Anything Goes
Gingerloft - Anything Goes
One Stitch At A Time - Use Embellishments
Sparkles Forum - Anything BUT a Christmas Card
Allsorts - Paper Piecing

Stamps: Coffee Girl by Hambo Stamps

Paper: Kraft, Riding Hood Red, GP White, DP from stash

Ink: Twin Touch & Copic markers

Accessories: PTI twine, cardboard heart, buttons, May Arts twine, Spellbinders dies

Techniques: Bargello Design, paper piecing

A New Year Wish

2012-01-07T10:17:00.004-06:00

I think this card's sentiment is perfect for the New Year! "Encourage your hopes, not your fears."
Wouldn't life be disheartening without hope? We hope we will lose weight, find a new job, stamp something pretty, be liked. We hope our children will make friends at school, that our new recipe turns out, that we have enough money, that we can zip up the jeans. We hope we can keep our mouths closed when we should and that we will have the courage to stand up for something when it's right. We hope for a cure for cancer, hope that the wars will end, hope that our family is safe, and hope that we can sleep well tonight.

Whether we be young or old,
Our destiny, our being's heart and home,
Is with infinitude, and only there;
With hope it is, hope that can never die,
Effort and expectation, and desire,
And something evermore about to be.
--William Wordsworth (The Prelude)

Have a wonderful day!

Card Challenges:

Catch The Bug - January Anything Goes

Craft Your Days Away - New Beginnings

Crafty Emma - Anything goes

Crazy 4 Challenges - New Year, use something new (first time to use the stamps!)

Just Some Lines - Anything to do with New Year

Sweet Stampin - Spots and Dots (in the designer paper)

Card Makin' Mamas - New Year or Something New

Crafty Catz - New Beginning

Fairy Tale - Something New (first time to use the stamps!)

Jellypark Challenges - Use Something Old AND Something New (new: stamps - old: roses)

Fashionista Friday – Use up Stash (roses)

Stamps: French Connection by Tim Holtz

Paper: Very Vanilla, Naturals Ivory, Stella and Rose Hattie Papers (My Mind's Eye)

Ink: Baja Breeze, Blue Bayou, Close to Cocoa

Accessories: journaling tag (K & Co.), distressing tool, paper doily, Latte pearls (Kaiser), paper roses (Wild Orchid), Circle and Pendant dies (Spellbinders), Sunburst Border Punch (Fiskars)

Out With the Old, In With the Newt!

2012-01-03T06:30:00.004-06:00

Doesn't this image just make you smile? It's a new digi release by Hambo Stamps and you can read all about the Hoedown Challenge here! It comes with three sentiments, so there is sure to be one that tickles your fancy!

I used two new things on this card: Epiphany Crafts Button Studio and Really Reasonable Ribbon's Mauve Mid Ruffle Satin. I LOVE the ruffled ribbon that RRR carries, and you can see all the colors and types HERE. My designer paper is Basic Grey's Lemonade. Perfect colors for my guy's shirt too!

Hambo Stamps is having a DT Call RIGHT NOW! We would love to have you apply! Check out the Hoedown (until Jan. 9), and check out RRR's 2 Year Blogoversary Giveaway (until Jan. 26)! HAPPY NEWT YEAR!

Other challenges for this card:

Cupcake Craftroom - Anything Goes

Creative Stamp Friends - New Year Cards

Critter Sketch - Celebration

Kaboodle Doodles - Celebrates

The Crafter`s Cafe - New Year/ New Beginnings

There She Goes - "A New Year, A New Start"

Come and Get It Challenges - Happy New Year Card

Creative Inspirations Paint - Something New

Robyn`s Fetish - Anything Goes

One Stitch At A Time - Use a Digi

Sentimental Sundays - must include a Sentiment - Anything Goes

The Squirrel & the Fox - Something New

Stamps: Reptile by Hambo Stamps

Paper: Lemonade DP by Basic Grey, Pretty in Pink, Old Olive, GP White

Ink: Copics

Accessories: Spellbinders dies, felt flower, ruffled ribbon (RRR), Cuttlebug EF, Epiphany Crafts Button Studio

Techniques: paper piecing

Join in My Color Challenge at Stamp School!

2012-01-02T06:30:00.007-06:00

Today at Stamp School is my first Art Room post - a color challenge that I hope you will join! There is a prize package to be had for one lucky player! I loved the muted colors in this artwork. If you don't have any Poptone Cardstock from Stamp School yet, head on over to A Walk Down Memory Lane and order some! You will love the quality of this 100 lb. cardstock!

My card is today is made using both the Christian Sympathy and Natural Landscape sets and the beautiful colors above. My sentiment and flowers are both stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink, and the flower are colored in with Copic Markers. The beautiful patterned paper is from the Authentique Gathering 6×6 pad.

My ribbon is White Diamond Satin from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

You have until 11:58 CST on the last day of the month to upload any challenge entries. I hope you will join in!

Other challenges for this card:

Incy Wincy Designs - Anything Goes

House of Gilli - Anything Goes

Heart Song Inspirations - Anything Goes

Simon Says Stamp and Show... - Something Old and New (Old: embossing folder; New: cardstock, button and stamps)
The Pink Elephant - Anything Goes

Stamps R Us - "What you got for Christmas" or Anything Goes

The Cutie Pie Challenge - Use a Sentiment

Release Week Reveal #3 at Stamp School

2011-12-31T06:00:00.005-06:00

The last 3 days of each month, you will be treated to some beautiful creations by the Stamp School Faculty. Each month, Stamp School releases 2 stamp sets per month. The first part of 2012, Stamp School will be releasing 4 colors of Poptone cardstock and matching inks until all of their 24 colors are stocked. Stamp School also will be releasing 100% wool felt along with the cardstock each month.

Today I want to share my third and final creation for Release Week. All of the stamps, inks, cardstocks, and felts will be available for purchase TOMORROW, January 1! Then on Monday, I will have an Art Room color challenge for you to play along in~

My card today is made with one of the sentiments from Christian Sympathy. My color choices were based on beautiful designer paper by Authentique - the Gathering 6x6 collection, which you can find at Stamp School's sister site, A Walk Down Memory Lane. It matches beautifully with the Poptone Berrylicious and Hot Fudge cardstocks.

I stamped my sentiment in Poptone's Blue Raspberry ink, and then cut out with a Spellbinders Labels Eight die. The edges are sponged with Memento's Rich Cocoa ink, also available at AWDML. The Hot Fudge CS is embossed with a Sizzix embossing folder. Some gorgeous orange ruffled ribbon and a few accessories and all done!

A little more about the inks and stamps:

Inks:
The Poptone Dye Ink from Stamp School is a raised dye ink pad. The inks are made to match the Poptone Cardstock. The ink pad comes with a hinged lid, so you won't ever lose your lid and is labeled with the ink color. It works beautifully on our clear stamps, and because it is a dye ink you can do any technique fit for dye inks. We also have re-inkers available.

Stamps:
Stamp School stamps are made in the USA with the highest quality photopolymer.

Be sure to check out all Stamp School has to offer, and take a look at what my fellow Faculty members have created to show you today:

* Amber * Rochelle * Vicki*

Stamp School Owner Lisa will be highlighting her creations on the Stamp School blog, so head on over there to see all the excitement!

Have a safe and happy New Year's Eve celebration tonight!

Stamps: Christian Sympathy
Paper: Poptone Cardstock - Hot Fudge, Berrylicious; Authentique Gathering 6x6 Designer Paper
Ink: Poptone - Blue Raspberry, Memento Cocoa

Accessories: pearls, slit punch, embossing folder, button, orange embroidery thread, orange ruffled ribbon, corner rounder, Spellbinders die cut

Reveal Day #2 at Stamp School

2011-12-29T06:30:00.006-06:00

Today is Reveal Day #2 at Stamp School! Today I want to share a little bit more about the two of the products, and tomorrow I will share about two more.

Cardstock:
Poptone Cardstock from Stamp School is a heavy 100lb cover weight cardstock. It works brilliantly for card bases. However, we suggest you score your cardstock before you fold it. It's just THAT heavy weight! The Poptone Cardstock cuts beautuifully with any diecut machine and die, even the wafter thin steel rule dies from My Favorite Things or Spellbinders. It has matching dye inks, and matching wool felt.

The Sweet Tooth is now my heavier weight white cardstock of choice! I love the weight and quality.

Felt:
Soft to the touch yet sturdy, Stamp School felt is a medium-weight 100% merino wool, imported from Holland. Be forewarned, once you craft with it you'll have a hard time ever going back to a blend or acrylic. Approximately 14oz. per linear yard (36x72 inches) and 1mm thick, almost 1/16 inch. Our felt is not flammable, and safe for babies and children.

I am in love with this felt! It is the softest, nicest quality felt I have ever worked with!

Today my card uses the Natural Landscape set:

I used two of Tim Holtz's Distress inks to create my background: Spun Sugar and Antique Linen. The images are stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink.

Be sure to check out all Stamp School has to offer, and take a look at what my fellow Faculty members have created to show you today:

* Amber * Rochelle * Vicki*

Stamp School Owner Lisa will be highlighting her creations on the Stamp School blog, so head on over there to see all the excitement! Sneak Peek #3 coming up tomorrow!

While you are at Stamp School, check out the beautiful Art Room color challenge that ends TOMORROW! There is a great prize, and since Stamp School is so new, VERY FEW PARTICIPANTS! Get on over there and have a go!

Stamps: Natural Landscape

Paper: Poptone - Whip Cream; Watercolor, SU! Pink Pirouette DP
Ink: Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Spun Sugar and Antique Linen, Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: pearls

Challenges for this card:

4 Crafty Chicks - Something New (stamps)

Aud Sentiments Challenge - Anything Goes

Digi Doodle Shop's Best - Anything Goes

Rainbow Lady's - Your Choice

A Sneak Peek from Stamp School!

2011-12-29T06:00:00.003-06:00

I am excited to show you a sneak peek of the two new sets being released January 1 by Stamp School! Stamp School is a brand new company and I am thrilled to be one of four designers on the Stamp School Faculty!

Stamp School's sister site is A Walk Down Memory Lane. They offer reward points for every purchase. You can start using Reward points on your 2nd purchase. They offer flat rate shipping of $7.25 on every Continental US order up to $75. After a $75 purchase, shipping is free on Continental US orders. For international customers, there is a flat rate shipping depending on which country is shipped to.

Today is the first day of three sneak peeks that all of the Faculty will be showing this week. My first card of the week is made using stamps from both of the new sets: Christian Sympathy and Natural Landscape.

I used three of Stamp School's new Poptone Cardstock colors: Razzleberry, Snow Cone, and Sweet Tooth. I stamped my image in Poptone Razzleberry dye ink, and the sentiment in Poptone Berrylicious dye ink. I also used some of the beautiful Snow Cone felt that Stamp School offers. The cardstock, inks and 100% Merino wool felt all coordinate beautifully. You will love the heavy 100 lb. weight cardstock, and the felt is like none I have ever felt (haha!). Simply beautiful!

Be sure to check out all Stamp School has to offer, and take a look at what my fellow Faculty members have created to show you today:

* Amber * Rochelle * Vicki*

DT Coordinator Samantha and Owner Lisa will be highlighting their creations on the Stamp School blog, so head on over there to see all the excitment! Sneak Peek #2 coming up tomorrow!

Stamps: Natural Landscape, Christian Sympathy
Cardstock: Poptone - Razzleberry, Snow Cone, Sweet Tooth
Ink: Poptone - Razzleberry, Berrylicious
Felt: Poptone - Snow Cone
Accessories: flag die, buttons

Challenges for this card:

Marks Finest Papers-Anything Goes

Secret Crafter-Anything Goes

Delicious Doodles-Anything Goes

Cooking It Up With Katie - Anything Goes

Little Red Wagon - something new (everything on the card but the buttons!)

My Mum's Craft shop - Anything Goes

Scrapbook Sisters - Anything Goes

Everybody-Art-Challenge - Anything Goes

I Love Coffee!

2011-12-23T06:00:00.002-06:00

I do love a good cup of coffee, but I also love the scent, and I love using coffee as a dye/aging process for seam binding. There are so many gorgeous colors in the Really Reasonable Ribbon store HERE. When I want to add an aged or vintage look, I add coffee! Take a look:

I used Dark Peach Seam Binding with these steps:

1. Brew a cup of coffee and fill Mini Mister with cooled coffee.

2. On a craft sheet or plastic placemat, spray coffee onto seam binding, while crinkling at the same time.

3. Continue spraying and crinkling until desired shades are achieved. Let dry.

Easy to do and it ends up smelling wonderful too! My lace is from an antique store that I raided this fall on one of my junk jaunts looking for vintage lace and Valentines to use on projects.

I stamped my images using Memento Rich Cocoa ink and distressed the edges with Spun Sugar Distress ink and Close to Cocoa dye ink. I added a little corner doily piece for some fun paper lace.

My mom worked as an organ and piano teacher when I was born. When I turned 4, she taught me to play piano (Teaching Little Fingers to Play - anyone else learn from that book?), and I have been playing ever since. When I was in junior high, she became an elementary music teacher. My dad had a beautiful tenor voice - one that never wavered, even when he was 79 years old. He was a minister, and when I was 10, he took on two country churches (in addition to ours) that didn't have a pastor - or a pianist. So I traveled with him Sunday afternoons and played for two services every Sunday and learned to sight read on hymns - and have hardly missed a Sunday playing since then!

My husband is a trumpet and French horn player, my daughter plays the oboe, and my son is also a trumpeter, keyboardist and guitarist. All of us love to sing and harmonize. When my kids were about 3 I taught them a silly made-up song about brushing your teeth. For you music officianados, I sang on the tonic, and they had to sing on the 3rd and 5th above that, then switch parts. Short song, but they learned harmony that way!

I am a music teacher by day, and a music director on weekends. I find good music in just about every genre there is, and enjoy listening to a symphony as much as a raucous rock band. Unless it's Lady Antebellum, and they edge everyone out.... :)
Their Christmas album is my favorite!

Ah, Musica!
Have a great day!

Stamps: Music Collage Quarter Sheet by I Brake For Stamps

Paper: Naturals Ivory, Very Vanilla, Lost & Found Madison Avenue DP by My Mind's Eye

Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, Spun Sugar Distress, Close to Cocoa

Accessories: white pearls (Kaiser), Dark Peach seam binding (RRR), button, doily, lace trim (Offray), frame (Jolee's), stick pen (Karen Foster)

Thankful For My Stamping Friends

2011-12-20T07:01:00.001-06:00

This card is in honor of all of my stamping friends. It is really a comfort to have people in your life that understand your excitement about finding dyed seam binding, or the perfect button, or receiving a 6x6 paper pad as a gift!

Seriously, my closest friends really do live in my computer. And I have had the honor and opportunity to meet many of you (not enough!) in person. There are not a lot of women my age (or any age!) in my town that enjoy doing the same things that I do and I am so very blessed to have my SCS friends that do!

Thank you for being in my life! Your creativity inspires me every day. You bring me comfort, laughter, tears, silliness, fun, inspiration, stories, and life experiences that make my life richer.

As the sentiment says, I don't always see you, but I know you are there. :)

Stamps: July 2011 KOTM by Unity

Paper: Kraft, Blue Bayou, Baja Breeze, Confetti White, Kraft, Naturals Ivory (SU!), Kraft (PTI), Tickled Pink DP by My Mind's Eye, stash turquoise

Ink: Blue Bayou

Accessories: Diamonds in the Rough embossing folder (Cuttlebug), Chipboard Alphabet (Cosmo Cricket), lace trims (Offray), paper flowers (Prima), Itty Bitty Brad (CTMH), Crinkled Seam Binding (French Market), MS edge punch

I Love Twill!

2011-12-16T07:00:00.003-06:00

I love twill. Any color. And at Really Reasonable Ribbon, Bonnie carries a beautiful assortment of colors HERE. But my favorite is the Totally Twill Cream. It is so versatile!
I have been making Christmas and winter-themed cards for several weeks now, so I am venturing off and showing you a non-Christmas creation today.

My images are from Tim Holtz's Nature's Elements stamp set. I wrapped my card with the twill, tied a bow, and also added a little twill tab to the striped panel. I think it fits the design perfectly!

There are two assortments of twill available in the RRR Store, and many pretty individual colors as well. I hope you will check them out!
Thanks for stopping by today. Our challenge at RRR this week is "Anything Goes," so be sure to play along!

Stamps: Nature's Elements by Tim Holtz

Paper: Wassail DP by Basic Grey, Riding Hood Red, Textured Beige (The Paper Studio), GP White

Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Always Artichoke, Riding Hood Red, Antique Linen Distress

Accessories: Diamond Stickles, Totally Twill Cream (RRR), vintage button, Karen Foster stick pin, Spellbinders Circles Large and Scalloped Circles Large, metal charm, lace trim

Anything Goes!

2011-12-15T06:30:00.001-06:00

Today begins a new challenge at Really Reasonable Ribbon and I hope you will join us! For the next two weeks, it's "Anything Goes"! Easy peasy, right? Just add ribbon or trim to your project and come join in the challenge!

I have been making Christmas and Winter themed cards like crazy the past two weeks (check out the Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Gallery today!) so today I am showing a non-winter, non-Christmas cutey pie card made with Really Reasonable Ribbon's Baker's Twine and Paper Smooches stamps!

I love hugs and these paper pieced little elephants are so sweet with their big hugs! Now hop on over to the RRR blog to see what everyone else made today! It's Anything Goes!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Stamps: A Little Lovin' & Sentiment Sampler by Paper Smooches

Paper: Kraft, Melon Mambo, Whisper White (Stampin' Up!), Textured Brights (The Paper Studio), Lime Twist DP (My Mind's Eye)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories: buttons (The Paper Studio), rolodex punch, paper piercer, Baker's Twine Lemon (Really Reasonable Ribbon), circle and scalloped circle dies (Spellbinders), Half the Edge Cardstock Strip (Bazzill)

Wonderful Winter Whites

2011-12-13T06:30:00.036-06:00

Welcome to the December Blog Hop with Really Reasonable Ribbon! If you arrived here from True's blog, you are in the right place! If you just happened along, be sure to start at the beginning at the RRR Blog (I am the third stop, so you don't have far back to go!) so you don't miss out on the awesome projects, fun news, and a prize from Really Reasonable Ribbon!

This month we are showcasing the gorgeous Winter Whites in the December Monthly Ribbon Club Kit. If you really love ribbon and would like to have a wonderful assortment of ribbons sent to you automatically each month, just join the Really Reasonable Ribbon Club! Monthly ribbon club assortments are selected and pre-packed to reflect a specific theme, color, or holiday season. The assortments vary from month to month, but an average assortment has 5-8 different ribbon styles and consists of 10-15 yards of ribbon.

The collection of whites this month is just gorgeous. Here is my card:

I used Bitty Gingerbread from Rubber Stamp Tapestry for the wreath and Love You Peg Stamp (also RST) for the sentiment.
Now off to Joanna's blog, where she has something super fun to share! Thanks for stopping by today!

Bonnie will be giving away a December Ribbon Monthly Club kit to a random commentor so please make sure and comment on all of the girls' projects to increase your chances of winning!

Stamps: Bitty Gingerbread & Love You Peg Stamp (Rubber Stamp Tapestry)

Paper: Purely Pomegranate (retired), Pink Pirouette, Always Artichoke, PTI White, Authentique DP

Ink: Mellow Moss, Always Artichoke, Soft Suede, Cherry Cobbler, Rose Romance (retired)

Accessories and Tools: pearls (Kaiser), Winter Whites December Club ribbon (Really Reasonable Ribbon), Spellbinders dies, Snowflake embossing folder (Cuttlebug), snowflake button, paper piercer, Diamond Stickles

A Yummy Treat With Fun Packaging~!

2011-12-04T07:30:00.003-06:00

Welcome to Day Three of Holiday Sharing!

It's Holiday Sharing Week at Really Reasonable Ribbon,

and it's my turn to share one

of my favorite recipes and packaging ideas with you!

I am a huge cranberry lover, and love to try new recipes and old favorites with cranberries as one of the ingredients. I get excited when Thanksgiving rolls around, as cranberries are much easier to find and less expensive. Today I want to share one of my favorites with you. This recipe is a staple for Christmas morning, and also for little treats to share with my coworkers. Many of you probably do some type of Secret Santa exchange, and I use this packaging idea for an individual gift like that, as well as for place settings on Christmas morning for everyone.

Start with an empty tuna can, all washed and cleared of outside paper. After I wash my can, I run an orange wedge along the inside and let that dry for about an hour, then wash again (to make sure the tuna smell is gone).

Cover the outside and inside with one of your favorite designer papers (I used Authentique Wonder), add a cardstock circle to the bottom of the inside and outside (the Spellbinders Circle dies are perfect for this!), some gorgeous ribbon at the top (again, both in and out!), and a little doily to sit your muffin on (you can use paper or cloth). A little embellishment with the tag (instead of a sentiment, this is where I would write the names for the place card), and all done!

I used the 5/8" Burgundy Pleated Satin for my package today. If you had the 1.5", you could just use ribbon instead of designer paper, as it is wide enough to cover the whole can. I love the elegance of this ribbon!

When giving as a Secret Santa gift (and not using for a place setting), I also like to place the muffin in a cellophane bag to keep it fresh and prevent it drying out.

Here is my recipe! I hope you will give it a try! (And if you are ever in the mood for a yummy drink while out Christmas shopping, Sonic Drive-In has the best Cranberry Limeades! Diet too!)

Cranberry-Orange Muffins

1 cup dried (sweetened) cranberries

1/3 cup fresh orange juice

2 cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon powdered ginger

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 Tablespoon fresh orange zest (the zest of one whole orange)

2/3 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon orange extract

2 Tablespoons oil (vegetable, canola or olive)

1/2 cup milk (any fat content)

Directions ~

1.) Preheat oven to 375 F. Line a muffin/cupcake pan with paper liners.

2.) Zest one whole orange (making about 1 Tablespoon of zest) and set aside.

Squeeze the juice from that one orange (about 1/3 cup).

3.) Put the orange juice (if needed, add some prepared orange juice to the fresh juice to make 1/3 cup) and the cranberries in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Simmer about 5 minutes, stirring as needed. Turn off heat and set aside.

4.) In a large bowl add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and ginger, and set aside.

5.) In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream the butter, orange zest and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).

6.) Scrape down the side of the bowl, then add in the eggs (one at a time), vanilla, orange extract, and oil. Blend until well combined.

7.) Add the flour mixture, alternating with the milk (add about half of the flour mixture, then some milk,then the rest of the flour, and the rest of the milk). Fold in the cranberries. Do not over mix.

8.) Scoop batter into prepared muffin/cupcake pan.

Bake muffins about 20 minutes (test with a toothpick, there should be moist crumbs, but not wet).

9.) Cool muffins on a wire cooling rack.

Enjoy the muffins while still warm, or when cool. They are best the day they are made, but are still very good the next day.

Yields about 8 large or 12 medium (standard) muffins.

Recipe Source ~ Glorious Treats

Thanks for joining me in my kitchen and craft room today!

Stamps: Thinking of You by Rubber Stamp Tapestry

Paper: Always Artichoke, Authentique Wonder DP

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories: 5/8" Burgundy Pleated Satin Ribbon (Really Reasonable Ribbon), Wild Orchid rose, MS branch punch, tag punch, red sticky tape, Spellbinders Circle dies

Awesome Deals and Free to Join!

2011-12-02T07:36:00.001-06:00

Check out Blitsy!
Blitsy is a free members-only online shopping community that offers private, limited-time sale events with the best brands in the crafting industry. Gain instant access to today's top crafting brands at up to 60% off retail.

To join, click on my referral link:

http://blitsy.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/9709/

Holiday Sharing Week!

2011-12-02T07:08:00.000-06:00

Are you looking for some yummy holiday recipes and cute gift packaging ideas? Then look no further than the Really Reasonable Ribbon Blog! Starting today we are kicking off a whole week of holiday sharing - all packaged up and ready to give as gifts to everyone on your list!

I will be sharing mine on Sunday, but until then, head on over to the RRR Blog and see what Bonnie has "cooked up" for you!

All Puffed Up

2011-11-22T06:00:00.006-06:00

Goodness! From the title it sounds like I might be talking about our neighborhood turkeys! We have anywhere from 8-20 turkeys roaming the neighborhood in the fall and winter. I think they are in hiding until Thanksgiving is over! November is quickly zooming by and 2012 will be here before you know it!

Today I want to share a project I made using Really Reasonable Ribbon, some beautiful designer paper and a lovely Word Art sentiment by TLC Creations.

I love wide ribbon! Sometimes I can't fit it into my design, and then have to choose a smaller width, but today's project incorporates one of my favorites: the 1.5 inch Black Gingham Ribbon:

Today I want to share a quick, little tutorial with you showing the way that I "puff up" my ribbon. I learned this from a friend awhile back, and I am sure there are other, and maybe even easier ways to do it, but this is how I do it!

First you will need a little handful of batting, some linen thread, and your ribbon of choice:

Tie off a section at the end, leaving room to fold under a layer of cardstock:

Next, tie off a section with the thread and fill with a tiny bit of batting:

Continue to tie and fill until you have as many "puffs" as you would like:

You can tack the openings shut with thread, or leave them open. One option for additional decoration is to add another contrasting ribbon or bow. Here I used Black Grosgrain with a white stitched edge:

Trim your thread ends, and cover the thread with pearls or another embellishment, or more contrasting ribbon all down the puffed piece. Fold the ends underneath a cardstock layer. All done!

Designer paper is the Mariposa Stack by DCWV. Thanks for stopping by today!
Challenges for this card: Create Me Pink Challenges - Use A Digi Creative Craft Challenges - Free For All Week Going Grey With Scrap-Creations - Thank YouPaper and Such Design - No Colouring Stamp Stick & GoSassy Cheryl's - Anything GoesThe Stamping Boutique - Thanksgiving Use It Tuesdays - #20 Giving Thanks (I hoard designer paper that has "pictures")

New Challenges at Rubbernecker Stamps!

2011-11-20T09:00:00.006-06:00

There is something new over at the Rubbernecker Blog!
It's SISTERHOOD SUNDAYS!

Every Sunday, the Rubbernecker Stamps Design Team, Stampin' Sisterhood, will bring you fun new challenges and lots of inspiration to start your week!

This week our challenge is an inspiration photo.

I love to see what everyone comes up with from the same photo! We have cute, elegant, and CAS examples to share with you today! Here is what I made:

The first thing that caught my eye was the sparkle and reflection in the ornaments, and I wanted a design that was simple, but sparkly! I used Every Star Text from Rubbernecker Stamps, and stamped it with Encore Metallic Silver pigment ink. I then embossed it with Ranger's Silver Detail EP. The stars, and red and green background are all from the Christmas Glitter Matstack by DCWV. The silver ribbon is Shimmer Satin Silver from Really Reasonable Ribbon~ Easy!

Be sure to stop at the Rubbernecker Blog for some fun news about the prizes for the Sunday challenges, and to see what the rest of the Design Team made! Thank you for stopping by today! Have a wonderful Sunday~!

Pixellated Challenge

2011-11-18T22:22:00.006-06:00

Today at the SCS Free For All Challenge 91, Lydia asked us to create something that would represent pixellated squares. There are some really creative things in the F4A91 Gallery! I made this:

I used the Ink, Spray and Smash technique to make my background of squares. They are each 1" square. I suppose this is more like mosaic, since I have black border around each one, but they are colored squares :)

I liked how the quote on the vellum fit so well with the "Be Yourself" block stamp from Rubber Stamp Tapestry. My ribbon is 1.5" Black Gingham from Really Reasonable Ribbon. This was a fun card to make!

What a cool challenge~!
Other challenges for this card:
Fun with Shapes & More - must include die cut/punch - use something three times (roses)
Inspire Me Fridays - always anything goes
CCEE Stampers - 2 Diecuts OR 2 Punches (two MS punches)

I was excited to see that I won Top Three at The Kraft Journal for their Give Thanks challenge with THIS card!

Stamps: Be Yourself by Rubber Stamp Tapestry

Paper: Basic Black, Cameo Coral, Ruby Red, The Mariposa Stack DP by DCWV, Glossy White

Ink: Apricot Appeal, Summer Sun, Cameo Coral, Ruby Red, Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories: MS punches, Wild Orchid paper roses, Colorbok Emotion Vellum Quotes, Sizzix EF, gingham ribbon (RRR)

Techniques: Ink, Spray, Smash

Christmas the Clean and Simple Way!

2011-11-15T06:30:00.014-06:00

Click HERE for the Rubbernecker Stamps Holiday Hop.

Click HERE for the Really Reasonable Ribbon November Monthly Club Hop.

Today begins a new challenge at Really Reasonable Ribbon and I hope you will join us! For the next two weeks, we are focusing on Clean and Simple (CAS) Christmas cards. CAS is so hard for me to do, as I like a lot of layers! But I surely love the look of a lot of open space!

My card today is made with the Poinsettia Twist peg stamp set by Rubber Stamp Tapestry. I stamped my border, and then cut out the middle of the card with a Spellbinders die. After dry embossing the middle panel with a Cuttlebug embossing folder, I used Burgundy Pleated Satin Ribbon by Really Reasonable Ribbon and wrapped it around the panel. I added a flower and leaves (also dry embossed) and a jumbo brad for the flower center. I attached the stamped panel to the front, added my sentiment (Bless Your Heart by RST) and all done!

For a little added bling, I used Diamond Stickles and Liquid Pearls in the flower centers. The edges are all sponged with Encore Metallic Gold ink. Click on the photo for a close-up!

Come play along in the RRR Challenge! There are prizes to be had!

The November Fan Club Gallery is also open at noon today for all Splitcoast Fan Club members and two new Dirty Girls will be revealed! I can't show on my blog what I made for this month's gallery yet, but here is a sneak peek of one of my creations! Join the Fan Club and play along with us!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Other challenges for this card:
Bunny Zoe's Crafts - Anything Christmas with Pearls (I used Liquid Pearls)
Heart Song Inspirations - Gold OR Glitter (I used gold ink and glitter glue)
Hooked on Crafts - Punches and /or Diecuts

Stamps: Poinsettia Twist Peg Set & Bless Your Heart Block Stamp by Rubber Stamp Tapestry
Paper: Whisper White, Rose Red
Ink: VersaColor Raspberry, Neptune, Green Tea, Laurel Leaf, Encore Metallic Gold
Accessories: flower punch (Stampin' Up!), Burgundy Pleated Satin Ribbon (RRR), jumbo brad, Spellbinders die, Cuttlebug EF, Liquid Pearls, Diamond Stickles

Holiday Hopping With Rubbernecker Stamps

2011-11-13T09:00:00.023-06:00

This is my second post for today. If you are here for the Really Reasonable Ribbon November Blog Hop, CLICK HERE or scroll down one post (also a Rubbernecker card)!

Welcome to the Rubbernecker Stamps Holiday Hop! Thank you SO much for joining us. Our hop today will be filled with holiday fun to inspire you to start those holiday projects!

If you arrived here from Joan's blog, you are in the right place! If not, start at the beginning at Bev's blog so you don't miss out on the Sisterhood's awesome projects AND be entered into a RANDOM drawing for your choice of ONE Rubbernecker Stamps SET!!

Yes, you read right!! A SET, not a single!! Now, how AWESOME is that?! Mr. Rubbernecker wants you to be able to choose, so you will LOVE what you get!! We know that you are busy, so you will have until Thursday, November 17, to hop and comment. Our winner will be announced on the RUBBERNECKER BLOG on Friday, November 18.

On to my card. I wanted to make a holiday card with stamps that you might not necessarily think of as holiday stamps. I chose Create A Garden Set 2 and made a little poinsettia planter with pine boughs:

Sweet and simple. I LOVE the DCWV Christmas Glitter Matstack! The colors in it are beautiful and perfect when you want to add some sparkle without mess! :)

The Stampin' Sisterhood at Rubbernecker Stamps also has a BIT of exciting news to share! We will be starting some AWESOME Rubbernecker challenges next Sunday, November 20th and hope you will join us for SISTERHOOD SUNDAYS!! Who knows? You could win a prize on Sunday too! Thanks again for stopping by~

On to Julia's blog, where you will love what she has made!

Here is the hop list in case you get lost along the way:

Stamps: Create A Garden 2 by Rubbernecker Stamps

Paper: PTI White, DCWV Christmas Glitter Matstack, Merry Little Christmas (MME)

Ink: VersaColor Raspberry, Green Tea, Encore Metallic Gold, Copics

Accessories: dew drops. Spellbinders dies, snowflake trim (May Arts) Diamond Satin White (Really Reasonable Ribbon)

Hopping with Really Reasonable Ribbon!

2011-11-13T06:30:00.094-06:00

Welcome to the November Blog Hop with Really Reasonable Ribbon! If you arrived here from True's blog, you are in the right place! If you just happened along, be sure to start at the beginning at the RRR Blog (I am the third stop, so you don't have far back to go!) so you don't miss out on the awesome projects, fun news, and a prize from Really Reasonable Ribbon!

This month we are showcasing the gorgeous silvers and golds in the November Monthly Ribbon Club Kit:

What I love about these gorgeous colors is how different they look, depending on what other colors you pair with them. Really more versatile than you might think! Bonnie is giving away a November Monthly Ribbon Club Kit to a random blog hopper, so be sure to leave some love at each blog all along the way to be eligible!

I chose the Checkerboard Satin Old Gold from this month's set for my card. I wrapped it like a package (must be thinking of the holidays!) and added a bow. My images are from the Fall Trilogy set by Rubbernecker Stamps. I stamped first in Encore Metallic Gold and then embossed with Ranger's Queen's Gold EP. The sentiment is on a Spellbinders Fancy Tag die - a little subtle look with the black against black. You can see the tag better if you click on the photo for a close-up!

If you are not a subscriber to the RRR Monthly Ribbon Club packages, you need to be! Lots of fun stuff every month!

Be sure to check out the awesome giveaway Bonnie has on the RRR blog for a My Memories Digital Scrapbooking Suite!! CLICK HERE.

Now off to Joanna's blog, where she has something super fun to share! Thanks for stopping by today!

If you are looking for the Rubbernecker Holiday Hop, it starts today at 9 AM CST. Hope to see you again~!

Stamps: Fall Trilogy Set by Rubbernecker Stamps

Paper: Basic Black, Pearls Metallic Gold by Core'dinations, DP by The Paper Studio

Ink: Encore Metallic Gold

Accessories and Tools: pearls (Recollections), Checkerboard Gold Satin ribbon (Really Reasonable Ribbon), Spellbinders dies, Queen's Gold EP (Ranger)

Fall Splendor

2011-11-10T07:44:00.005-06:00

I am still enjoying the beauty of our fall season. We have had some lovely colors this year and very moderate temperatures. The other day on my walk I was able to take a few pictures of the changing leaves. So today I wanted to share a fall card.

I decided to use (loosely) the Telescoping Image Technique that Holly showed on Splitcoast last week. It is a very cool look as she shows it. I wanted to also try veering off slightly and not have my images "match up" exactly. It is a variation!

My images are from the Fall Trilogy set by Rubbernecker Stamps. Robert Frost is my favorite poet and I love this quote from his poem "The Road Not Taken." I used to use Kaleidacolor pads all the time, and haven't in over a year, so pulled out my Late November (Stampin' Up!) pad I have had forever. And yep, there is still ink! :)

There are so many beautiful ribbons and trims from Really Reasonable Ribbon that I could have chosen for my card, but I decided to go with a little bit more rustic look. I chose Jute String in Natural to complement my stamped images. I love the texture and look of this Jute. It comes in sixteen different colors, so you are sure to find a color that suits your project!

For a close-up view, click on either photo. Thanks for stopping by today! Watch for Blog Hops from both Rubbernecker Stamps and Really Reasonable Ribbon right here on November 13!

Challenges for this card:
Crafting for all Seasons - texture
Jen's Digi Stamps - Autumn/Fall
Heart Song Inspirations - Anything Goes
Kaboodle Doodles - Colors of Fall: Red, Orange, Yellow, Brown
Make it Monday with Kraft Outlet - must include Kraft cardstock - Give Thanks

Stamps: Fall Trilogy Set by Rubbernecker Stamps

Paper: Always Artichoke, More Mustard, Night of Navy, PTI White and Kraft

Ink: Late November Kaleidacolor (Stampin' Up!)

Accessories and Tools: Rectangle dies (Spellbinders), leaf brad (The Paper Studio), journaling tag (K & Co.), Sizzix embossing folder, Natural Jute String (Really Reasonable Ribbon), sewing machine,

It's Time To Eat Cake!

2011-11-08T07:00:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday to Timbo, the man behind the pen (Pig Pen?) at Hambo Stamps!
The Bacon Bits are surprising Tim with a little birthday fun today and we would love to have you join us in celebrating! If you arrived from Andrea's blog, you are in the right place. If you just happened by, be sure to start at Karin's blog for the whole story and to have a chance at winning the birthday prize! Hoppers must comment on every blog in the hop to have a chance at the prize. Comments should be made by Friday, November 11, at 10 PM to be in the random drawing for the birthday prize!

Mouse Chef has been working at the Food Network all month coming up with the perfect recipe for Tim's birthday cake. He had Paula, Rachel, Alton, Giada, and Sandra working in his kitchen, taste-testing their recipes and looking for the perfect delectable delight. But alas, none of them came close to Mouse Chef's first student and buddy: Buddy Valastro!

Buddy remembers his roots and who taught him everything he knows: Mouse Chef! So he had the perfect cake for Timbo's celebration today:

Mouse Chef has added his own special little topping of cheese from Whole Foods, and some sparkly goodness for extra measure:

All of the Farm Animals have been gathered at the Farm in the barn (and if you don't think that was an adventure!) and they are ready to try the secret recipe! They are hiding behind the hay bales, waiting for Timbo to appear so they can sing his special birthday song and FINALLY get to EAT CAKE!

Now off to Talk to the Ham, where you can see what happens next at Timbo's Birthday Bash and send your own birthday greetings! If you get lost, here is the order of birthday fun:

Karin
Stephanie
Jessica
Michele
Libby
Melissa
Andrea
Judy
Talk to the Ham

Thanks for stopping by to help celebrate Tim's birthday! Don't forget to leave some "hogwash" in the comments section!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TIM! :)

Be Your Own Kind of Beautiful

2011-11-04T07:30:00.001-05:00

I thought I had shared this card already, but in looking back over the last few months I didn't see it. In any case, I love the look of this card and it was so simple and quick to do. I am generally not a CAS stamper, but I wish I were a lot more often than once every 4-5 months! Haha!

Not much description is needed as you can see how it was made. What do you think? Thanks for stopping by today!

Stamps: Beautiful 582-04 and Weeds 497-16 by Rubbernecker Stamps

Paper: PTI White, Stampin' Up! Bella Rose DP

Ink: Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze, Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories: grosgrain ribbon, silver half pearls

A Circle of Crocheting

2011-11-02T06:00:00.004-05:00

My card today features products from two favorite companies: Rubber Stamp Tapestry and Really Reasonable Ribbon. My images are from a brand new set from Rubber Stamp Tapestry called Dotted Heart Border. This would make a darling Valentine's Day card, as well as an everyday "affection" card, as I have made today.

I used one of my favorite trims from Really Reasonable Ribbon, Amelia White Crochet Lace. A beautiful cotton lace that comes in 2 yard pieces, or a whole spool (my preference!), this lace could be easily dyed, or left the pure white color, as I did here.

Click on either picture for a clearer, close-up view. This little round card measure about 4.25" in diameter. Cute as a button size!

Thanks for taking a peek today!

Challenges for this card:

Card Makin' Mamas – Die cuts
Come & Get It challenges – Anything goes
Dream Valley – Anything goes
Lollipop Crafts – Anything goes
Papertake Weekly – Anything goes + option of bling
Polly Craft Challenge – Anything goes
Ribbon Carousel Challenge – Anything goes
Scrapbook Sisters – Anything goes
That’s Krafty Thursday – Kraft
Freshly Brewed - Anything goes
Little Darlings Challenges - not square
Color Throwdown - color challenge

Stamps: Dotted Heart Border and Sisters by Rubber Stamp Tapestry

Paper: Glossy White, Kraft, Not Quite Navy, Authentique DP

Ink: VersaColor Neptune, Indigo, Laurel Leaf, Bark

Accessories: Recollections Pearls, Spellbinders dies, Amelia Crochet Lace (RRR), paper roses (Wild Orchid), MS branch punch, SU! large oval punch

Do I LOVE Ribbon? Yes I Do!

2011-10-30T07:00:00.006-05:00

Today I finally get to announce something I have had to keep under my hat for a little while! I am excited to say that I have been asked to be on the Really Reasonable Ribbon Design Team for their next term! I have been a RRR customer for a long time, and I am thrilled to work with Bonnie and the rest of the A-M-A-Z-I-N-G team for the next six months. You can read about everyone at the RRR blog.

Today I want to show you a little something using RRR Ribbon, Rubbernecker Stamps, and inspiration from the SCS Featured Stamper Challenge.

My background is made with the Ink, Spray and Smash Technique that I used last week as well. You always have two pieces when you make it, and this is the second background piece. I stamped Spooky Leaf Tree and the sentiment from the Fall Trilogy set from Rubbernecker Stamps with Memento Tuxedo Black and then embossed with Judikins Clear Detail Embossing Powder. I chose Michelle's fun Spooky Pumpkins card here for my inspiration and the FS Challenge at SCS today. My ribbon is Lavender Satin from Really Reasonable Ribbon here. The camera lighting makes it look textured, like grosgrain, but it really is satiny smooth IRL.

I am excited to show you several Really Reasonable Ribbon projects this month, so be sure to come back on November 2nd to see one of the other things I have made with their awesome ribbon!

Yesterday my mom and I took a two hour excursion to Lincoln, where we shopped at Michael's (yep, that is the closest one to me!) and a couple of other places before enjoying a nice lunch and the long ride home. It probably wasn't the best day to choose to go to Lincoln, since there was a home football game between the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Michigan State Spartans (GO HUSKERS 24-3!). But we managed to come and go inbetween the traffic of the almost 90,000 people inside the stadium. When full, the stadium becomes the third largest "city" in the state, after Omaha and Lincoln! It was a beautiful fall day!

Thanks for stopping by!

Other challenges for this card:

Come and Get It Challenges - Anything Goes

Dream Valley Challenges - Anything Goes

Di's Digis Designs - Halloween

Just Some Lines - Halloween

Secret Crafter - Spooky or Whimsical

Sweet Stampin - Anything goes

Stamps: Spooky Tree and Fall Trilogy set (sentiment) by Rubbernecker Stamps

Paper: Glossy White, Basic Black, Pink Pirouette, Not Quite Navy

Ink: Not Quite Navy, Pink Pirouette, Lavender Lace, Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories: Judikins Clear Detail EP, Mark Richards silver half pearls, Spellbinders Ovals and Scalloped Ovals die cuts, Lavender Satin Ribbon (RRR), MS edge punch

Techniques: Ink, Spray, Smash

Fishin' You A Happy Day!

2011-10-27T07:00:00.001-05:00

It's NEW RELEASE DAY at Hambo Stamps!

Head on over there to take advantage of Hogtoberfest! To help celebrate HOGtoberfest and Hambo's new Winter/Spring release, Monica has a little goodie for you: include any of the new rubber designs or sayings on your Hambo order -- thru Oct. 31 -- and a free stamp will be included in your order. The free stamp will be one of Hambo's current designs - no retirees!

My card today is made with Ice Fishing - 4722 and Fishin' You - 4701.

I stamped Ice Fishing with Memento Tuxedo Black ink and then colored in using Copic Markers and Spica Glitter pens. The sentiment was stamped on vellum with the same ink, and then embossed with Clear EP. I added some Glitter to the snow for added sparkle.

Click on the photo below for a close-up view!

Check out what the rest of the Bacon Bits have for you starting at Talk to the Ham!

Talk to the Ham
Andrea
Karin
Michele
Stephanie
Melissa
Libby

Stamps: Ice Fishing - 4722 and Fishin' You - 4701

Paper: Whisper White, Baja Breeze, Dewfrost DP (Memory Box), vellum

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers, Clear Spica Glitter Pen

Accessories: Cuttlebug EF, Studio G clear gems, Krenik Metallic Thread (6420), Fiskars edge punch, Spellbinders dies, vellum tape, Sparkle N Sprinkle Crystal Ice Glitter, Sakura Glue Pen, Ranger Clear EP

Newsprint and New Releases!

2011-10-26T07:00:00.004-05:00

It's Wednesday and that means it's time for another Hambo Hoedown Challenge! Today's challenge is to use newsprint on your creations. If you head over to the Hoedown, you will see what the rest of the Bacon Bits created today using a brand new digi image: NEWSCASTER!

My job today was to have a sneak peek for the brand new RUBBER images that will be released TOMORROW by Hambo Stamps! There are some really fun snowmen, and penguins and leprechauns - lots more - and this adorable duck! Get your sunglasses out!

I used Echo Park's Summer Days designer paper to decide my colors. The DUCK UMBRELLA was stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black ink and then colored with Copic markers. The sentiment (also brand new!) was also stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black ink.

I added a touch of Spica Glitter pen to his beak, feet and hat. Click on the photo below for a close-up view!

I am excited about these new images and will have another to show you tomorrow! Hope to see you then. And hey --- come play along at the Hoedown! You get a FREE digi image every week you play!

One more quick note - Hambo Stamps is having their LAST SALE OF THE YEAR and today is the last day of the sale that started last week! Get over there today to see what that is all about! (Did I say 30% off??)

Other challenges for this card:
More Than Favors Wacky Wednesday - Anything Goes
Paper Shelter Challenge - Anything Goes
Scrapbook Sisters - Anything Goes
Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes
Whimsical Wednesdays - animal
Whimsy Inspiration - buttons
365 Cards - Celebrating the Everyday
Jen's Digi Stamps - Polka Dots

Once upon a midnight dreary...

2011-10-25T09:29:00.001-05:00

This card make me think of Poe's narrative poem, "The Raven." And I guess it's that season, isn't it? I wanted to make a colorful sky for this beautiful laser sticker I bought a few weeks ago. I used the Ink, Spray and Smash technique and a couple of my favorite colors: Not Quite Navy and Lavender Lace. My sentiment is from Rubbernecker Stamps.

Pretty easy Halloween card! Thanks for stopping by! Tomorrow I have a sneak peek at a new release from Hambo Stamps, so I hope to see you then!

Challenges for this card:
Crafty Boots - Autumn or Halloween
Creative Stamp Friends - Halloween
Forever Friends - must include animal - Anything Goes
Hooked on Crafts - Something Spooky
Kaboodle Doodles - Halloween/Fall
Paper Creations Ink - Halloween Theme
Pollycraft - Spooky Goings On
Addicted to Stamps - Halloween

Stamps: Happy Halloween SKU:372 SO (Rubbernecker Stamps)

Paper: Basic Black, Rich Razzleberry, Baja Breeze, Glossy White

Ink: Not Quite Navy, Lavender Lace, Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories: velvet ric rac (Basic Grey), Sizzix embossing folder, Laser Sticker (Night Watch by Mrs. Grossman's)

Boo Frickity Hoo!

2011-10-22T10:15:00.002-05:00

I love this little Mummy from Rubbernecker Stamps! I am usually not one for making a lot of Halloween cards, but I think I am on a roll this week! This one is for my sister's birthday which is a week from today. Easy peasy card with that great Eerie DP by Basic Grey! I am still working with stuff just laying around on my desk!

Off to do some birthday shopping for my son and sister (both in the next couple of weeks!)!

Have a great day~!

Challenges for this card:

Allsorts - Halloween

Craft Your Days Away - Halloween Colours

Crafty Calendar - October Spooky Birthday

Di's Digis Designs - Halloween

Just Some Lines - Halloween

Sweet Stampin - Trick or Treat

Card Makin' Mamas - Halloween

Crafts 4 Eternity Recipe Challenge - at least one metal embellishment

Delicious Doodles - Halloween but no orange

Fashionista Friday - Halloween or fall

Poodles Parlour - Spooky Halloween

Stamp Man - night time

Stampin For The Weekend - spooky

Stamps: Boo-Frickity-Hoo (SKU:475-06) and Mummy (SKU:474-01) by Rubbernecker Stamps
Paper: Basic Black, Perfect Plum, Elegant Eggplant, Kraft, Eerie DP (Basic Grey)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, ticket corner punch, clip

Boo To You!

2011-10-20T13:23:00.006-05:00

Today I want to showcase one of Rubber Stamp Tapestry's new sets - Spookytown:

I love the way that this turned out. Basic Grey's Eerie DP is the perfect complement for background, and Really Reasonable Ribbon's Checkerboard Satin Black ribbon is a perfect embellishment!

Click here to see more examples - and Rubber Stamp Tapestry's awesome Positioning Templates (which I also used) in action!

I am entering this in Samuel Taylor's challenge for this month. The awesome prize is a Tim Holtz Configuration Box!

Other Challenges for this card:
CCEE Stampers - Fall/Autumn
Paper Crafting Journey - Colours: Black, White and Orange
Paper Play - Use Black

Stamps: Spookytown by Rubber Stamp Tapestry
Paper: Basic Black, Tangerine Tango, Whisper White (SU!), Eerie DP (Basic Grey)
Ink: Tangerine Tango & Pumpkin Pie (SU!), Memento Tuxedo Black, VersaColor Pinecone
Accessories: pearls (Mark Richards), border punch (Martha Stewart), Circle Positioning Templates (Rubber Stamp Tapestry), Checkerboard Satin Black ribbon (Really Reasonable Ribbon), Spellbinders dies, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, vellum tape, vellum metal-edged circle tag, Simply Stated Alphabet rub-on letters (Making Memories)

A Hoedown Sketch

2011-10-19T07:00:00.021-05:00

Today at the Hambo Hoedown our challenge is a Sketch. Play along and get in the loop for a free digi image every week! This week's image is ZOMBIE BUNNY. I think he is so funny and can be colored a lot of different ways.

I used Copic markers to color my Zombie and used one of the sentiments repeatedly as a background. Here is the Sketch for this week:

Check out what the rest of the Bacon Bits created for today over at the Hoedown. There is BIG NEWS there about HOGTOBERFEST too! Hambo's annual EPIG sale starts tomorrow, but you can get a head start with a special CODE today! Click HERE to read all about it! Stock up on all your cling cushion - they carry my favorite kind! And who can resist all of their punny stamps??? Not me (obviously)!

While you are there, grab some May Arts ribbon at 60% off!

It's a once-a-year event you don't want to miss!

Other challenges for this card:
C.R.A.F.T. - Autumn/Fall
Crop Stop - Halloween
Delightful Challenges - Halloween

Forever Friends - Use Sentiment/text (ends 2nd Nov)
Crafting for all Seasons - Halloween
Divas by Design - something Spooky
Freshly Brewed - black, orange, purple
I Brake For Challenges - Halloween
Inky Impressions - Halloween

Stamps: Zombie Bunny - digi by Hambo Stamps

Paper: Spooky Icons DP by The Paper Studio, Lauderdale DP by Basic Grey, Basic Black, Lovely Lilac, GP White

Ink: Copics 0, C1, C3, C5, V12, V15, RV00, Y11

Accessories: paper flower (Prima), button and brads (The Paper Studio), Licorice Baker's Twine (Really Reasonable Ribbon), lime green embroidery thread (Making Memories),Rectangle and Scalloped Rectangle dies (Spellbinders)

Spooky Spiders

2011-10-16T09:00:00.005-05:00

Welcome to

Rubbernecker Stamps'

Fall Blog Hop!

Thanks so much for joining us. Rubbernecker Stamps has such a great variety of images, and we wanted to share some of the Fall and Halloween ones today! There is a HOP ROUTE for you to follow at the end of this post. Make sure to leave some LOVE at every stop, for you will want to be eligible for our PRIZE!! What fun would it be without a PRIZE?

You could win your choice of one of the awesome stamp sets at the end of this post!

Here is my Spooky Spider creation for today!

Using Hang in There (SO1703) and Happy Halloween (SO372)

The Stampin’ Sisterhood has lots of creations to share with you, so grab a cuppa something, sit back, relax and get hopping! I know you will enjoy what the rest of the Rubbernecker Design Team has created!

Come back for another Rubbernecker fall card tomorrow! Here are the fun new sets for the winner to choose from:

Swimming For Katie Blog Hop - Please Join Us!

2011-10-11T00:01:00.010-05:00

I am honored to be participating in this special blog hop today. From October 10-12 some of the best stampers are joining together to support and encourage our friend and fellow stamper, Katie Renz, who is currently battling inoperable gastric cancer. If you're not familiar with her, Katie’s cancer story started just before Christmas last year. This young, beautiful, healthy, vibrant mother of 3 with her infectious smile was suddenly diagnosed with an inoperable cancer, virtually overnight. A few tummy aches and then stage 4 gastric cancer. Her first post about it is here.

The idea of “Swimming for Katie” came from her recent post here.

This exclusive stamp used in my sample, designed by Becky Oehlers, is available as a clear stamp, as well as a digis or a dig and SVG cut file. 100% of the profits go to Katie's fund to help her and her young family. Her husband Kevin and her three young children need our help and support. In addition to the Keep Swimming Octopus, Marianne Walker and True =D Doodle Designs both also donated digis that are for sale.

Direct donations are also being accepted. Information central is HERE. This is a permanent page that will stay active at i {heart} papers with current information and the full 3 day blog hop listing, as well as the donation button.

Here are all the items available for sale.

I hope you will join me in supporting Katie through a purchase or donation. The following is a list of everyone who has projects posted today. Visit them in any order you wish. I hope you will be inspired by them and moved to purchase or donate. Thank you!

If you would like to send Katie a card, her address is:

Katie Renz
PO Box 5913
Bellingham, WA 98227-5913

^^^^^DONATE HERE^^^^^

Ashley Harris
Clare Buswell
Jessica Diedrich
Lisa Somerville
Charlene Merrick
Eva Dobilas
Judy Rozema *you are here*
Sharon Doolittle
Tifany DeGough
Windy Robinson
Ashley Cannon Newell
Connie McCotter
Heidi Van Laar
Karen Maldonado
Lori Craig
Melissa Phillips
Tosha Leyendekker
Amy Kolling
Angela Thomas
Angelica Suarez
Angie Blom
Becky Oehlers
Betty Wright
Bev Gerard
Brenda Weaver
Carolyn King
Chari Moss
Charlene Driggs
Claire Brennan
Corinna McGregor
Craft Critique
Karen Hunsaker
Keely Yowler
Kelly Schirmer
Keri Lee Sereika
Kim Hughes
Kimber McGray
Kittie Caracciolo
Kristin Eberline
Wendy Price

Thank you so very much! The paper crafting community has such big hearts!

On the Road Again

2011-10-07T15:27:00.000-05:00

Don't you love this little armadillo? He is one of the newest rubber stamp releases at Hambo Stamps. I made this card for the Splitcoaststampers Hope You Can Cling To Sketch Challenge on Wednesday of this past week.

Hambo Stamps is one of the sponsors for HYCCT and I hope you will join in any of the daily challenges between now and the end of October. It is for such a worthy cause!

Stamps: Armadillo and On the Road by Hambo Stamps

Paper: Riding Hood Red, Always Artichoke, Very Vanilla, Debbie Mumm Travel DP

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Spica Glitter pens, Copic Markers

Accessories: dew drops, Spellbinders dies, grosgrain ribbon, Cuttlebug EF, paper piercer

Welcome the New Hambo Stamps Design Team!

2011-10-05T07:00:00.005-05:00

Welcome to the new Bacon Bits for Hambo Stamps! All this week on Talk to the Ham, Monica has been introducing the six new Bacon Bits that will be joining Hambo for the next four months, and I am excited to also introduce them here:

Today at the Hambo Hoedown, they are all highlighting the newest Hambo digital image: Flower Monster! Head on over there to see what fun creations they came up with for their debut!

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, I want to share some fun photos with you of a recent "Junk Jaunt" to a wonderful place I discovered while looking for vintage lace and props for my play I am directing (opening night is tomorrow!). This place is in a little tiny town 25 miles west of my town and takes up an entire block. Here are some pictures I took on my phone (hence the fuzzy quality) of some of the aisles and areas where you can find ANYTHING and all sorts of treasures you didn't expect!

There are rows and rows of old tins and containers:

Aisles and aisles and aisles of old books and current paperbacks, as well as old sheet music, movies, and records (I found a great Frank Sinatra record I needed for my 1966 play setting, got a John Grisham paperback and a large print book for my mom!):

Drawers and old post office box doors:

And fabric, seam binding (I bought it all!), vintage tablecloths, lace, old crochet hooks, cigar boxes (also needed for my play!), ANYTHING you can think of!

Rows and rows of knickknacks, teapots, glassware, china, kitchenware -- I even found a little giraffe!

I didn't even take photos of the furniture, farm equipment, photographs, paintings, toys, oh the list goes on and on. Basically, the owners buy up full estate sales - yep, everything - and then put it in their store. They are only open on Saturdays, and it's like a big party when you go there. Anyway, I found oodles of gorgeous vintage lace and seam binding (some of the packages were from JCPenney's and said 8 cents!) - probably 100 yards of lace! And for a cost to me of $4!!! Yep - one package of fancy satin lace trim that I got would have been at least $8-10 retail now. I came home and bagged it all in Ziplocs ready to use on crafts and cards. What a fun day! Joy #22! (I have sort of forgotten about posting Joys, so am ready to continue with those!)

Thanks for stopping by today! I appreciate all of you!

Celebrating World Animal Day with Sparkle N Sprinkle!

2011-10-03T01:18:00.003-05:00

It’s World Animal Day! At Sparkle N Sprinkle we’re celebrating the animals in our lives, and the critters of this world by having a blog hop. Critters bring such joy, happiness and beauty to our world, and we’d like to recognize them for the contributions made to our hearts!

If you arrived here from Dawn Thomas's blog, you are in the right spot. But if you happened here by chance, have a look from the beginning. There are wonderful prizes to be had and lots of things on special!

My card today is made using the Bird Swirl Stamp Set 432. I stamped my branch and owl using dye inks, and my sentiment using a pigment ink. The sentiment was then embossed with Copper EP. After coloring the branch and leaves, I added Starfire Glitter with Brushable Glue. I added a feather for some interest.

Today is my last post as a Sparkle N Sprinkle designer. I want to publicly say what a wonderful company SNS is, and how generous their hearts are. I have loved working with Margaret and Donna and the rest of the team for the past year. Thank you for a delightful time!

Be sure to leave a comment here to be eligible for two grand prizes! Now hop on over to Julie Zippel for another wonderful critter! Thanks for stopping by today!

AND: Winner of the Verve Harvest Blessings blog candy: Ashley Nguyen Newell!
Email me with your address, Ashley! Congratulations!

Stamps: Bird Swirl Stamp Set 432 by Sparkle N Sprinkle
Paper: Taken With Teal, Pumpkin Pie, Pretty in Pink, Very Vanilla, Making Memories Journaling Tag
Ink: Soft Suede, Chocolate Chip, Pinecone VersaColor, Copic markers
Accessories: Cuttlebug EF, rust striped grosgrain ribbon, felt flower, button, copper cord, corner rounder, Starfire Glitter, Brushable Glue, circle punch, large oval punch, feather

Celebrating World Cardmaking Day with OWH!

2011-10-01T02:00:00.012-05:00

It is World Cardmaking Day and I am celebrating by sharing a holiday card to send to our Troops! If you came here by chance, click on the link above to take you to the beginning - lots of goodies along the way! If you aren't familiar with Operation Write Home, I heartily support their cause and I hope that you will too~

Here is my card:

Thanks for stopping by today! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Stamps: Printworks
Paper: Whisper White, Purely Pomegranate, Basic Gray, Basic Black
Ink: VersaFine Black
Accessories: Cuttlebug EF, Pomegranate Satin Ribbon, silver bead gems

Magical Winter Moments

2011-09-22T08:19:00.003-05:00

Today is a wonderfully "cool" blog hop with Sparkle N Sprinkle! Click HERE to start at the beginning where you will be treated to all sorts of "Magical Winter Moments" by the Sparkle Team! I am not in the blog hop, but wanted to share a wintry card with you anyway! And I do have blog candy - still celebrating being a SCS Dirty Girl, so today is more blog candy, and announcements of previous winners! Keep reading!

My card today is made using images from Sparkle N Sprinkle's Stamp Set 348 - Birds. I stamped the Chickadees and A Chirpy Hello with Pinecone VersaColor ink and then heat embossed using Sparkle N Sprinkle's Clear Detail Embossing Powder. I only inked part of the sentiment so it would fit within my circle.

Aren't they just adorable? I think Chickadees are so sweet and cute! Take a look at this gorgeous photo:

Sparkle N Sprinkle is having a Design Team Call and you can read all about it HERE!

And now for the week's blog candy winners (random drawing) so far:

Grab bag of 30 Unity stamps - AllisonG

Spellbinders Rose Blossom Edgeabilities - Donna Clark

Email me (left sidebar) with your addresses!! Congratulations~!

And today I have Verve's Harvest Blessings up for grabs!

Be sure to leave a comment and mention the word "candy" so I will know you are interested! Tell your friends! A winner will be drawn on Sunday!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Challenges for this card:
Paper Shelter Challenge - anything goes
Simon Says Stamp - dies or punches
Bearly Mine - Button it up (use one or more buttons)
Sisterhood of Crafters - birds
Creative Craft Challenges - Buttons & Bling
Going Grey With Scrap-Creations - Anything Goes
Paper Take Weekly - Creature Comforts

Stamps: Birds by Sparkle N Sprinkle

Paper: Eskimo Kisses DP by Basic Grey, Teal, Super Smooth White by Prism

Ink: Copic marker, Pinecone VersaColor

Accessories:Spellbinders dies, Kaiser pearls, SU! seam binding, MS border punch, Cuttlebug Snowflake EF, button, snowflake charm, PTI twine

A Horse is A Horse

2011-09-19T08:57:00.001-05:00

Today's card was totally inspired by a piece of paisley designer paper that I have had on my stamp table forever. I finally decided I had better use it up!

My images are by TLC Creations and colored with Copic Markers. Paulette is holding a new Design Team Call right now. She is wonderful to work with and I love her digital art! Check it out!

Challenges for this card:
Stamp with Fun - Anything Goes
The Crazy Challenge - Men Only
Card Cupids - Anything Goes
Gingerloft - Vintage or Distressed
Pile It On - Colours of Fall/Autumn

Sing Sing Sing!

2011-09-16T07:00:00.007-05:00

Welcome to "Sing Your Art Out" sponsored by Hambo Stamps! Today Hambo friends, customers, and the Bacon Bits Design Team are bringing you fun creations that depict song titles! It might be our favorite song, or just one that was fun to design. If you arrived here from Yolanda's, you are in the right place! If not, you might want to start back at the beginning at the Hambo blog to make sure you are eligible for the hopper prize!

A prize will be awarded to one participant whose song-themed creation tickles the Bacon Bits’ fancy in a singin' wingin' way! Another prize will be awarded randomly to a hopper who comments on all the blogs along the hop. The winners will be announced on the Hoedown blog, as well as on the Hambo company blog, Talk to the Ham, on Wednesday, September 21. Here is the complete hop order:

Talk to the Ham

Gloria
Karin
Debbie
Dawn A.
Bonnie
Jen
Lynn
NoraAnne
Lindsay
Karen
Libby
Carla
Dawn M.
Paula
Mary
Jenn
Paige
Marcie
Leslie
Pat
Beverly
Yolanda
You are here --------> Judy

My standard A2 card is made with Halloween Definition - 2206 and Skeleton - 2215 using Eerie DP by Basic Grey. I stamped my images in Memento Tuxedo Black ink. The balloon is colored with Copic markers. The little brad in the corner has a black cat that says 'hiss' but it sure is hard to photograph!

Here is what it looks like with the tag out:

And my song?

Dem bones, dem bones, dem dry bones......Are you singing along? :)

I hope you have had fun on our sing-along hop today! Be sure to leave a comment on each blog so you are eligible for the hopper prize! Deadline for comment entries is Tuesday, September 20, at 10 PM.

Be sure to check out the Hambo Stamps Design Team Call too! You could be one of the next Bacon Bits! Hambo Stamps is also on Facebook and Twitter!

Thanks for stopping by today. If you didn't see my fun news this week, scroll down one post!

To help me celebrate, I am offering Blog Candy every day this next week that I post. Today I am offering Spellbinders Rose Blossom Edgeabilities! Be sure to mention the word "candy" in your comment, so I know you are interested! Have a great day!

Challenges for this card:
Simon Says Stamp - Song as Inspiration
Crafty Ribbons - Anything Goes
Cute Card Thursday - Anything Goes
Shelly's Images - Anything Goes

The Secret Is Out!!! I Am A............

2011-09-15T12:01:00.003-05:00

I AM A DIRTY GIRL!!!

Oh my GOODNESS!! I can finally shout it from the rooftops!

It is so hard to keep that secret for so long (a month!), so it is a good thing I could share it with my family and with my new Splitcoaststampers DIRTY DOZEN sister, Eva Dobilas! Both Eva and I are honored and excited beyond belief! In Eva's words, "Something any stamper would wish and hope for, an honor of being asked to join THE most ELITE designers in the stamping world!" I am thrilled, humbled, nervous and excited all at the same time!! (And I am sure about now my daughter would say, "Mom, quit using so many exclamation points.")

I would love to be able to share my creations with you that I made for this month's Dirty Dozen Gallery, but that is one of the perks of being a Fan Club member at SCS, so it will be a few months before I can post them here. I can show you a little sneak peek of some though, and, if you are not already a member, I urge you to join the Fan Club today! CLICK HERE to join.

Some sneak peeks!

To celebrate, I will be giving away some fun candy every time I post here for the next week! I am just so excited, I want to share that with you! You all inspire me with your talents and your friendship every day. Thank you!

Today I am giving away a grab bag of 30 brand-new assorted stamps from Unity! If you are interested in winning, just leave me a comment on this post and make sure you say "candy" in there somewhere so I will know whose name to throw in the hat! A winner will be drawn from all interested on Sunday.

A special shout-out to Monica Hunter, of Hambo Stamps, for having the confidence and faith in me a few years ago to ask me to be on her Design Team - my very first. :)

And thank you, Lydia Fielder, for the confidence and faith you have in me to be a part of the Splitcoast Dirty Dozen! SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Have a GREAT DAY!

Trying New Colors

2011-09-13T16:30:00.001-05:00

I tend to gravitate toward the same colors all the time. This past week I made something that was an unusual color combination for me. Take a look:

Always Artichoke, Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler, Pale Plum, Sahara Sand

Cherry Cobbler and Pale Plum are not colors I would normally use together, but I surely do like the way it turned out! You can read all about how this card came together on the Sparkle N Sprinkle blog here.

Thanks for stopping by today! I hope you will come back each day this week, as I have lots planned to share with you - and some FUN candy on Thursday! :)

Stamps: Happy Birthday & Spring Backgrounds by Sparkle N Sprinkle

Paper: Basic Black, Cherry Cobbler, Pale Plum, Sahara Sand, Tim Holtz DP

Ink: VersaMark, VersaColor Pinecone

Accessories: Black Detail EP, Taupe ribbon (SU!), MS edge punch, Spellbinders Fancy Tags Three die & Donna Salazar Rose die, jumbo pearlized brad

Revisiting House Mouse!

2011-09-12T05:00:00.011-05:00

Welcome to the House Mouse and Friends Birthday Celebration! It has been three years since House Mouse and Friends started their challenges. I was on the early design team, and was asked to be a part of this fun hop and help celebrate today! I am thrilled to be a part of the birthday party! If you arrived here from my friend, Lori Barnett's blog, you are in the right place! Otherwise you might want to go back and start at Vicki Parson's so you don't miss out on any fun goodies along the way!

Here is my card:

I stamped Monica's Gift in VersaFine Onyx Black ink, then embossed with Ranger Clear Embossing Powder. I colored my image in with Copic markers. Click on the photo for a close-up view~

Now on to Janneke de Jong's blog. She was also on the team with me way back then and I am sure she has a delight to show you! Thanks for stopping by! There are some wonderful prizes/candy involved today, so be sure to leave everyone a comment along the way and play along with the challenge!

And speaking of candy, I forgot to post the winner of the Totally Stampalicious Witch Brawd set from the Fall Fest blog hop! So sorry! Congratulations to Neva! Neva, email me (see sidebar) so I can send your set out to you! Have a great day, everyone!

Stamps: Monica's Gift by House Mouse

Paper: Prism Super Smooth White, Echo Park DP

Ink: Copic markers and VersaFine Onyx Black ink

Accessories: paper piercer, circle cutter, Sassafras Vintage Rose and Purple In A Stitch Blossoms, Heidi Grace epoxy Sentiments 2, Really Reasonable Ribbon Baker's Twine, Ranger Clear EP

TWELVE NEW SETS!

2011-09-10T10:43:00.003-05:00

Oh my goodness! Check out all of the wonderful new sets that Rubber Stamp Tapestry has just released! That and so much more for ceramic, fabric, jewelry and paper stamping! I am so excited!

My RST card today is not from one of the new sets, but it is one of my favorite sets!

I made this for the Splitcoast Inspiration Challenge today. I chose this little notecard for my inspiration piece and thought that the LOVE SET was perfect! I scored some lines to add dimension and then added some ruffled ribbon for a wedding garter look.

Be sure to check out all of the new RST items -- I love this company!

Other challenges for this card:
Crafty Catz - ribbons
Inspire Me Fridays - always anything goes
Patties Creations - Girly things
Show and Tell - anything goes
Charisma Cardz - Inspired by a Song (Luther Vandross - The Power of Love)
Paper Play - Use 2 or more stamped images
The Rubber Cafe - No Designer Paper
Stampin' B's - Make an Anniversary card

Stamps: Love Set from Rubber Stamp Tapestry

Paper: PTI and Prism White

Ink: Rose Red, Always Artichoke, Mellow Moss, Garden Green, Elegant Eggplant, Rose Romance (retired)

Accessories: ruffled white ribbon, pearls, Scor-Pal, Spellbinders die

Fall Fun Blog Hop!

2011-09-05T08:00:00.007-05:00

Hello and welcome to the Fall Fun Blog Hop! A group of online buddies decided the holiday weekend in the U.S. would be a GREAT time to get inky together, and so we've put together a fall themed blog hop to inspire you as the autumn approaches. As you meet our stampy bloggers today, you may discover that some have goodies for you (like me!), so be sure and visit everyone on the list. We have hoppers from all over the globe today, and they are amazing artists.

Thanks for visiting us - grab yourself a nice fall beverage and enjoy!

Here is the full list of our blog hoppers today:

Lydia Fiedler * Libby Hickson * Kim Williams * Michelle Single * Lee Murphy * Sara Henton * Yapha Mason * Lisa Adametz * Jimmi Mayo * Jeanne Streiff * Bev Gerard * Shannon
* Dana Keith * Joan Ervin * Maren Benedict * Teresa Kline * Hannah Clark * Dina Kowal * Wanda Cullen * Korin Sutherland * Taylor Usry * Monika Davis * Harriet Skelly * Kim Schofield * Cathy McCauley * Mary Marsh * Julia Aston * Bridget Finlay * Alison Habetler * Leslie Hanna * Sue Farrant * Michelle Hanway * Misti Oblander * Judy Rozema (you are here) * Jenna Barber * Tammy Hershberger * Eva Dobilas * Kerri Michaud * Cheryl Navarrete * Neva McMullen * Marianne * Samantha * Cindy Wallach

My fall card is made for a cute October love note! I used Falling For You by Paper Smooches. I stamped the bat in Memento Tuxedo Black ink, then colored in with my C1, C3 and C5 Copic markers. His eyes are colored in with Only Orange and a Spica Glitter pen. The scalloped cork background was cut with my Grand Calibur using a Spellbinders Scalloped Oval die. My fun puffy satin bat trim is from May Arts. Click on the photo for a close-up view!

I have some fun Halloween blog candy up for grabs too! From Totally Stampalicious it's Witch Brawd! Take a peek:

If you would like to win this set, be sure to leave a comment and put "blog candy" in there somewhere with a way for me to contact you if you are the winner! I will draw a random winner from all interested and post here on Thursday, September 8, so you have until Wednesday midnight CST to comment!

Yesterday was a beautiful fall day here in the low 70's - full of sunshine! So a friend and I went to our State Fair in the next town. I haven't been to a State Fair in probably 30 years, so it was really fun to see the exhibits (oh my goodness - the QUILTS!), ride the ferris wheel, eat funnel cake, and try to win giant stuffed animals! Oh, and the baby goats were adorable!! What did you do this weekend?

Keep hopping along so you don't miss one little thing! Next is the amazing and talented Jenna Barber! Thanks for stopping by today!

Stamps: Falling For You by Paper Smooches

Paper: Eerie DP by Basic Grey, Pumpkin Pie, Super Smooth White by Prism

Ink: Copic markers C1, C3, C5, Only Orange marker (SU!), Spica Glitter pen, Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories: Corkstock Adhesive (Canvas Home Basics), Spellbinders Penant, Oval and Scalloped Oval dies, Fiskars Threaded Ribbon Edge Punch, May Arts satin bat cutouts

You're Out of This World!

2011-08-31T07:00:00.002-05:00

Today at the Hambo Hoedown it's all about DIMENSION. No flat cards, a little texture, and an "Alien Spaceship" at the moon says another dimension to me!

This is the cute new digi image being released today:


Buy it HERE.

Have you joined in the Hoedown challenges? Each week you receive an adorable digi image, like "Alien Spaceship" FREE! Come play along and see what the rest of the Bacon Bits digital team made!

We are also hosting a customer inclusive blog hop on September 16. We would love to have you join us! Read all about it at the Hoedown today!

For my card, I also used Moonscape. I printed it on Basic Grey's Porcelain DP and then added some shadows with my C1 Copic marker. The spaceship and sentiment are both popped up using Stampin' Up! Dimensionals! Now, if a Dimensional doesn't add dimension, I don't know what does! :) I added some Crystal Stickles to the spaceship as well.

CLICK on the photo for a close up, clearer view.

Have a great day!

Other challenges for this card:
Crafty Creations - punch/diecut
Paper Shelter Challenge - anything goes
Creative Card Crew - Anything Goes

Stamps: Alien Spaceship & Moonscape - digis by Hambo Stamps

Paper: GP White, Basic Black, Apricot Appeal, Basic Grey Porcelain DP, Core'dinations Color Core (Red) Roy G. Biv Cardstock

Ink: Copic markers

Accessories: Cuttlebug EF, Crystal Stickles, 1 1/4" circle punch, Spellbinders rectangle die, stitched grosgrain ribbon

Some Fun Announcements!

2011-08-26T20:00:00.000-05:00

Join in the Sparkle N Sprinkle Autumn Inspirations Blog Hop! There are LOTS of prizes, and some beautiful cards using the rich colors of Autumn! START HERE.

Some awards to share:

This Digi Design House card won the Silver Medal at Shelly's Images!

and

This Hambo Stamps card won Top Three at Victorine Stamps!

AND

I have been asked to be a Guest Designer with

Our Craft Lounge

for November and December.

So be on the lookout for fun new stuff from OCL later in the fall!

Oh I Love Me Some Hambo!

2011-08-24T07:00:00.001-05:00

Have you seen Hambo Stamps' new releases? If not, CLICK HERE to have a look at some funny sayings and ADORABLE images! They just crack me up!

Today at the Hambo Stamps Challenge Blog, the Hambo Hoedown, we are celebrating Back To School, with a challenge using primary (red, blue, yellow) colors. You can grab a FREEBIE and play along too! Or, have a look at the awesome PENCIL digi the Bacon Bits used this week.

My Back To School project is all about hopes and dreams. I know in our family we have a lot of dreams and hopes for this semester and year! I used Roller Bunny - 4517 and Take Flight - 4520 for my card today. See his fluffy, sparkly tail?

Be sure to hop over and see what the rest of the Bacon Bits team made today - and check out those NEW images! They are a lot of fun! Thanks for stopping by today. I am heading back to Utah today to finish up a few things we didn't get done in the first move - so I it will be a few days until my next post. Have a wonderful week~!

Challenges for this card:
Gingersnap Creations - primary colors
More Than Favors - Travel
Paper Shelter Challenge - diecuts/punches
The Paper Variety - travel/transportation
Karens Doodles - Use Your Punchers and Die Cuts
Stamps R Us - Anything Goes

Stamps: Roller Bunny - 4517 and Take Flight - 4520 by Hambo Stamps

Paper: GP White, Basic Grey June Bug and The Paper Studio Season DP, Core'dinations Color Core Roy G. Biv Cardstock

Ink: Copic markers and Memento Tuxedo Black ink

Accessories: 3/8" Double-Faced Satin - Royal Blue May Arts ribbon, chipboard button, red brads, Fiskars Threaded Water edge punch, Lil' Inker Designs cloud die, Spellbinders circle and scalloped circle dies,

Ah! What Could Be Better Than . . .

2011-08-23T16:54:00.000-05:00

. . . a PINK HIPPO!

I made this last month and realized I hadn't yet shared it on my blog! The hippo and sentiment are by TLC Creations. You gotta know I love pink!! That plus bling and a cute hippo and I am clapping my hands!

This was a momentous week of "schtuff" as my daughter (college), my husband (philosophy professor), and I (elementary music teacher) all started school yesterday, and I started rehearsals for "The Odd Couple," which I am directing at the community theatre here. Sheesh! Just glad I didn't have an earthquake today too! :)

Have a great day!

You Have to See This!

2011-08-16T10:05:00.000-05:00

I just squealed when I saw the current newsletter in my inbox from Rubber Stamp Tapestry this morning. Susan has made an absolutely GORGEOUS creation and I am excited to try it sometime this next month. Take a look:

Is that not amazing?? Please check out her blog post and the wonderful way to use Rubber Stamp Tapestry's peg stamps on ceramic!