June Blog Hop with Really Reasonable Ribbon!

Welcome to the Really Reasonable Ribbon June Blog Hop! If you arrived here from Linda'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 fourth 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! Our hop goes live at 6:30 AM CST.

 

Each 13th of the month it's the Really Reasonable Ribbon blog hop where we highlight the Ribbon Club! I LOVE Bonnie's choices for the June ribbon club package. 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.  You will love it! Take a peek:

My card today is made with some of the beautiful Navy Diamond Satin in the club package and the images are by CTMH.

I added a chipboard flag to the ribbon. The designer paper is by Glory by Authentique.

Bonnie will be giving away a Ribbon Monthly Club kit to a random commenter and some other fun goodies too, so please make sure and comment on all of the girls' projects to increase your chances of winning! 

Now off to BONNIE'S blog, where you can see that not only is she an amazing businesswoman and our fearless leader, but she is an amazing designer as well! You will love her headband she made!

 

It's a Foggy Snowy Day!

How is it in your corner of the world?  

It's 18 degrees here right now (7 degrees wind chill) and there is a white blanket of fog everywhere. It's very quiet and calm. So it's time to shake things up a bit and make some snowmen!

Click on the photo to see a close-up. This is a fun set I got a long time ago from Close to My Heart. I love how you can dress the snowmen all differently!

What are your plans for the weekend? I have a lot of stamping to do, plus just some organizing that I would like to get done. Have you taken a peek at my Garage Sale?? There are some goodies in there you might NEED.  :)

Hope you have a great weekend!

Challenges for this card:
Crafty Creations - Swirly Whirly (snow)
Little Darlings Challenges - Favorite Embellishments (glitter)
Scrapbook Sisters - anything goes
Whimsical Wednesdays - red, white and one other color (blue)
Paper Take Weekly - Anything Goes

Stamps: Close to My Heart

Paper: Not Quite Navy, Bashful Blue, Cherry Cobbler, PTI White, The Four Seasons DP by The Paper Studio

Ink: Copics

Accessories: snowflake stickers (K & Co.), tag, rub-on letters, Crystal Stickles

So Very Thankful

Happy Veterans Day!

To all those who have served,

who are currently serving,

and for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice....

Thank you.

Stamps: Hero's Pride (CTMH)

Paper: Kraft (PTI), textured turquoise (The Paper Studio), Tempting Turquoise & Red Hiding Hood DP (SU)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories: ribbon, Cuttlebug EF, jumbo eyelets, tag

 

I Want to Be Tall and Thin!

That's the challenge over at House Mouse & Friends this week! Make a tall and thin card!
Well, mine is not so thin, but you get the idea -- taller than a standard A2 card!

I chose this darling little Mudpie "Singing in the Rain" for my image today. I stamped the image in Palette Noir Black ink, then watercolored using reinkers and an aqua brush. The raindrops also have Crystal Effects (CE) on them, and the flowers have a touch of Diamond Stickles. The Posies Glitter Stack paper (DCWV) was perfect for a background. I used my slit punch for the scallops.

The sentiment by Close to My Heart (CTMH) is stamped in Lovely Lilac ink. My ribbon is so shimmery and is from Hobby Lobby, and the brads are by The Paper Studio (also Hobby Lobby).

Here you can see a close up of the image and the CE on the raindrops. My little nozzle is messed up, so I have to use another way to apply it, and it's a little messy. That just means the drops are rather splashy! :)
Thanks for stopping by today! If you play along, be sure to link your card to the post HERE.

Have a great day~

Chocolate Snowflakes!

I made this card for SCS Limited Supplies Challenge 197: Let It Snow~

Only snowflakes, only one word, and bling!
Our cards were also supposed to be monochromatic and I loved this Basic Grey Wassail DP, so my snowflakes followed in the same color scheme. I stamped them on Very Vanilla and then cute them out so that they would be at different angles in the 1.5" squares. The ribbon is the last piece of have of this pretty, shimmery, chocolate American Crafts ribbon, so I will be on the lookout for more of that!

I used my scallop decorative scissors to cut the border under the main panel. The sewing was done on my Janome. A little bling, a little sponging, and voila! Chocolate Snowflakes!

Now for a totally different subject, I am THRILLED (and I mean that literally!) that I have the opportunity in January to attend a watercolor class taught by Jerri Kay Jimenez. I am attending the CHA Show in Anaheim and am really looking forward to watching Jerri Kay work! She is a master at making her watercolor just come alive on the page. In fact, today, she has an incredible post about Christmas placecards - it's worth it to stop by to see that and her gorgeous dining room!! I will also be meeting several design team and SCS friends, and am looking forward to that as well.

Thanks for stopping by today! Our family is working on decorating the house, so it's time for some cocoa and Christmas music!

Stamps: Graceful Words (SU! retired), CTMH New Fallen Snow
Paper: Basic Grey Wassail DP, Kraft, Very Vanilla
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa
Accessories: American Crafts chocolate shimmer ribbon, crystal gems, scallop scissors, sewing machine, sponge dauber

When Life is Too Much......

I think the sentiment says it all.


For today's SCS Color Challenge: Basic Black, Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla
Stamps: Follow Your Dreams by CTMH
Paper: Silhouette DP by CTMH, Basic Black
Ink: VersaFine Black Onyx
Accessories: Martha Stewart border punch, Pretties kit, corner rounder, photo corner punch, Primas, garter lace trim, oval punches

I Would Love to See a Snowflake This Close

I would love to see a snowflake this close-up. I am sure there are so many intricate patterns in each one, but they melt before you can see them -- or else they don't melt and make one big glob of a drift! This beautiful snowflake is from a set by Close to My Heart (CTMH) called New Fallen Snow. It has six beautiful flakes that are each unique.

My sketch is from Sketches! by Tamara. Click here to see what the rest of the Design Team did. Today's SCS Ways To Use It Challenge is all about pearls! I love pearls - they have long been my favorite embellishment (when I have them!) and they are definitely my favorite jewelry.

The piercing is done with an Ornare Piercing Template. You can purchase this at Our Daily Bread Designs, and see many others, HERE. I love the look of the different designs. The metallic paper is Prism's Metallic Silver and is available here.

On a totally different note, if you are looking for a unique gift (for a grandparent or loved one far away - perhaps a soldier!), then check out My Canvas. It is the best site I have found for creativity and design in photo books!

Stamps: New Fallen Snow by Close To My Heart (CTMH)
Paper: Whisper White, Prism Metallic Silver, Night of Navy
Ink: Night of Navy
Accessories: Cuttlebug EF, Pretties Kit, Silver Filagree Brads, navy organdy ribbon, Ornare piercing template

Watercolor is My Favorite

Today's Inspiration Challenge was right up my alley, as I love watercolor artwork. Stef chose this website of Mizue Hirano for us to browse. I chose this picture:

I first spritzed my watercolor paper and then squirted little drops of Barely Banana and Pretty in Pink reinkers. Then I stamped my images (Treasure Life by CTMH), distressed the edges with the Stampin' Up Cutter Tool, and wrapped Linen Thread around the main panels. The sentiment is stamped in Always Artichoke.

Yesterday I didn't get a chance to stamp as I had a dentist visit - and am now not as wise as I was yesterday, due to losing some wisdom teeth! It went well, but I am still tired! Today is another Marching Band Competition and I am a bus sponsor this time. We leave at 5:00 p.m. to travel to the site and get home at 3:00 a.m. tomorrow. Doesn't look like any stamping time in the forecast either! Just rain and cold tonight! I am taking a blanket!

Have a great weekend! I have one more Hambo Stamps thumbprint card to show you tomorrow!

Stamps: CTMH: Treasure Life
Paper: watercolor paper, Old Olive, Summer Sun, Rose Red
Ink: Barely Banana, Pretty in Pink, Old Olive, Always Artichoke, Rose Red
Accessories: linen thread, paper piercer, distressing tool

May You Have....

Today's Color Challenge at SCS really challenged me. It's so interesting how some colors are easy for people to put together and some aren't! That's why it's a challenge, huh? ;)

I used the Stamp of the Month for September from CTMH, and cased a layout from the CTMH catalog for today's card. It didn't turn out quite like I had hoped, and I had to "fix" some things, but it's done!

The organdy ribbon is rainbow colored, and I chose a piece that had complimentary colors in it. The tangerine flowers are cut out and held like a little nosegay by the twill.

Thanks for stopping by today! I appreciate every one of my readers!

Tomorrow I will have some fun fall recipes and a craft for kids!
Have a great day!

P.S. KELLEY: "May you have.......a wonderful birthday today!!!"

Out With the Old and In With the New

Time to welcome the new In Colors and retire the Old. I happen to love all of last year's colors (even if Guava was a late bloomer for me!) and I will miss seeing them frequently! I tried to stock up on a few, but was too late and everything was sold out! I do have a little stash of Pomegranate and Guava, but the rest will soon disappear as I run out of cardstock and ink.

The SCS Color Challenge this week was to use any of the retiring In Colors. I chose colors that would work with my cute new images. I used River Rock, Wild Wasabi and Purely Pomegranate for my cardstock, and the ribbon also picks up Groovy Guava. I will miss these colors!

Inkadinkadoo has a lot of cute sentiments that are quotes from young kids. I liked this one! My picture is a little blurry - my DH has my camera in England, so I am using DD's - which I don't know how to use!

Stamps: Sentiment by Inkadinkadoo, Alligator and Leaf by CTMH (Life is a Jungle)
Paper: River Rock, Wild Wasabi, Purely Pomegranate, Whisper White, Wild Wasabi POP DP
Ink: Black Stazon, Wild Wasabi, River Rock
Accessories: slot punch, ribbon by Fancy Pants Designs, green brads by The Paper Studio, Nestabilities
Techniques: watercolor

And here is the Sneak Peek I promised of a cute new set:


Isn't it darling? It's the new camping set that is in the new Stampin' Up! catalog! I am still waiting (and not very patiently) for mine to arrive. Something to look forward to next week, probably, as I start back to school and teaching (like I will have time then to peruse and drool and look all day....haha!)

Have a great day!

Fiona Knows I Need My Stamping Time!

After several days of babysitting and slight frustration, Fiona has learned to let me stamp! She brought in a chew toy to my stamp room, chewed a bit and promptly went to sleep so I was able to make a card for today's SCS Featured Stamper Challenge.
Congratulations to Susie (susiestampalot), who is today's Featured Stamper! I chose her card HERE to case.

I changed the layout slightly, changed images and colors, added gems instead of buttons, and moved my sentiment. I added sparkly Stickles to the flower petals, the baby's breath, and around the sentiment. The flowers are stamped three times, cut out, and raised on dimensionals.

I also used Sharon's (notimetostamp) blog challenge to make a card with a flower and purple on it somewhere. Be sure to check out Sharon's blog -- she has some fantastic ideas and samples!

Stamps: With Love by CTMH
Paper: Almost Amethyst, Bashful Blue, Whisper White, Provo Craft Slab DP
Ink: Wild Wasabi, Bashful Blue, Lovely Lilac
Accessories: organdy ribbon, lavender gems, flower punch, dimensionals, Stickles

Thanks for stopping by today!

Let's Party Safari!! My One Year Anniversary Party!

Today's SCS Inspiration Challenge (the above picture) was so much fun! I love animals, so this was right up my alley! Some of my friends are surprised and shocked (oh my!) that I didn't do a giraffe card, but I do have one in the works to go with this one!

I used my elephant image I got from my friend, Stacy, and made a party themed card.
I rarely use buttons on my cards, and decided that these yellow ones were the perfect embellishment for the left side. I had matching fibers, and had gotten a little star punch in the mail from a company trying to get me to buy their products!
I think it turned out pretty cute! What do you think?

Stamps: Riveting, CTMH Zoo Friends
Paper: Only Orange, Yoyo Yellow, GP White, Brilliant Blue, Green Galore, Dotted DP by Stamping Station
Ink: Going Gray, Black Stazon, Pink Passion
Accessories: star punch, mutli-colored fibers, yellow buttons, scallop punch, circle punch

One week from today is my one-year blog anniversary! To celebrate we will be having a party next Saturday here on my blog! Recipes, photographs, and of course, BLOG CANDY!! Be sure to stop by each day this week, beginning tomorrow, for clues to find the Scavenger Hunt Blog Candy!!
Thanks for coming by!

I Ain't "Lion" ----

The SCS Ways To Use It Challenge this week was "An Eye on Eyelets." We were supposed to come up with a different way to use eyelets. I have eyelets in every color imaginable, and more than I can use! But I did come up with this "out of the box" way to use them - and quite a few at once too!

I used this darling lion image that Stacy (twinshappy) sent me by CTMH. I watercolored the lion and his feet, and then cut him out. The lion face is raised on dimensionals. The sentiment is computer generated, and the little heart and key charm is tied with a twine bow and attached with a Glue Dot. The eyelets and twine are his cage. I made this for my very supportive and fun DH!

Stamps: CTMH
Paper: Very Vanilla, Whisper White, Slab DP
Ink: Basic Black, Ruby Red, Marigold Morning, Creamy Caramel
Accessories: twine, brown eyelets, word window punch, heart/key charm, sponge dauber, computer, aqua brush
Techniques: watercolor, sponging

It's Never Too Late

to write a love letter

It can be to your beloved, your child, a relative, a friend.
Tell them of your love --
your special love for them.
It will mean so much.
Show you care -- in your own handwriting.
An autograph of affection.
A personal gift in a cyber world.
A lasting memento.

Thanks for stopping by this morning! I am off to a GIANT craft show at our fairgrounds and will be back this afternoon with some KEY LIME MARGARITA PIE for you to enjoy with me!

Quick Minis Using Scraps....and Blog Candy on Sunday!

I love it any time I am challenged to use scraps -- and some of the prettiest and cutest things come from them. I like to crochet and my favorite afghans are those where I have used scrap yarn. (I also like to eat leftovers! lol)

This little card is made from leftovers and was a much needed little project as we woke up to snow (yet again) and MINUS 16 degree temps.
Think Spring, Chickies!!!

I used my slit punch and the DP to make a matching scallop border down the right side of the card.
Stamps: Springtime Smiles, Think Spring (Penny Black)
Paper: Barely Banana, American Crafts DP
Ink: Black Stazon, Apricot Appeal, Barely Banana, Mellow Moss, Lavender Lace, Wild Wasabi
Accessories: Primas, scallop punches, slit punch, sponge dauber
Techniques: sponging

My second card:

I really tried to make this work for yesterday's Computer Challenge too, but the sentiment was a little too big. So it is on the inside and says:

"Guess What? You're going to be an Aunt!!"

I made this for a friend who just found out she is expecting (her first!).

The background is stamped with Chicken Wire. The sky is sponged with a dauber using Bliss Blue and the edges are sponged with Apricot Appeal. This is approx. 3" x 2".
Stamps: Chicken by Hambo Stamps, Chicken Wire by SU!, Ant by Rubber Stampede, Ground by CTMH
Paper: Ruby Red, Color Me Silly Basic Grey DP, Very Vanilla
Ink: Black Stazon, Barely Banana, Apricot Appeal, Yoyo Yellow, Going Gray, Bliss Blue, Sage Shadow, Gable Green, Creamy Caramel
Accessories: plaid ribbon, yellow brads, corner rounder, computer (for inside sentiment), sponge dauber
Techniques: sponging

And now for the Blog Candy -- I don't have a lot of subscribers, or even visitors, but I do have some very faithful people who come here (and some of those are subsribers!) to see what I have made and to read whatever gibbety gib I post. I have had the good fortune to win some blog candy this month, which I am anxiously awaiting so I can play with it! Now it is time to pay it forward. On Sunday, my daughter will turn 15. I can't believe she is growing up so fast! So to celebrate her birthday, my 10,000 visitor (a few days back!), and my blog candy win, I will be giving away some fun stuff on Sunday, March 9th. Be sure to check back and see what you need to do to win!

Today's Sketch Challenge....

I am wishing and hoping and thinking if I keep stamping it, Spring will come soon! :)
These stamps are from a new Close To My Heart set that I have been waiting to ink up. All the stamps are separate images, and I just put them together in a little scene. Images are stamped in Black Stazon ink, and then watercolored using reinkers, pads, and an aqua brush (I use a cheap $2 one from Hobby Lobby!).

Today's SCS Sketch Challenge:


Stamps: CTMH
Paper: Whisper White, Green Galore, Yoyo Yellow, Regal Rose, DP by The Paper Studio
Ink: Black Stazon, Green Galore, Regal Rose, pink Passion, Sahara Sand, Glorious Green, Summer Sun, Yoyo Yellow, Only Orange, Gable Green, Blush Blossom
Accessories: scallop punch, aqua brush, pink square brads

Thankful Thoughts

I am so thankful for creative outlets and friends that appreciate creativity as well!
I have made many new friends this year, one of whom has a father that had bypass surgery today -- and he is now out and recovering nicely! I am thankful for that. I made this card for Wonka's dad, Freddy, who likes horses and the color blue. Tomorrow is his birthday!

Stamps: Horses by Inkadinkadoo, sentiment by CTMH
Paper: Blue Bayou, Soft Sky, Very Vanilla, Close to Cocoa, Cosmo Cricket and Basic Grey DP
Ink: Basic Black, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Old Olive, Sage Shadow, More Mustard, Bliss Blue
Accessories: charm, twine, brad, paper piercer, cutter tool, photo corner punch, stitched ribbon, dimensionals, aqua brush
Techniques: watercoloring, piercing, distressing

I Can't Believe It!

I can't believe I am saying this. I never thought I would. I was so sure of it.
But I am really starting to like using acrylic stamps. WOW! I am shocked. A year ago, I would have said "No way. Never. Nuh uh. Nope." But thanks to my friend, Stacy, and Michaels $1 clear stamps, I am getting the hang of it and liking it. EEK!
And I have found out that all polymer isn't the same! Some brands stamp so much better than others.
I made this card with a Close to My Heart set called "Snow Friends." This was for a challenge some friends and I have each week. This week we were to use designer paper for our background. I love this little snowman -- and he has a bunch of snow friends!
Stamps: Snow Friends by CTMH
Paper: DP by Reminisce, Bashful Blue, Blue Bayou, Wild Wasabi, Whisper White
Ink: Blue Bayou, Bashful Blue
Accessories: sm. oval punch, word window punch, dimensionals, snowflake brad (The Paper Studio), sponge dauber

We are supposed to get another inch tonight, but I bet we won't!