Quote of the Week

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

Maya Angelou

Friday, April 30, 2010

Rockin' Surfer



Studio 313 Challenges



Hey!  I hope you can join us today over at the NEW Challenge Blog Studio 313 Hot Spot.
This is the challenge blog that lets you know the 411 on what's hot and then challenges you to apply it to your card making.  The "hot" thing right now is  chunky Lucite ( clear) Jewelry.  So we challenge you to use something clear on your cards.

I decided that the Surfer from Studio 313 would be perfect.  You can find this file under Seasonal- Summer.


I paired him with Ocean Waves Digital Paper  (under Bright section) and some vellum.  I added stardust stickles to the waves.  I also added some dew drops.  They ARE the chunky lucite of papercrafting.  I have to share some things I learned about them.  I only had pink dew drops....um...that doesn't work so well on a surfer dude card.  So I decided to try coloring them.  I used my Copics on the front and back.  VOILA!  It took the pink tint away and added a subtle blue.  I then decided to add sparkle behind them so I used stardust stickles to adhere them to the vellum.  Ummm.....no....stickles is not an adhesive.  I found this out when I picked the card up and all my little dew drops fell off the page.  So I glued them down with some jewelry glue.  I am sooo totally into this challenge.  JEWELRY glue:)  Ha!  Anyways, that is a little lesson for you  provided by me.  I created by wording using a die cut and vellum.  I then colored these with Copics.  Not sure I would do that again because the Copics wanted to smear on my card when I tried to adhere them.

I wanted to share that our trip to the circus last night was AMAZING!  My kids both had the BEST time.  If you have a chance to see, "The GREATEST show on Earth," GO!  Really, it is.  We have been to the circus once before and this was so much more spectacular.  It was like an actual show....music, singing, dancing, all the performances tied into a theme with a villan ( Mr. Gravity) who was so funny.  Magic...the works!  My daughter said it was her best birthday ever.  For a little under $15 a piece we had an incredibly memorable, MAGICAL evening.  So go....just don't buy the cotton candy.  It's almost as much as a ticket.  Yikes!  Eat before you go like we did.  I will have a few pictures next week.  Heading to Mi today after my hubby and I pop popcorn at school.  I will be back with a PWCO sketch on Sunday.

Til then my friends I leave you with this....Did you know that today is National No Phone Zone Day?  I pledged to not drive and text, talk on a cell.  Have you?  Save a life. Take the pledge.




Not convinced...watch a few clips here....


Stepping off my soapbox now:)

Thursday, April 29, 2010

OMG!!!!!

My daughter turns 11 today.  Seriously, OMG!  Where did the time go?  We had to do a happy day at 7:20 this am since that is what time she was born.  It was happy for her, but I hate that she is getting so big.  I tell her all the time about holding her and dancing with her in the living room when she was just days old.  She looked up at me with her little crossed eyes and her mouth was in this perfect little "O" shape made by her sweet little rosebud lips.  It was like she was saying, "Oh, so your the one I've been nestled inside of all this time."  And I cried.  It was the distinct moment that I really understood true joy and unconditional love.  Now she is almost as tall as me.  She still likes me though.....well on most days. We haven't hit that stage yet.

We are going out for dinner tonight and then to the circus.  Doesn't that sound fun?  She already got her bday present...money for her own computer.  She is my little "geek"( said in the most loving way. ) I wish I was so into loving school when I was her age.  She is smarter than me.  I'm so proud of her.  So when I say "geek" I really do mean it in a loving way.  She is amazing! She is just very into learning and loves to type her own newspapers and stories.  I did get her a few books.  She doesn't know that:)  She would rather have books than almost anything else on Earth.


I made her this card using this sweet Joline image from MFT.  It reminds me of her.  So serious and serene.  This is just how she would look holding balloons on her bday.  She does have a much bigger smile though.  I used some digital paper by Studio 313 Exclusive Creations.  I printed them on regular cardstock as a full sheet for the gable box and on Presentation Paper in a 4X6 setting for the card.  Definitely prints more vibrant on the Presentation paper as an FYI to you.  I also printed out the happy birthday sentiment that comes from the Best Friend in the World File From Studio 313.  You can't see it well in the photo but the balloons have diamond glaze on them and the pink dots on the gable box have stickles. 

These are for a few challenges today:
Die Cuts R Us- double duty
Pile It On- Something sweet...that image is so sweet
ABC Design- 1 Die Cut, 2 stamps, 3 embellishments
JUGS- Template challenge

Here is another birthday card using the Modern Flowers in Black digital file by Studio 313.  I just used the leaves.  I added it to a strip of textured grey cardstock.  I was able to use up another scrap of my Amy Butler paper.  The letters are painted chipboard by Maya Road.  I hope that this showcases the Modern Flowers in a masculine way.  I really do hope since this is the card for the guy whose birthday party we are attending this weekend:)

Before I go I have to share some pics of my beautiful little girl through the years.  It's only 3 so don't leave just yet, ok?


Some of these are scanned so the quality isn't the best.  It's before I went digital.  This is my little girl at around 11 months.  She has always loved nature.  She also used to wear hats all the time.

She has always just loved her brother to death....see that death grip?  They are starting to fight more now, but they still do things together.


Here are the most recent.  We did a little photo shoot a few weeks ago.  She just looked so cute and yet grown up that I had to take some pictures.  Yes, I can count.  That is four...I snuck in one more.  Indulge me a little.  It's a tough day.

Hug your family today!

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Crepe Paper Fun

This is my second post for today so scroll down for the PWCO creation.

I made another Mother's Day card using some cool paper from K&Co called Poppy Seed.  I was only $2 for a mat pack.  I just can't pass that up.  I loved the colors in it.  My card today is for a few challenges.
The Pink Elephant~ to use Aqua
ABC Design Blog- Recipe
Creative Card Crew~ April Showers Bring May Flowers



Here's a bit about my card.  I made my flower using crepe paper and added some stickles to it.  I also added stickles to my main image panel that uses 2 different Verve sets.  My ribbon is my handmade crinkle ribbon and it is NOT crooked even thought it looks like it in the photo.  I used a few scraps of paper and an EK success border punch .  I am in love with the soft feel of this card.
 
I'm off to finish getting some last minute stuff for my sister's wedding.  I have to tell you that today my hair is looking better.  NO Justine...I will not post pictures.  There will be enough of those without putting them on the web.  I have to tell you though that I was cracking myself up yesterday ( Yes, I am my biggest fan) just thinking about how my husband will look at me and then pull his head back like WHOA when he sees my hair.  It reminded me of the scene from the movie "Ghost."  Do you remember the part where Whoopi Goldberg is performing a seance for the black family?  Sam comes in to warn Whoopi she is in trouble and the black man (forget his name) "hops" into Whoopi's body.  He has a hard time seeing his family and his wife is sitting at the table.  He says, " Morticia?? I'm having a hard time seeing you."  Then BAM he can see her and he says," Damn Baby!  What you do to yo hair?!"  and she says as she is patting the ends, " Why, ( whatever his name is), it's Autumn Sunrise.  Do you like it?"   Hee Hee....that is what keeps running through my head when my husband looks at me like that..." Damn Baby!  What you do to yo hair?"  It wasn't  called Autumn sunrise, but it's close:)  Ok, pardon me swearing on here, but "darn" just doesn't have the same affect.

Hope you laugh today!





What's In It?
Stamps: Verve Because of you and Love's Flower
Ink: Aqua Mist, Basic Gray
Paper: Vanilla, Poppy Seed, Aqua Mist, Amy Butler
Other: Circle Nestie, border punch, crepe paper, stickles, ribbon, dimensionals

RAM Birthday




It's another Free For All Day over at PaperWorks Co Blog.  I used one of the new Rachelle Ann Miller images called Birthday Parade. I have a lot of boy birthday cards to make since I have so many nephews.  I'm heading to Michigan this weekend and I'm taking all the birthday gifts with me.  This card uses the CPS sketch for this week.  I also used some paper by MME.  I had to add a bit of bling even though it supposed to be for a boy.  My star punch is covered in diamond stickles and my balloons have Diamond Glaze over them as well.


I also wanted to share a picture of my son's goodie bags from his sleepover last weekend.  I made them some bookmarks using the Tinheart Collection.  His theme for his birthday was Iron Man.  I figured that these Robots could work as a great VINTAGE replica of Iron Man:)


I used some Coordinations paper,embossed it with a Star EF  and then sanded the top.  These bookmarks  are also magnetic and I think the boys really liked them.

We can't wait for the new Iron Man movie:)

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Congrats!

Hey Guys!  I'm here. It's been a busy week of card making for me.  I've got lots of stuff that I have been up to as I get ready for my daughter's birthday in a few days.  We are also making a trip to Michigan for another birthday party and next weekend is my sister's wedding.  Can I just tell you the bonehead thing that happened to me?  I decided to dye my hair last week.  Since last summer I have dyed it a few times because I notice that it starts to get really light and brassy.  So I have done just an at home thing every 3 months or so to cut down on the "highlights."  I know...what am I thinking?  Most people pay for highlights.  But it just makes me look washed out.  Well, this last dye job turned out REALLY RED.  My hubby keeps calling me "Lucy."  Which has been pretty fitting considering that I have her kind of luck, my hair is that color and curly and I've been wearing it up like that to try and hide the color.  Do you even know how bad that is going to look with this yellow dress?  UGH!  It is the last time I dye it.  Just going to go au natural from now on. Not to mention that if it is as humid in NC as it is here I'm going to look like a Brillo Pad is sitting on top of my head.  Oh the memories!  As my step dad pointed out, there will be lots of pictures to forever capture the moment.  GREAT!

To avoid any chance of catching my reflection I have been in the basement crafting and exercising.   My hubby asked me last week to make 2 baby cards for him.  Several guys he works with are having babies.  I decided to use Taylor's Sketch 110  and a bunch of scraps.  This card sketch is so great for using up scraps. In fact I had to make two cards with the sketch.

Baby card one:


 This card makes me giddy because I used a PTI set called Vintage Ornaments for the "rattle."  Yep, that's a Christmas ornament with the top cut off. This also uses the colors for Stacey's Curtain Call Act 27.  Apparently the guys at the Fire Department were really impressed with my card.  I think that is very cool when a guy likes your stuff....and says it:)
What's In It?
Stamps: Vintage Ornaments PTI, Practically Perfect Verve
Ink: Colorbox Pink, Warm Red, Cert Celery
Paper: White, scraps, Pink Pirouette
Other: Crinkle ribbon, glitter, oval and scalloped oval punch, 1 1/4" square punch

Here is my second card using this sketch:


 Again I used a bunch of scraps.  I also used a JustRite Stamper set.  It's my first one and I'm trying to get it all figured out:)  Do you see that big leaf behind my handmade flowers?  That is from Shawne's digital file called Modern Flowers.  You can find that under Nature at Studio 313 Exclusive Creations.  I will have another card this week showing you how to take those big leaves and make a masculine card.  Stay tuned for that.  I am also entering this into The Pink Elelphant Challenge  64~to use Aqua.
What's In It?
Stamps: Just Rite A Note
Ink: Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss
Paper: Scraps
Other: Modern Flowers Digital File, Crinkle Ribbon, punch, dimensionals, scissors

Here's my last baby card.  It uses a CPS sketch from last week and some new paper I got at my LSS store.  October Afternoon is fast becoming one of my favorite lines.  I love it!  I wish I could have bought the whole Thrift Store collection.  Stamps, chipboard, rub ons.....oh!   I showed restraint and just got the paper...for now:)

 
 This card came together so quickly.  I paper pieced that little Teddy.  All the stamps are from Hampton Art.  All the crinkle ribbon you see on my cards today was made by me.  I'm thinking of putting some up for sale here on the blog.  Stay tuned for that.
What's In It?
Stamps: Hampton Art
Ink: Black Memento, antique linen
Paper: Thrift Shop Collection
Other: dimensionals, corner rounder, crinkle ribbon, PTI button

I'll be back tomorrow with a Card for PWCO and one other random post.  See you then!

Friday, April 23, 2010

They're HEERRREE! The New RAM Releases For PWCO!



Oh, I'm so excited to have you here on my blog for our First Ever Blog Hop at PWCO!If you arrived here from  Bella's Blog then you are on the right track.  If  you are just popping in you should start at the beginning of the hop HERE with Tinla's creations.  Believe me, you aren't going to want to miss a thing.  Each DT member has a little blog candy to give away and Peggy is offering up a GRAND PRIZE Giveaway to one lucky blog hopper.  Woo Hoo! So make sure you leave a comment along the way for your chance to win A LOT.

Why are we celebrating.  Because....

 Today is the reveal of all the Rachelle Anne Miller Exclusive Collection stamps designed specifically for PaperWorks Co.  That's right.   You won't find them anywhere else on the web.  Boy, are they ever cute.

Here is my first project using the super cute stamp called, "A Surprise Cheer."


I decided to make a "party pack" complete with 
a card...



and a Gable Box...
I used papers by MME Beloved Collection.


My next project uses a stamp called, "Birthday Parade."


I decided to make another box perfect for holding party favor goodies or a small birthday gift.  I used some of the new Cosmo Cricket Garden Party Collection and some coordinating Prism papers .


I have one more project to share using this cute stamp, "Puddles of Fun."


I think this is the cutest stamp.  I just love that ducky on the left "splashing" his foot in the puddle.  Looks just like something my kiddos would do:)  I used some new paper I got by  DCWV and sewed some wonky stitched circles.  I also used some dew drops to resemble water droplets.  I love this bright, cheery card.

So what do you think?  Remember to leave me a comment for your chance to win ALL FOUR new releases from Peggy and this little prize package from me.  You will have one week to complete the hop.



 Included are some of my favorite things...Copics, flowers, May Arts ribbon, dimensionals and some Chocolate Cherry Smooch.  You can't see it, but there is a Copic Colorless blender in there too:)



Now hop on over to Tanis' blog for some more ideas on what you can make with these super cute images.

Please stop by the fabulous Rachelle Ann Miller's Blog  and let her know what you think too.

Here is the blog hop order in case you get lost along the way.

Tinla
Jenny
Cris
Sheena
Stephanie S
Kristy
Danielle
Bella
Nikki  YOU ARE HERE:)
Tanis
Natalie
Stephanie J
Lisa
PaperWorks Blog


What's In It?
Project 1
Stamps: A Surprise Cheer
Ink: Antique Linen
Paper: Beloved Collection, Vanilla, 
Other:May Arts Cream Ribbon, Spellbinders Tags, diamond stickles, lace, sewing machine, antique button












Project 2
Stamps: Birthday Parade
Ink: Antique Linen
Paper: Garden Variety Collection, Prism, White
Other: CM cutting system, dimensionals, brads, star punch









Project 3
Stamps:Puddles of Fun
Paper: DCWV Songbird, white
Other: sewing machine, dew drops, Nestabilities, corner rounder




Thursday, April 22, 2010

Happy Earth Day!

I have a few projects to share today in celebration of Earth Day.  Each year it is my goal to be more aware of how I affect the world I live in.  I am huge into recycling, but know that I still have a long way to go in changing some of my habits to better our world.  As my daughter always says, " Every little bit counts."  I love that my kids are so interested in caring for their world. Each year we take our wagon and go clean the wooded path that we walk through on the way home from school.  Each year it makes me angry at how much litter there is in the beautiful section of nature.  It makes my kids angry too.  It's a good angry.  I know that they will always think about keeping their world clean.  At least I hope they will.

My favorite part of Spring is the beautiful look and smell of the lilac bush by my driveway.  Oh is there any sweeter smell???  I think not...well, maybe chocolate.  But other than that, I think not.  I saved a vinegar bottle specifically so that I could try the technique that Beate did HERE.  ( Go to the bottom of the post for the video)

I used Enamel Etch, embossing powder and the dot from the Stephanie Bernard Back 2 Basics set to create a fun, polka dotted vase.  Here is close up.  Hopefully you can see my irregular dots.


This didn't turn out as well as I would have liked, but it still looks pretty and my house smells wonderful. Make sure if you try this that you really add the etching enamel heavily.



I have one more project using several recycled items.


My flower and the "trim" along the bottom are made from a pair of jeans that my daughter outgrew and used to paint her room with.  She keeps accidentally pulling them out of her drawer to wear.  Not anymore.......:)
I used my Spellbinder's die to create a jean flower much like yesterday's post.  The smaller cherry paper is actually the front of the paper packaging.  I cut it out to layer on this card.  While my coupon isn't really recycled, it's from a Valentine's card pack. Love using off season stuff.  Cherries are nature at it's best, aren't they?  Yum!

We won't be having cherries, but we are having our first taste of Strawberry Shortcake tonight accompanying a great big GREEN salad with our deer steaks.  It's going to be "Good Eats" tonight.

I'm entering this into a few challenges this week.

Die Cuts R Us- Earth Embellishment
The Pink Elephant Sketch
Stamp Something~ Layers
Sweet Stampin Challenge~ In Stitches
Your Next Stamp 14 ~ Faux or Real Stitches


I really hope to have a few more Recycled Projects to share in the next week. Don't forget to stop in tomorrow for the BIG release for PaperWorks Co.  There will be prizes galore.  Don't miss it!

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

You're So Sweet!

  First, I must apologize.  I forgot to post the winner of the Absorber stamp cleaner.
  I used random.org and still can't figure out how to imbed that picture onto my post.  Anyways, the winner was #4.  That's :

Lisa Foster said...
Love your craft area! You've got lots of goodies to play with! I think I'm going to "borrow" your idea for your photo box...your pics are so good..and your solution is one I can afford! LOL...Also love how you store your Nesties...so many fab ideas! Thanks so much for sharing! Hugs, Lisa
If you have never checked out Lisa's blog please do.  She is AMAZING!  Her coloring is to die for...seriously.  I'll be getting in touch with you Lisa.

Now back to the business at hand.  Today is my day over at the PaperWorks Blog.  I decided to do a quick little project using just papers and Nestabilities.  I love the new dies they came out with this spring.  I used some yellow paper and the new large scalloped circles to make my flower on this card.


After I cut 2 different sizes out I simply bent and crimped along the edges.  It's all very technical you see:)  I added a button that coordinates with the Garden Variety papers by Cosmo Cricket.  My circle is sewn with embroidery floss and I added that polka dotted ribbon to resemble leaves...kinda.  You can find that ribbon here.  The great thing about it is that it's dotted on BOTH sides.

Don't forget that FRIDAY is the BIG DAY.  It's the first ever blog hop for PaperWorks Co. and this release is HUGE.  I have been having so much fun creating with these stamps.  They are the cutest!  Just wait.  I'm bursting to show you:)

So Friday, ok? Be here.  It's a date:)

I will be entering my card into a few challenges. 
Lucy's Card Challenge~ stitching
Pile It On~ Is It Spring
Die Cuts R Us~ One Earth related embellishment

Today I have a few projects to finish up and in honor of EARTH DAY tomorrow I am planting 3 grape vines and 2 raspberry bushes.  Oh how the country girl in me longs to create that setting at my house in town.  My family has become quite addicted to homemade jam.  Are you doing anything special for Earth Day?

See you tomorrow:)

Monday, April 19, 2010

The Rarest CAS

Ok, so a CAS card isn't really rare.  Especially on this blog lately.  My mojo is creeping in slowly, but I've been working on stuff that I will show you later in the week.  It's CUTENESS I tell ya.  Stay tuned for that.  In the meantime I have this very simply, very quick card I made using Modern Flowers again.  That is my favorite file over at Studio 313 Exclusive Creations.  Well, my favorite for now.  You can find these digis under the Nature category.  You have a choice of 3 different colored files. 


I printed out the sentiment, cut it out with a Labels nestability ( don't ask me which one) and added dimensional tape to the back.  I mounted this on a white embossed panel and wrapped this fun tulle around to tie a bow.  Tulle is another fun new product I got recently.  SOOO CHEAP!  I then printed out the flower, cut it out and added a Rhinestone Brad to the center.  Voila!  Easy Peasy.

Sorry to be super quick today, but I've got some running around to do.  I should be back tomorrow.  See you then!


Sunday, April 18, 2010

I Ruff You

I finally finished my newest card using Shawne's designs for Studio 313.  Actually, this is a dog that her 8 year old daughter drew.  An artist in the making:)   I paired it with just a sliver of some fun digital paper called Carnival Sloppy Stripe. You can find the digital paper under the Bright section and Harriet the Dog under Characters.  This also comes as a Card on a Sheet Template.  SO you just print, cut out and paste.  SO EASY!  I didn't do that this time, but I have a card my son did using it.

I also got the Martha Stewart version of a Scor Pal and used it to make the grid pattern on the back of the paper.  So much easier than using my Fiskar cutter.  The only thing I don't like about Martha's is that the scoring tool is so thin that it bends a bit and hurts my finger.  I may just try using my embossing tool.  Other than that, I got it for MUCH less than the Scor Pal and it comes with an envelope template.  How cool is that?!  Can't wait to try making my own envies.

  I want to show you that the Card on a Sheet template is so easy that even my 9 year old son could use it.  I accidentally printed the template out on regular copy paper.  I gave it to him and said, "See what you can make with the stuff on here."  This is what he came up with:

 
Isn't it cute?  I tied the bow for him and we hot glued it on together.
It's your turn now.  You have two weeks to enter in the first challenge ever on the NEW Studio 313 Challenge blog.

I have to share a bit about  my poor little man.  On Thursday he got his braces tightened.  They put a "chain" on his front teeth.  OW!  That is pretty painful for the first few days since the idea is to pull the four front teeth together in a quicker fashion.  So, yeah, that hurts.  On Friday I got a call from the school saying that Dalton had been pelted in the back of the head with a rather large rock while standing in line to go back into the school from recess.  The culprit is still unidentified.  So he had a LARGE goose egg on the back of his head.  He was fine.  You know how things happen in "three's?"   Well, I was a bit worried about what could happen next.  He had baseball practice that night and about 30 minutes into it he took a short throw right to the nose.  BLOOD EVERYWHERE!  Luckily it wasn't broken.  He went back to practice on Saturday.  We were concerned that he would be really afraid of the ball.  HE DID AWESOME!  He had the best practice I have ever seen from him.  I was so proud.  Then he ended up hitting a foul ball right at me.  I didn't get hit...this is the second time he has done this BTW.  I'm trying not to feel that it's intentional.  So, I didn't get hit, but the ball landed under me in the bleachers.  I went down the bleachers to get it and on the last step my ankle twisted and I fell right into the fence in front of me.  My husband came running over to help me.  He said my hair was everywhere, my sunglasses were crooked on my face.  I was fine...really.  Just my ego was hurt.  I think it was pretty apparent where Dalton gets his clutzy luck from....ME!  I was really hoping no one noticed, but the clang of the fence gave me away.  One of the boys actually apologized for me falling.  How sweet!  Ah!!! It's never a dull moment around here.

Hope you have a great Sunday!  I have many more Studio 313 creations to share this week.  See you tomorrow!

 

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Has Anyone Seen My Mojo????

Seriously, I am having a rough period of not feeling too creative.  Luckily, I have several cards already created for the release of Studio 313 Exclusive Creations.  Here is a CAS creation using the super cute Best Friend in the World. You can find this file located under Characters.

I printed out the strip of DP and colored the flowers yellow to match this flower from my reject pile.    The sentiment is also from the same digital file and I topped it of with an extra little flower.  Easy card that I made in less than half an hour if that.  That is the awesome thing about Shawne's creations.  You can just piece them together and have a cute card in minutes.  She's a genius!

  I'm still working on my challenge card for the New Challenge Blog.  I'm on trial number 3.  I'll finish it up and have it up here tomorrow.

In the meantime, could you all blow a little mojo my way.  I've got a huge release coming up and  no ideas.  My head is empty.  Ok, family and friends would say this is nothing new. This time they may be right.

Off to exercise with my cute hubby:)

Have a great Saturday!

Friday, April 16, 2010

Exciting News


I finally have some exciting news that I can share today.  A few weeks ago my blog friend, Shawne, invited me to be on her Design Team for a digital store she was opening.  At first, I felt like I had a bit too much on my plate, but offered to make a few samples for her store gallery.  When she sent me the files, I immediately emailed her back and said, "Please!  I changed my mind.  Can I still be on your Design Team?!"  Really, the stuff is so cute and such a great concept that I had to be a part of it.  I have been busy creating with her stuff since then.  All files are in a transparent JPEG or PNG file so you have lots of ability to play around with them.

TODAY is the Grand Opening of her store and I am so excited for her and for YOU to see what's available.

Please make sure you check out all the amazing designs that Shawne has created at the store...then SHOP away ladies:)


Not only has Shawne created a new store, but a new CHALLENGE BLOG to go with it.  She has issued a challenge today that will run through  April 30th.

A door prize will be drawn from comment's received on the challenge blog HERE at midnight tomorrow night for 25.00 dollars worth of digi's from the Studio 313 store.
The challenge is 

to use your favorite store page as inspiration on a card.That could mean the colors, the sketch you see with in the page, the theme.  Whatever strikes your fancy.  The challenge ends on April 30th.

You can find more details on Shawne's blog  HERE.

 What can you win???? 

One random winner will receive 3 free digi stamps or sets in stock now PLUS every new release for the next 3 months.


So what are you waiting for???  Go check out the store to pick your favorite page!  But wait!   Let me show you one card before you go....


 This uses TWO of my favorite "sets" of digis..... MODERN FLOWERS (in black) and BEST FRIEND IN THE WORLD.  See!  Isn't that so awesome that you can even use them together???  Ok...now HURRY and go check out the new store!

  I'll be back tomorrow with another creation....

See you then!

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

I've Had a Really Blessed Week.

 This is my second post today.  Please scroll down for the PWCO creation.

WOW!  What a week I've had.  I've been really blessed to add a few new banner's to my sidebar.  I recently became Copic Certified.  What an amazing class that was.  I have been practicing what I learned.  The best bit of advice I have heard so far in regards to coloring is to do what works best for you.  Sure, you need the knowledge and there are many different techniques, but I think it's more important to take what you learn and kind of "make it your own" so to speak.  Anyways, I hope to be able to teach a few classes on this in my area in the fall.  I'm taking the summer to practice up.  So, a New Copic Certified Banner is now on my blog.

This week I had a really fabulous stroke of luck over at Moxie Fab World.  I WON the new Sketch issue....EEK!  And Cath gave me a "shout out" for the creation for the Tuesday Trigger.  That card also got me a spot in the Top 5 over at Hope Stamps Eternal Cupcake Challenge.  Woo hoo!

As if that wasn't enough....I got another shout out from Julee (VerveGirl) whom I adore for my Project Parade card using that little ribbon rose I did a tutorial on last week.  I am on Cloud Nine people.  Really!  That's almost better than winning $25 in Verve cash...well, almost;)

When you feel this blessed you have to pay it forward.  Today I'm making dinner for a family at our church who is having a bit of a rough time.  So, I'm doing a bit there.  I may have to come up with some other way here on the blog.  I need to think about that for a bit.  So stay tuned.

I do have another card to share today.


This was my really quick creation using some new crinkle ribbon and a CAS sketch.  A super easy, fun card.  I used so many different stamp companies on this.....Verve, PTI, Heidi Grace and MFT all played together to make this creation.  I also did something I haven't done before.  I stamped using SMOOCH.  Did you know you can apply that directly to your stamp as an ink.  I never knew....  It's fun!  My flowers and the Mother's Day greeting are all stamped in Taffy Smooch.  LOVE it~!  If you haven't tried this....Go...Do it....Now.  It gives such a pretty shimmer to your image.  I added tiny rhinestones to the center of each flower and used up my scrap of Origins paper.  I'm so proud of how much I am using my scraps.

Ok, off to finish my Beef and Noodles.  That is one thing I can actually cook.  I also have a great recipe that I found this week to share....later.  I've got a billion things to do now.

Thanks for popping in!




What's In It?
Stamps: Friendship HG, Turning a New Leaf PTI, Because Of You Verve, MFT retired set
Ink: New Leaf, Vintage Photo
Paper: Cream, BG Origins DP
Other: crinkle ribbon, taffy smooch, Tiny Twinkles, Nestie Labels, dimensionals, scor tape, sponge

Geared Up For Books

Mornining All!


Today I have a quick post for you.  It's my day on the PWCO blog and it's a Free For All. That means I can create anything I want.  I had a project all made and then saw that this week's Technique Challenge was to make a bookmark.  My son has just recently discovered that reading can be fun.  It is a really difficult subject for him at school and he makes me so proud because he works really hard at improving.  He also LOVES these robots from The Tinheart Collection.  He has made several cards of his own with them.  So, I decided to hold off on my other project and make this bookmark for him.  It's pretty basic, but you can't get too frilly with a BOY bookmark.  It also has to be able to fit in the book, so that kind of limits embellishments too.  I used the Lil' Robots Collection that goes so perfectly with these stamps.

My bookmark is magnetic.  I used those magnetic snaps by Basic Grey.  That way the bookmark snaps shut right around the page he is on.  I know he is going to think that is SOOOO COOL:)

Here is the inside without decorations:

 Pretty plain, huh?  I ran out of time so I'll have to finish the inside up this week.  Now, I do want to say that the adhesive that BG uses on these things stinks.  So I just add a little Crystal Effects underneath and those snaps stay put.

Before I forget, next week is going to be a HUGE stamp release over at PWCO.  Seriously, it's awesome!
To celebrate Peggy is doing a fun puzzle game over at the blog.  Make sure you check it out.  Then don't forget that on APRIL 23rd we are having our first EVER Blog Hop.  There will be prizes and fun to be had by all.  So be there...or don't.  But, if you aren't you are going to be sorry.....I'm tellin' ya.  It's going to be FABULOUS!!!!

Have a great day!
 PS....I remembered to photo my Copics:)  The Ciao is  YR05.