Thursday, December 31, 2009

No Cricuts, No Bugs...just paper, inks and stamps


Hi Everyone!

I'm on my way to go grocery shopping..ugh! But I wanted to post my card for yesterday's SCS sketch challenge before I go. I didn't decide to do this until about 9:30 last night and by then DH was working on the computer so I had to go from memory based on what I had seen at about 7:00 in the morning. I also decided that since it was so late. I didn't want to bring out the Cricut or the Cuttlebug or anything complicated. I was very inspired by the sample that was given with the sketch, so I decided to try a bit of brayering. You know brayering is a funny thing for me, it either works great or it looks horrendous. I think this one turned rather nicely if I do say so myself!
I hope you like it as well. I will try to come back a bit later and post details if anyone is interested. Happy New Year! Enjoy your weekend everyone and I'll be back on Monday!

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

MMSC and Cricut Flowers


Good Morning!

For Christmas this year, my mom bought me a Cricut machine. No, it's not the expression, just the original one; but considering that the only die cut "machine" I have is my Quickutz hand squeeze tool, it is definitely a step up for me! She bought it while she was here visiting for Thanksgiving when we went to Michael's on Black Friday. Now, since I knew what it was, she made me promise that I would wait to use it until after Christmas. So, the box sat unopened, unused under my tree until last Friday afternoon. Aren't I such a good girl!?
When I saw yesterday's MMSC with the flowers on the side, I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to use my Cricut. Right now, the only cartridge I have is the George one that comes with it. So, basically, I played around until I had various sizes and colors of the two flowers offered on that particular one and then set about arranging them the way that I wanted to. The colors I used for this card are for yesterday's SCS color challenge of Barely Banana, Dusty Durango, Going Grey and a neutral (white for me) I stamped the Dusty Durango piece with my favorite background stamp "Fine Lace" The ovals were cut with my Petite Oval Nestabilities and my CB. The image is from "Fruitstand" and is actually stamped with Soft Suede ink on white paper. After I stamped the image I used Tim Holtz Antique Linen Distressing ink to cover the image. Then I used blender pens and other inks and pencils to color in the peaches. Added some other minor details and finished off my card.
So, there you have it. I hope you like it! Have a great day!

Monday, December 28, 2009

Last Mojo Monday of 2009


Wow! Hard to believe it's the last week of the year for Mojo Monday. Everything seems to be returning to some sense of normalcy post Christmas, so I definitely wanted to make sure that I got a chance to play along with this week's sketch. It's quite simple really, so I don't think I'll bore you all with the details. I do wish I had a different color flower for the corner as I think this one was a bit too green for the color palette that I chose. I had one that was the right color; but it was too big, so in the end I went with this one. The sentiment is from the SU retired hostess set "Echoes of Kindness." The Rose Red background is stamped with the "Stitched" Background stamp. The circles measure 3 1/4, 3 and 2 1/2 beginning with the Brilliant Blue one.
Anyhow, that's all for me! Enjoy the rest of your day and I'll see you tomorrow!

Wednesday, December 23, 2009


Hi Everyone!

I'm here really quick to share last week's SCS challenge card. I know that a new one is posted for today; and originally I was going to try to do both and post them; but I just didn't get time. To be honest, I'm out of stamping mojo for the day....too much Christmas spirit and doings, which is a good thing!
I couldn't get the card to stay still on the scanner, so that's why it appears a bit crooked at the top and bottom. Lots of layers on this card. I started with Not Quite Navy and then added the Ruby Red layer. The ran the two Going Grey pieces through my CB with an embossing folder before I mounted them onto the Taken with Teal pieces. I added the strip of Not Quite Navy across the middle with the square pewter brads. I used SU's "Circle Circus" for the main image in the middle; and the sentiment is from SU's "Lots of Thought" set. I used 2 layers of dimensionals on the back of the circles piece, which gives it quite a bit of a 3D affect.
Anyhow, that's all for me this week. Enjoy your Christmas Eve celebrations tomorrow and have a Merry Christmas on Friday!

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Best Wishes Duo Challenge


Hi Everyone!

For today's card I decided to combine two challenges once again. It's been quite a while since I've been able to do a MMSC challenge. The sketch looked fairly safe and simple, so I decided to give it a whirl. The card also meets the SCS color challenge today to use Sahara Sand, Crushed Curry and Real Red. Never thought that I'd use Curry as much as I have the last couple of days! Anyhow, this is what I came up with. It's fairly simple, although I did have a difficult time trying to decide on the stamp I wanted to use in the middle. In the end, I chose to use the "Best Wishes" stamp from SU's Oval All set. The two squares in the middle are from the Curly Labels 1 Nestabilities set. One cut out in Sahara Sand and then the next layer cut out in Real Red. The pattern on the Sahara Sand piece is from Martha Stewart. The card base is actually Sahara Sand, though it's hard to tell by the picture.
That's it for me, I hope you like it. I'm going to try to post again tomorrow; but not sure if I'm going to be able to. If not, have a Merry Christmas and I'll be back for sure on Monday.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Double Mojo


Hi Everyone!

Well, the snow is still on the ground. With almost 16 inches, I think it's going to be around for a while! Today has been a good day so far. I managed to do not one; but two cards for today and we've already been outside to play in the snow! I decided that since I wasn't able to do last week's challenges that I would try to double up on them a bit this week. For example, I did last week's Mojo Monday as well as today's.
For the first card, (which was last week's sketch) I used Ballet Blue, Pumpkin, Olive and Curry as my color palette. I used the Medallion stamp from SU for the circular image, which I'm sure that many of you recognize. I stamped it three times in Olive ink, Curry ink and Pumpkin ink and then I used various sizes of my Petite Scallop Circle Nestabilities to cut them out. I tried to line up the image as best I could. It was a bit crooked; but I think it came out pretty well in the end. I used two CB embossing folders for the Pumpkin background and also for the Ballet Blue piece across the center. I added the olive ribbon, which honestly, I'm not sure that I really like. I always feel like the ribbon is a shade brighter than the olive ink that I use. Anyone else get that same feeling when using this ribbon from SU?
Ok, so now on to the second card, which is for today's Mojo Challenge. For this card, I chose Razzleberry, Curry, Orchid Opulence, and Pale Plum. Not a lot of explanation needed for this card, I don't think. I used the Stitched Background stamp on the plum piece in the background and the Curry piece against the center. The yellow ribbon is actually a piece of the Curry ribbon turned over to hide the polka dots. It's a bit bright in the picture; but actually looks very nice IRL!
I decided to keep this card fairly simple. I hope you like them both. Have a great day and I'll be back again tomorrow.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Let it Snow!!


Hi Everyone!

Once again, too much time has passed since my last creative post. It has been a crazy, busy week and now we are buried in a massive snow storm here in New England. The kids, not to mention the dog have had the best time outside playing in it. As I've said I have been very busy with holiday baking and some other things. I've had a bit of time to do a bit of stamping, so I'm sharing two things with you. I hope you like them. I promise to get back into a regular blogging routine after the holidays. For now, it's just going to be a bit random I'm afraid. These are two cards that I did using the OCL Coastal Wishes set again. I had a lot of fun experimenting with different ways and mediums to color them.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Friday, December 11, 2009

SCS challenges

Good Morning!

Just a quick post this morning. I'm heading out the door to take Jonathan to pre-school. This is a quick card that I did yesterday for Wednesday's SCS sketch challenge. I also combined it with an SCS color challenge. I think it was this week's but I don't remember. I used Barely Banana as my base and stamped it with the Crosshatch background stamp in Banana ink. Next I added a layer of Artichoke Print Patterns paper also from SU. The panel on the left is Going Grey and I ran a piece of Razzleberry ribbon down the center. The pattern paper behind the sentiment is the backside of the Artichoke paper. The focal image is from Coastal Wishes by Our Craft Lounge. I stamped it with Color Box Charcoal chalk ink and then used a variety of Copics, blender pens, aqua painters, inks and water color crayons to color the image in. I added some color around the edges by running them along a Color Box Dune Chalk ink pad. I mounted the image on to a piece of Barely Banana and then onto a piece of Razzlin Razzleberry.
So, off I go! I hope to visit some of you later. Until then, have a great day!

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Here Again!

Hi Everyone!

Wow, it's been quite a while since I've posted, at least it seems like it to me! I'm sorry I've been so sporadic in sharing things with you. Such a busy time with the holidays. I did finally get done with my Christmas cards. Not everyone on my list will be getting a handmade card; but that's just the way it goes. I am happy to be doing something else now. The card I have today is for this week's Mojo Monday. I also combined it with a previous SCS color challenge that I had not done using Old Olive, Bermuda Bay and Pretty in Pink.
I started with a standard size Old Olive card and then added a 4 x 5 1/4 piece of Pretty in Pink. Next I added the Bermuda Bay with the strip of pattern paper at the bottom. The 2 Bermuda Bay circles in the background are 2 3/4. I cut 2 more pink circles each measuring 2 1/2. Then I ran those circles through the cuttlebug and embossed them.
The main image is from SU's hostess set "Wings of Friendship." I inked the image with Bermuda Bay ink and then used a Qtip to remove some of the ink and then I went back over those areas with an Old Olive marker and a Pretty in Pink marker. I stamped the image on Pretty in Pink paper and then used foam adhesive to attach it to the card.
The sentiment in the corner is from SU's chitchat rubons. I had a hard time getting it to stay in place, so I had to doctor it a bit with a Chocolate Chip marker.
I already have something done to share with you tomorrow, so I'll definitely be back tomorrow! Next week...who knows! I hope you have a great day and thanks for visiting with me!

Thursday, December 3, 2009

New Nesties and More Inspiration


Hi Everyone!

I'm back again with another Christmas Card. I promise I'm almost done with them. So far I've made approximately 60 of them and believe me, I think I've had enough. I'm so far behind on my birthday cards and other cards that I need to do. I decided to use another one of the cards from Kristina Werner's Holiday Card Series for inspiration. I really liked this card; but I did not have any ornaments to cut out to use, so I adjusted that part of it. I recently got a new set of Nestabilities: Label One and thought they would be perfect. Once again I also used paper from my American Crafts "Merrymint" collection. I know I've used it a lot lately; but it's what I have, so why not, right? The Santa Clause image is from Inkadinkado. I stamped it with Ruby Red ink and then used Copic Markers to color his face and then my blender pens and ink pad for his hat. I wanted to add a bit of shadowing in his beard, so I used a Cool Grey Copic to go over various parts of it, which is hard to see in the picture; but does add some interest in real life. The sentiment is from the same Inkadinkado set and I stamped it with Chestnut Roan chalk ink. The ribbon is from Lil Davis Designs. I have to say I was rather pleased with the way this one turned out; and I hope you like it as well.

Focus on Paper


Hello Everyone!

I'm here bright and early to post this morning, since I didn't get a chance to share anything yesterday. As you may realize by now, I am definitely focused on Christmas cards. I'm also not doing any challenges at the moment and probably won't again until after I get all my Christmas cards done. I'm sure that many of you are aware and have seen the holiday card series that Kristina Werner has been doing on her blog. Well, I decided to use a few of her cards from that series as inspiration for some of my own. The card I shared yesterday was one example; and here is another one. I was inspired by the fact that Kristina used pattern paper on this card as her focal image rather than stamping. I pulled out my Merrymint collection of American Crafts paper and decided to used the fun neighborhood scenic piece. I stamped the letters from SU's Jumbo Outline Alphabet set on Burgundy paper and then glued them to a small piece of Baja Breeze. I hand wrote "to the world", which isn't as pretty as Kristina's; but then again I don't know anyone who writes as pretty as she does. Finally I added two simple buttons and the card was done.
Thanks for stopping by, have a great day!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Warm Winter Wishes


Hi Everyone!

I'm posting early this morning before the day runs away from me! So many Christmas cards to make, and so little time!!! This is one I did yesterday using my new Our Craft Lounge stamp set called "Tweet Winter Wishes" I think it's just adorable and I can't wait to play some more with it.
Unfortunately, I used some pretty light colors so it didn't scan as well as I would have liked; but I hope you can still get the gist of it. I started with a standard size card in Bashful Blue and then added a layer of pattern paper from Heidi Grace designs. Next is a piece of Pink Pirouette with a piece of Holiday Ribbon from Martha Stewart wrapped around the bottom. I stamped the snowman on the main image with color box queue chalk inks and then used my blender pens and other inks to color them in.
So super simple and really quite cute IRL. Have a great day!

Monday, November 30, 2009

Back with the Mojo

Hi Everyone!

I hope you all had a fabulous holiday weekend. My whole week was great with my mom visiting us. Thanksgiving was low stress, just the family at home. We were able to do some Black Friday shopping and we got the Christmas decorations up as well.
Anyhow, I'm back to blogging this week starting with today's Mojo Monday. I'm going to be working fast and furiously on Christmas cards this week, as I am sure that most of you will be as well. Today's card came together really quickly because I elected to use some pattern paper as my main image in the circle instead of a stamp. I started with a 4 1/4 x 4 1/4 Tempting TQ base and then added a layer of Ruby Red cut to 4x4 that I ran through the CB with Swiss Dots embossing folder. I used my Petite Scallop Circle Nestabilities to cut the TQ circle and the Garden Green circle. The pattern paper is from American Crafts "Merrymint" collection. I added the dots around the edges of the scallop circles with my white gel pen. The sentiment is from SU's "Fundamental Phrases" and I used SU's "Lots of Tags" dies for the Going Grey label behind it. Easy Peasy for today. I hope you like it. Have a great day and I hope you get time to find your Mojo!

Friday, November 20, 2009

WSC 107


Hi Everyone!

Have you missed me?! It's rare that I take a day off from blogging, let alone three! I've just been so busy with various projects that I haven't had a chance to post anything. Before I get to my card for today, I just want to say a big thank you to all the cards and wonderful birthday wishes I got from everyone!
My card today is for Beate's WSC. I don't normally do the smaller 4 1/4 square cards. However, I have a friend that wants me to make a set of cards this size for her, so I figured, why not adapt the sketch to what I need.
The card is fairly straight forward and once again, I'm off and busy with other things for the weekend. My mom is coming to visit and I am so excited! I've not seen her since June when we moved from South Carolina to Rhode Island. On that note, I want to let you know that I won't be posting next week. Have a great Thanksgiving Holiday, everyone!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

News for GH fans!

Hi Everyone!

I am pleased to announce that I have been invited to be a contributing blogger for GHOFS.net. This is an awesome General Hospital website and I feel honored that Robin has accepted my offer to help. There are many other fabulous ladies that will be contributing as well. New updates and info are already posted, including my first post recapping yesterday's episode. I hope you have time to visit and let us all know what you think!

P.S. I did post a card for today...scroll down for my Mojo Monday post!

Lovely as a Tree Mojo


Hi Everyone!

Here is my card for yesterday's Mojo Monday sketch. I started with a standard size Not Quite Navy base (5 1/2 x 4 1/4) and added a 5 1/4 x 4 piece of Really Rust that I stamped with Itty Bitty Backgrounds. Next I stamped a a 1 3/4 x 5 1/4 piece of Sage Shadow with the "Prints Pattern" background stamp. The Sahara Sand layer is 3 3/4 x 3 1/2 and I sponged the edges of it with "Weathered Wood" Distress ink by Tim Holtz and also ran the edges along my SU Really Rust Ink pad. Next I added the smaller square of Not Quite Navy which measures 3 5/8x 3 1/8. I stamped the tree from Lovely as a Tree in Rust ink on to a 1 7/8x 3 3/8 piece of white cardstock. I sponged the edges with the Weathered Wood ink again and the center around the tree with Sage Shadow and then layered it onto a piece of Sahara Sand that measures 2 1/8 x 3 1/2.
The sentiment is from the retired SU set "Riveting " and I stamped it on Sahara paper in Not Quite Navy before cutting it out and adhering it with foam dimensionals.
Ok, so that's all for me today. Very quick post, I know. I do have some exciting news to share with you if you are a General Hospital fan, so be sure to check out this post if you can! Have a great day!

Monday, November 16, 2009

Catching up....


Hi Everyone!

Sorry about being MIA for the last couple of days. I hope you all had a good weekend. Mine was great! Saturday night, DH and I attended the USMC Birthday Ball and it was a blast. General Cartwright, who is the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was our guest speaker and imagine our surprise when we figured out that the head table was right beside ours. Trust me, there is something very humbling about sitting 10 feet away from someone who wears 4 stars on his shoulder and is definitely someone who does a lot of "behind the scenes" stuff for a lot of current issues....but I digress!
I was able to do some crafting; but it wasn't blogging crafting unfortunately, so I tried to play catch up today with the WSC from Beate.
I started with a standard size card base in Brocade Blue and then I added a small layer of Artichoke Print Pattern paper from SU. I added a piece of Bravo Burgundy which I punched the bottom of with my EK Success threading waters punch. Next I ran a piece of Blush Blossom through my CB with the embossing folder. I used my 1 inch square punch for the Brocade Blue squares at the bottom and then added 7/8 squares in the Artichoke Prints Pattern on top of them. I added each one of those squares to the strip of Bravo Burgundy at the bottom. The sentiment is from SU's "Best Yet" stamp set. I used SU's "Lots of Tags" Sizzix four pack of dies for the label behind it. I know that normally I try to take measurements and I did in the beginning and I even wrote them down; but then I changed them and didn't write down the new ones!
Anyhow, that's all for me today. Have a great evening!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

"Congratulations" SCS Challenges.

Good Morning!

Well, I didn't think I would have anything to share with you today; but I was able to do a bit of stamping last night while I was watching a movie with DH. So, here is my card for yesteday's SCS sketch challenge. I also combined it with this week's color challenge to use Bravo Burgundy, Kraft and Vanilla. This is a gorgeous color combo and I'm glad I was able to do it. I started with a 4 1/4 x 11 piece of Bravo Burgundy that I folded in half. Next I added a 4 x 5 1/2 piece of kraft. The two burgundy squares are both 2 1/2 x 2 1/2. I stamped a piece of Vanilla card stock with go to "Fine Lace" background stamp in Bravo Burgundy ink and then cut into two 2" in squares to layer on the Burgundy squares. Next I added a 2 x 4 1/2 piece of Kraft card stock with foam dimensionals to the center of the card. The main floral image in then center is from SU's retired hostess set "Echoes of Kindness" I stamped it in Bravo Burgundy ink and then used my aqua painters and the ink pad to color it in. The "Congratulations" on the side is also from SU and I stamped it, along with the sentiment at the bottom with Basic Brown ink. Finally, of course, I added the faux white stitching lines around the edges of the Kraft pieces. I've been doing that a lot lately, I know; but what can I say, I just really like it!
Ok, that's all for me. I hope you like it and I'll see you tomorrow!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

MMSC Fruit Stand Flower


Good Morning!

I have not participated in the MMSC in a couple of weeks. To be honest, the last few sketches have scared the bejeebers out of me! I really thought there was no way to compete with the talent I was seeing on Priscilla's blog. That is a seriously awe-inspiring DT over there! I know that it's not a competition; but we all know that we judge our own creativity even if no one else does. There were just so many different elements and layers to the sketches that I just didn't feel like I could make anything that would do the sketch justice. I took a gander again this week and decided that this one seemed challenging but at least doable for me, so I decided to take a stab at it. There were a lot of layers with this one as well; but they were easy layers to work with; and truthfully I probably added more than the sketch called for...how's that for irony! Since there were so many layers this time, I didn't measure each of them. I can still give a general breakdown of the card however. I started with a standard size Close to Cocoa base. Next, I added a layer of Blush Blossom which I ran through the CB with the Swiss Dots folder. The two purple colors in the card are Perfect Plum and Pale Plum and the last color I used was Not Quite Navy. The Blush Blossom piece in the center behind the image is actually stamped with my favorite background stamp, "Fine Lace"; but it's hard to see in the photo. I stamped the main flower image, which is from SU's retired "Fruit Stand" in Cocoa ink and then used my blender pens with Stampin' Pastels to color it in. I added the buttons and the prima flower as the final decoration to finish the card. I know the orginal sketch calls for an additional element in the lower left corner; but I just couldn't make it work for my card, so I opted to leave it out.
So, there were are. I was pretty pleased with how it all turned out. I hope you like it as well. Since today is a holiday, there'll be no crafting for me as I intend to spend the day with family and friends. Therefore, I won't have anything to share again until Friday. Until then, have a great day!

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Mojo Monday Fall Card

Good Morning!

So, here is my card for yesterday's Mojo Monday. I have to say, this is definitely not one of my favorites. I don't know why. I liked all the individual elements of the card; but somehow when they all came together it just lost something. Still, I don't have time to do another one, so this is just going to have to do!
I started with a standard 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 Really Rust card base. Then I added a layer of pattern paper. Sorry, don't know where it came from, it was just in my stash. I added a strip of Kiwi Kiss at the bottom and layered that with some So Saffron. I stamped the images from Pocket Silhouettes with Really Rust Ink. I cut another strip of So Saffron and layered Kiwi Kiss on top this time and added the "be happy" sentiment from Little Yellow Bicycle "Zinnia" set. I used my scallop circle punch for the Bravo Burgundy scallop circle and then cut a 1 1/2 inch Rust circle. The scallop stamp around the olive flower is also from the Zinnia collection and so is the flower.
So, as I said. Not the best; but I hope you like it anyhow! Have a great day!

Monday, November 9, 2009

"Happy Hello" WSC

Good Morning!

I hope you all had a nice weekend. Ours was unusually warm, so we were able to get outside and play for a while yesterday, which was nice. I got a lot of crafting done as well. So all in all it was a good weekend.
Here is the card I did for Friday's WSC from Beate. I started with a 4 1/4 x 11 piece of Ruby Red card stock which I folded in half and then I added a 4 x 5 1/4 piece of Groovy Guava. The green pattern paper blocks on the front are from an old package of SU saleabration paper. The blue is a scrap piece of Baja Breeze. Sorry, I didn't take those measurements. I used my small petite scallop circle nestabilities for the Ruby Red circle in the middle. The flower in the middle is actually one whole piece and it's from as set of K &Co flowers called "Wild Saffron", as are the two smaller flowers in the corners. The sentiment from SU "Lots of Thought" was stamped in Ruby Red ink. Finally, I added the white gel pen around the edge of the Ruby Red front and the scallop circle. Easy peasy really. Have great day everyone!

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Get Sketchy 13 Flowers


Good Morning!

I hope you are all off to a fabulous weekend so far. It is chilly fall day here in RI and I am busy crafting for my church bazaar. Here is my card for yesterday's "Get Sketchy 13" challenge. When I first saw the sketch, I thought there's no way I can do this, that's just too many squares and layers to try to figure out how to put on the front of a card. Still, I decided in the end that that's the point of a challenge, right? To try something outside your comfort zone. So, this is what I came up with. I started with a 5x 10 piece of Bermuda Bay which I folded in half. I then used different pattern pieces from my Prima Marketing Sasha Paper Collection. No, I didn't take measurements this time for you! Like I said, lots of squares and pieces. The other solid pieces are Melon Mambo and Dusty Durango which I ran through my cuttlebug to go along with the extra challenge for dry embossing. The flower in the center is from Recollections and I mounted that onto a piece of Bermuda Bay. I rounded the corners before adding it to the center with foam dimensionals. The sentiment is from SU's "Sweet Little Sentiments" which I stamped in Razzleberry ink. Finally I added the white gel pen faux stitching lines, which I know have been a staple for me lately; but I just really like the look of it!
So that's all for me today. I'll be back on Monday. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Friday, November 6, 2009

"Forever Friend"

Hello!

Sorry I didn't get a chance to come back and post this card yesterday. If you didn't read yesterday's post, check it out here. I am selling some of my old and some current Stampin Up sets if any one is interested. I spent the rest of the day working on some other projects for our upcoming church bazaar. A lot of which are 3D objects that are hard for me to photograph.

This is my card for this week's SCS sketch challenge. It was a very easy sketch to work with and honestly it all came together quite quickly. I started with a standard 5 1/2 by 4 1/4 Basic Grey card base. I added a 5 1/4 x 4 layer of Real Red, which I ran through my cuttlebug with the circles folder. The black piece is 3 7/8 x 3 3/8 with a layer of Basic Grey measuring 3 1/2 x 3 on top of it. Next, I added a piece of 3 1/8 x 4 1/4 Blue Bayou card stock in the middle. I made the floral image in the middle by stamping the "Floral" Background stamp from SU in Real Red ink on Glossy white cardstock. I made sure to let it dry before trimming it to 2 7/8 x 4 3/8.
The triangles on each side were made from a 1 1/2 inch black square and 1 1/4 Blue Bayou square which I cut in half to make into triangles. The "Forever Friend" sentiment is two words from SU's "Fundamental Phrases" set, which I stamped in black ink and matted with Real Red and Basic Grey. Finally, I added some white stitching lines around the card to complete it.
So, there you have it. I was pleased with the way it turned out. I'd love to know what you think, though. Have a great day everyone!

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Out with the Old...

Good Morning!

I am happy to report that Tyler was able to return to school today and everyone else in the house seems to be fairly healthy as well. I do have a card to share today and I will post it in a little while. First, however I wanted to take a bit of time this morning and talk about some other things. I've never really made a big deal about being a SU demo, simply because my blog is not an SU only blog and I tried to keep the two separate. Now, as many of you know SU recently came out with a new demo agreement that they wanted demos to sign. If you are a demo, you already know the particulars of that agreement. If you are not, then it doesn't really matter. Suffice it to say that I have decided not to sign the new IDA. I had been actually thinking of not continuing being a demo anyhow for a variety of other personal reasons and this just made the decision that much easier.
As such I am now going to sell some of my SU stamp sets that I no longer use or have an interest in. There is so much other merchandise from other manufacturers that I would like to have; but I really need to clear some space in my craft room. So far I am only listing stamp sets; but I may decided to add some accessories and paper later. If you are interested in purchasing any of these sets that I have listed, please send me an email at jdshelton3@yahoo.com and let me know the set(s) you would like. If you need to see a picture of the set, let me know and I will get one to you via email. I will accept paypal or personal check. Payments must be received before I send the merchandise. All packages will be sent in flat rate envelopes or boxes through USPS. If you purchase $25 or more, I will pay the postage fee.

Thanks Everyone!

$5.00 sets:

"A Little Yummy"
"Polka Dot Punches"
"Echoes of Kindness"
"Terrific Tags" (remounted on cling foam)
"Kanji" (remounted on cling foam)
"Noteworthy" (remounted on cling foam)
"Little Notes" (remounted on cling foam)
"Delightful Doodles" (remounted on cling foam)
"Gently Falling" (remounted on cling foam)
"Around the Block" (remounted on cling foam)
"Flowers of Gratitude" (remounted on cling foam"
"Birthday Whimsy"

$7.00 sets

"Smorgasborders" (remounted on Cling Foam)
"Fine Print" (remounted on Cling Foam)
"Best Blossoms" (remounted on cling foam)
"Sweet and Sassy" (remounted on cling foam)
"Darling Dots"

$10.00 sets

"Puns from the Past"
"Sip by Sip"
"Heartfelt Thanks"


$12.00 sets

"Simply Said"
"Priceless"


Background Stamps: $13.50 each

Stitched
Print Pattern
Crosshatch

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Quick post



Hi Everyone!

I'm here to just post my card for yesterday's Mojo Monday. Sorry I don't have time to post the details. I've got a sick child home today (swine flu...ugh).Busy washing and cleaning and medicating. So, I'm going to spend the day giving lots of hugs. I probably won't post again until Thursday or Friday depending on how Tyler is feeling. Have a great day everyone!

Monday, November 2, 2009

Great Reasons for No Stamping.



Hi Everyone!

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend. Ours was so wonderful and so busy. So busy that I didn't have time to do any stamping or creating this weekend, so therefore I don't have anything creative to share with you. I thought, however that I would post a couple of pictures of the events that took place this weekend. I even added a video for you!
We did, of course, go trick or treating on Saturday; but I've not uploaded those yet. First, as you know from Friday's post, it was Jonathan's birthday and we just had a small family celebration here at home. He got to celebrate in preschool as well, though. He loved his presents and spent the majority of the weekend totally entranced with them.
Then it was off to Providence for Reagan and I where I took her to see her very first concert. Demi Lovato and David Archuleta. It totally rocked, I have to say. Yes, I managed to get there and back despite my trepidation for driving in downtown Providence!
So, that's all for me today. I hope you like this rare glimpse into my family...I know I don't post too often about them. Have a great day and I'll see you tomorrow!

Friday, October 30, 2009

A Christmas Card and a Birthday Wish


Good Morning Everyone!

I am posting early this morning, because today is going to be uber busy and I think this may be the only time I have to sit down in front of the computer. Today is my little man's birthday!! I can hardly believe that my little Jon-Jon Owen is 4 years old!! (His real name is Jonathan Owen) Wowzer, where on earth does the time go. I still have to make his cake this morning so that his brother and sister can decorate this afternoon when they get home from school. This morning his Dad and I will finish shopping for his presents and getting them wrapped. I know, nothing like waiting until the last second, huh?
I am also taking Reagan to her first concert tonight. We are going to see Demi Lovato in Providence. If you have a girl between the ages of 7 and 15 you probably know who that is. If not, she's a Disney Channel star...enough said right? I'm excited and nervous all at the same time. I hate driving in areas that I'm not familiar with and it's not getting there that I worry about, it's getting home through the traffic in the dark. So, wish me luck.
Ok, ok...I know that you didn't stop by to listen to my family babble; but thanks! Here is my card for today. This is one of the designs that I will be mass producing to send out for Christmas this year. Each year, I design 5-6 cards and then send out 10 of each. Anything else beyond that we buy cards for.
I started with a piece of Creamy Caramel and folded it to a standard 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 card. Next I added a 4 x 5 1/4 piece of Chocolate Chip. I ran a 3 3/4 x 5 piece of Old Olive through my Cuttlebug with the Swiss Dots Folder. The 3 1/2" Real Red circle was also run through the cuttlebug; but with the Swirls folder. The Real Red strip at the bottom is 3 3/4 x 1 1/4 and I stamped it in red ink with the polka dot stamp from Martha Stewarts "Patterns" set. I added a strip of Chocolate Chip 5/8 Grosgrain ribbon from SU. The angel image is from Paper Pretties. I embossed her on Very Vanilla with Versa mark and copper embossing powder. I used Copics and SU markers to color her in. I ran the edges of the vanilla card stock around my Basic Brown ink pad. She is mounted on a 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 piece of Creamy Caramel. The sentiment at the bottom is from an old SU saleabration set "Lots of Thought" and again I inked the edges with the brown ink pad. I cut the Old Olive piece behind it using one of the dies from SU's Lots of Tags die set.
Ok, so there you have it. I hope you like it. Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Great SCS Challenges!

I often try to combine the SCS color challenges on Tuesdays with the sketch challenges on Wednesdays. Sometimes, it doesn't always work well. Either I don't like the colors or it interferes with another challenge that I'm trying to do. However, other times, it works really well; and this week's challenges did just that. I loved loved this color combination of Black, Kraft and Melon Mambo; and will definitely be using it again. I started with a piece of black card stock and cut it to a standard size card 5 1/2 x 4 1/4. I used my SU "Forever Flowers" Wheel with black ink across the bottom 1 1/2 x 5 1/4 piece of Kraft. I cut three more pieces of Kraft card stock each measuring 1 5/8 x 2 1/2 and put them across the top of the card. I layered each one of those with a piece 2 3/8 x 1 1/4 Melon Mambo. Before I attached them, I ran each one through my cuttlebug with the swiss dots folder and then pressed them lightly onto my black ink pad. Next, I stamped my main image from "Upsy Daisy" in Melon Mambo on Vanilla Card stock and then added the sentiment in black ink in the upper corner. I then trimmed the piece down to 2 1/2 x 2 7/16 and layered it onto another piece of Melon Mambo and then again on to a black layer. Before, I added the image to the middle I ran a piece of 5/8 grosgrain Vanilla ribbon across the front of the card. I would have rather used Melon Mambo ribbon; but I don't have any right now. I've ordered it; but it's not here, yet.
I really like how this one came out, and I hope you all like it as well. Let me know what you think! Have a great day!

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Kristina Inspiration

Hi Everyone!
Posting early this morning, while I catch up on yesterday's GH episode. Jonathan Jackson's first episode back...yay!! He does look so much older than the last time he left. Last night I got a chance to do a bit more stamping. I didn't think I would after spending so much time crafting yesterday the I would want to; but I needed to get card done for my nephew. On Monday, I watched Kristina Werner's MACM video, (which I do every Monday) and I loved the card that she made with the vellum cardstock in the front. I used almost the same colors that she did except I added some Old Olive. I stamped the circles from SU's "Circle Circus" onto vanilla paper and then cut them out before attaching them to the Kraft card stock. I used my quikcutz to cut the Really Rust letters from the "ginger" alphabet set for the words "happy." I also had the "Birthday" cut in Bravo Burgundy; but my xyron ran out of adhesive, so I had to adjust and decided instead to use these yellow stickers from American Crafts instead . I added the strip of Old Olive at the bottom with some faux white stitching with my white gel pen. It's a very simple card for me and I keep thinking that maybe I need to add something; but I think I'm going to resist and just bask in the simplicity. and move on to the next one.
So, that's all for me today. Have a great day and I promsie to visit some of you later today

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Busy Crafting


Hi Everyone!

So sorry I'm late posting today; but would you forgive me if I told you it was because I was busy crafting all day! My family got "Booed" last night. If you're not familiar with that, a mystery halloween basket with goodies and treats shows up at your door and then you in turn have to make 2 baskets to distribute to people in the neighborhood who haven't been "booed" yet. There is a sign that you put on your door, so that people know you've been booed. Apparently, the key is to get that sign up quickly, because not 20 minutes after the first basket arrived, the doorbell rang and we had been booed again. So, now I had 4 baskets to put together. Of course, I couldn't put together four baskets without putting in something crafty, now could I? I decided to put together some one sheet boxes and put little halloween goodies inside of them.
All that is really beside the point, since the card I have to share with you is actually my card for yesterday's Mojo Monday. I started with a 5x5 Creamy Caramel square base and then added a layer of Groovy Guava which I stamped with the Stitched Background stamp in Caramel ink. Next, I added the piece of Old Olive which I ran through the Cuttlebug with an embossing folder. I don't remember the name of the folder....I never do. It's the one that looks like that, though! I stamped the piece of blush blossom on the side with a stamp from the SU "Razzle Dazzle" set in Guava Ink. I cut the caramel circle with my petite scallop circle Nestabilities and then added a blush circle. The floral image in the middle is stamped in Old Olive ink and is also from the "Razzle Dazzle" set. I added the sentiment from "Sincere Salutations and completed the card.
So, that's all for me today. I hope that you like it, and thanks for stopping by. I can't wait to see what you all have been doing...until then, have a great evening.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Get Sketchy and Let it Snow!


Ok, so I'm not quite ready for snow just yet; but I just thought my little snowman from inkadinkado would be perfect just perfect for this week's Get Sketchy challenge. I started with a standard size 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 piece of Cranberry Crisp and then added a piece of 4 x 5 1/4 of patterned paper. I'm not sure who the paper is from, it was in my stash and it worked so I used it. Next I wanted to use my Top Note Die for the Old Olive piece; but it would have been too long across the front of the card, so I actually cut it twice. Next, I added the ribbon which is from Lil Davis Designs. I then cut a 2 3/8 x 3 piece of Baja Breeze and rounded the corners. I stamped the snowman in Ruby Red ink on white paper and then attached the image piece with foam dimensionals. Finally, the bonus challenge for the sketch was to use buttons. I had a hard time finding one that worked well, but finally settled on this little blue one from the Sherbert Collection from SU.
So, there it is; simple and easy. I hope you like it. Have a great day, everyone!

Saturday, October 24, 2009

WSC 103 Indian Summer Friend

Good Morning!

It's a rainy day once again here in RI, so our plans to go to the pumpkin patch have been derailed until tomorrow. I wanted to share my card for this weeks WSC from Beate. This sketch was fun to work with, although I decided not to make a square card, since I just made one of those the other day. I knew, however that I wanted to use another sheet from my Basic Grey Indian Summer package. I'm still loving these! I wanted the squares that I cut to be noticeable so I started with a piece of Dusty Durango that I cut to 9 1/2 x 6 1/2 and folded to get a 4 1/4 x 6 1/2 base. Next I added a 4 x 6 1/4 piece of Blush Blossom which I stamped with the Fine Lace Background stamp with Melon Mambo ink. I cut two 2 3/4 squares of brown paper and then adhered the 2 1/2 Indian Summer squares. The Melon Mambo square in the middle is 3x3 with a 2 3/4 square of Blush Blossom that I stamped with Itty Bitty Backgrounds in Melon Mambo ink. I used my cuttlebug to cut the white piece of paper with one of the dies from the Lots of Tags set from SU. I stamped the "So Glad..."sentiment with Chestnut Roan chalk ink from Colorbox. The leafy branch sticker at the bottom is from the sticker page in the Indian Summer collection package.
Ok, so that's all for me today. I hope you like it! Have a great weekend.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Smile if you love squares

Good Morning!

I am posting early this morning, since DH has the day off and I hope to be able to just spend some time hanging out with him after the kids go to school. I made this card yesterday for SCS Ways to Use It challenge. The challenge was to incorporate some type of patchwork into the card. I started with a 5 1/4 x5 1/4 square card base of Saffron and then added a 5 x5 piece of Red paper from My Minds Eye "Bohemia" collection. Then I cut 9 squares measuring 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 from the same collection of papers. I had a hard time deciding what to put in the middle, since I really wanted the focus of the card to be on the patchwork of squares. I decided to just go with some 5/8 Saffron Grosgain ribbon and then I used my scallop circle punch to cut the other side of the blue paper to get the polka dot scallop circle. I punched a 1" circle from Saffron and then stamped the image and sentiment from SU's bitty basics in Red ink. I attached it with some dimensional adhesive and finished the card.
So, I was really pleased with the way this came out. I hope you like it too! Have a great day and I'll see you tomorrow!

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Cheers to You



Good Morning Everyone!

I have a sick child home today, so I am posting this early this morning. I'm going to try to go around and visit some of you later in the day; but I'm not sure if I will be able to. I'm also not sure if I'll get any stamping time in today.
This is my card for yesterday's SCS sketch challenge. I used Summer Sun, Not Quite Navy, Old Olive and Cameo Coral for my color palette. It's been a while since I've used my "Cheers to You" set from SU, and I thought they would fit nicely on this narrow panel. I also used the coordinating wheel on the bottom piece of the front Old Olive square. I stamped each of the drink stamps in NQ Navy, Coral and Olive ink and then used watercolor pencils and blender pens to fill them in. I added the eyelets on the side and the white faux stitching with my white gel pen. Finally, to finish the card I did some more faux stitching with a NQ navy marker around the Cameo Coral panel. Fairly simple; but I was pleased with the result. Hope you like it. Have a great day!

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Believe Love MMSC

Good Morning!

I finally got a chance to work on yesterday's MMSC around 4:00 yesterday. I also combined it with yesterday's SCS color challenge to use Cameo Coral, Bravo Burgundy, Artichoke and Vanilla. I have to be honest, this is probably one of my least favorite cards. I had a hard time with the colors. I really don't care too much for the coral and the burgundy together. I only had one scrap piece of Always Artichoke paper, so I decided to make a ditressed textured background that highlighted the color instead. It's been a while since I've made one of these backgrounds, and it seems to work well for this card. I also had a hard time with this sketch, I couldn't decide what to put in the center oval. I finally decided to use one of the flowers from the Fifth Ave Floral Set. I stamped it with Burgundy ink and then used watercolor crayons and my aquapainters to fill it it in. I realized after I stamped it, that it wasn't quite enough to fill the oval and that it looked a bit blank, so I added the copper eyelets on each side. The "believe" and "love" sentiments are from the Heidi Grace set "Reagan's Closet".
Anyhow, as I said, not the best in my stash; but perhaps I'm being too critical...what do you think? I would love to know.
Have a great day, everyone!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Dinosaur Mojo

Good Morning!

I am having a very peaceful morning with 2 of my little ones off to school and one sleeping peacefully in my bed. Hopefully, he'll sleep for a little while this morning, and then won't be cranky this afternoon. Sometimes, I think we stopped napping a bit too soon.
Anyhow, speaking of the little one, here is the card I made for Jonathan's birthday on Oct 30. I used yesterday's Mojo sketch for the layout. I really wanted to use this Dinosaur paper that is part of the Basic Grey paper pad that I bought at Archiver's this summer. The curvy striped paper is also from that same paper pad. I started with a Kraft base and added the layer of Chocolate Chip, and then the two pattern papers. The dinosaur image in the center is from the retired SU set "Toy Box". I stamped it with Rust ink on vanilla paper and then used aquapainters to pull in the color for a soft color affect. I put it on a square of paper also from the pattern package and then matted that on a artichoke piece. The sentiment at the bottom is from a former SU salebration set "Lots of Thought." Pretty simple; but I think he'll like it.
I hope to have a chance to work on MMSC challenge today and post that tomorrow. Have a great day, everyone!

Monday, October 19, 2009

OCC Color Challenge and Get Sketch retake

Good Monday Morning!

Brrr....39 degrees here in RI this morning! Can't say I'm looking forward to venturing out in it today. Wish the weekend was still here; but oh well, onward and upward as they say!
I got a chance to do the OCC color challenge yesterday. I really like the combination of the Suede, Handsome Hunter, Sage and Blush. I also decided to do another Get Sketchy card, since I wasn't one hundred percent satisfied with my other one. I like this one much better, since it's smaller. I started with a 4 1/4 x 8 1/2 piece of Soft Suede and then added a 4 x4 piece of Handsome Hunter. I ran a piece of blush blossom through the CB with the Swiss Dots folder and then trimmed them each to 1 3/4 x 3 3/4
I sponged some suede ink around the edges before adhering them. I cut the sage and suede ovals with Small Petite Oval Nestabilities. I did sort of goof with the white pen around the suede oval; but what can you do, right? For the image I cut another oval from glossy white paper, and sponged the edges with Sage Shadow ink and even though you can't see it very well, the middle is sponged with Blush Blossom ink. Then I took the image from SU's Oval All stamp set and inked it up with Soft Suede before stamping it in the middle. I did use my Stamp a ma Jig to line it up on the oval. Finally I added the two prima flowers with the antique copper brads to complete the card.
So, that's all for me today. Have a great day and thanks for visiting!

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Well, what can I say

(two cards...be sure to scroll down!)

I just couldn't stay away! After less than a week of not blogging, I was having withdrawals! Does that make me a blogging addict? I think it does. I wonder if there is a support group, anyone know? I'm not sure if I'll be posting everyday again, just yet; but I will post as I can. It's so rainy and yucky here in Rhode Island that there isn't much else to do except stamp. Yesterday I decided to take a stab at Friday's WSC and Get sketchy challenge. The first one is for Get Sketchy. As you can probably tell, I wasn't feeling my mojo quite yet with this one. The sketch was really great and I think I am going to try to do it again; but for now this will have to do. I knew that I wanted to incorporate the snow covered vellum that I found the other day; but I had a difficult time trying to find a background that would make the vellum stand out. I finally decided on a piece of basic grey, which I layered on a square piece of Not Quite Navy. I also didn't want to cover up any of the vellum, so I decided to just put a simple oval and sentiment in the center. The sentiment is from Inkadinkado. I also felt like the card was a bit bare still, so I added the silver ribbon down the middle and the red bow at the top.
I think I had a bit better luck with my second card, which is for Beate's Weekend Sketch. I made a long card, which was different; but fun to do as well. I started with a brocade blue base. I added a piece of Handsome Hunter across the center. Yesterday I went to Michaels and bought some Tim Holtz distress ink in Firebrick red. This is the first time I've used this ink, and didn't realize that I needed a special applicator, so I just used a sponge to add the color. It's a nice ink to work with and I will definitely pick up some more and will be doing some more investigating into techniques for it. I embossed some snowflakes with white embossing powder and then spritz the entire piece with a bit of water. I ran another piece of Handsome Hunter paper through my CB with the Swirls embossing folder. I cut the two scallop circles with my Petite Scallop Circles Nestabilities. I cut a 2 15/16 white circle and stamped the Santa image from Inkadinkado in black ink. I used the same distress ink with my aqua painter to fill in the top of the hat. I used my E00 skin copic marker to color in his face. Now, it's hard to se in the picture; but I did add some irridescent ice embossing powder to Santa's beard, to give it a little sparkle. Finally, I embossed the sentiment also from the same Inkadinkado set at the top and finished the card. So, that's all for me today. I hope you all enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Time for a Break

Good Morning Everyone!

I hope you are all having a nice day so far. Mine as been chilly. Only 46 right now here in RI, so fall has definitely arrived. I was looking back at my posts and realized that since I started blogging after vacation in August, I have done 50 posts. While I thoroughly enjoy blogging and sharing my creations with you, I have to admit my mojo is feeling a bit burned out. Therefore, I think the time has come to take a blogging break. I have some non-stamping related projects that I want to work on for the rest of this month, and then next month I will concentrate on putting together my Christmas cards. November will also be a busy time as it relates to Thanksgiving and family etc. So, have said all that, I wanted to let you know that this will be my last post until December 1st.
I am still going to try to visit some blogs on a regular basis, so I'll be able to keep up with what a lot of you are doing.
Until then, much stamping love to all!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Who needs sentiment?

Good Morning!

I hope you had a great holiday weekend. Ours was good, although it didn't turn out quite the way we expected, it was still good. I didn't get a chance to do any stamping yesterday, so I'm a bit behind in my weekly challenges. This is my Mojo Monday card. I combined it with the SCS color challenge to use Bermuda Bay, Apricot and Chocolate Chip. It's hard to see, but the Apricot piece in the back is stamped with Fine Lace Background stamp in Apricot Appeal ink. I embossed the trees from SU's Lovely as a Tree set with versa mark and embossing powder on glossy white card stock. Then, I used my brayer with Old Olive, Apricot and Bermuda Bay to make the background. I have no idea how I did it. Usually, when I use my brayer, it's a gamble; and usually one that doesn't come out very well. This time, however it did come out rather nicely. I added the Bermuda Bay ribbon across the bottom with the chocolate chip and the button in the center to finish the card. I realize that there is no sentiment; but I just couldn't find a place to put one, so as I said, "who needs sentiment?"
Have a great day everyone!

Monday, October 12, 2009

Sharing Weekend Creativity

Hi Everyone!

I hope you had a good weekend. Mine was good. I got to go to a crop on Saturday; and even though I didn't have any layouts to work on I did get some Christmas cards finished. I also went out on a date with DH Saturday night. We went to dinner and then went and saw "Couples Retreat." It was really funny!
I did also get a chance to work on some cards this weekend. My first card here is for the OCC sketch challenge. I started with a Old Olive base and then added a layer of Mustard that I had embossed with the Swiss Dots Folder. Next, I put on the two Rose Red mat squares. For the one in the back I added a piece of Old Olive that I embossed with the birds and swirls folder. The main image is from Upsy Daisy and is stamped in Rose Red ink on vanilla cardstock. I decided that the vanilla looked a little too "clean" and stark on the card, so I decided to sponge some mustard, olive and rose red ink on it. I stamped the sentiment on one of the Lots of Tags dies that I got recently and then layered it onto an oval that I cut with nestabilities.
The second card is considerably simpler. I have been dying to use my new Medallion Stamp and wanted to just put something together quickly. This card was actually put together while I was standing at the washing machine waiting for a load of clothes to finish drying. How's that for multitasking! I started with Pixie Pink base and added the medallion stamp in Pixie Pink ink. The sentiment on the bottom is from "Sweet Little Sentiments" I stamped it in Whisper White Craft ink and I should have used my stamp a ma jig because it is a bit crooked. I used my white gel pen to add some zing to the card. I really wanted it to be a single layer card; but decided that the middle of the medallion needed something, so I decided to try out my new floral fusion dies that I got from SU as well. I added a little pink bling in the middle to finish the card, although when I scanned it, it came out looking silver.
Ok, so that's all for me today. We are going to spend the day in Boston doing some sight seeing. Hope you all have a great day. Thanks for stopping by!

Friday, October 9, 2009

Swirls of New Goodies


TGIF Everyone!

I got some new goodies from SU yesterday, so I thought I'd spend some time today playing around with a few of them. This card is for today's Get Sketchy challenge. I used Pumpkin Pie, Bashful Blue, Old Olive, and Real Red for my color palette. I used the new Hostess Level 2 "Wings of Friendship" SU set. I realized that I had not broken out my chalks in quite a while, so I inked the bird stamp with some Versa Mark and used sponge daubers, and blender pens to shade it in. I can tell that this is going to be a versatile stamp and I am looking forward to all the different things I'm going to be able to do with it. The tag at the bottom is from the 4 pack Sizzlits die set "Lots of Tags" also from SU; and also new for me. I was recently pleasantly surprised to learn that I could use the sizzix dies in my Cuttlebug. This is great since I don't have a Big Shot Machine. The button on the flower at the top is from the SU sherbet collection.
I have a lot more new goodies to play with which I'm going to try to do over the weekend. For now, that's all for me though. Have a great weekend and thanks for stopping by!

Thursday, October 8, 2009


Good Afternoon!

Here is my card for yesterday's SCS sketch challenge. I also did the faux suede technique on the Crushed Curry and Ruby Red piece. This was an easy technique and looks really cool IRL; but it doesn't photograph well. The Mixer image and sentiment are from the Ageless Antiques set by Clear Dollar Stamps.I used Copic Markers to color the mixer in; and the sentiment was stamped with Bermuda Bay ink. I used the Print Pattern Stamp with Versamark on the bottom of the Sahara Sand piece.
Pretty straight forward today, so that's it...short and sweet!
Have a great day and thanks for visiting with me.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Warm and Fuzzy Riley


Good Afternoon Everyone!

Well, it's rainy day here in Rhode Island and I thought today would be a perfect day to use my Coffee Cup Riley stamp. I have not used him in quite a while and he just sort of beckoned me today. I started with a Cocoa Base and added a layer of Sage Shadow. I embossed the patterned background stamp from Martha Stewart on the Sage Shadow piece at the bottom. The polka dot pattern on the Cameo Coral piece across the center is also from the same Martha Stewart set.
The sentiment at the bottom is from Hero Arts Everyday messages. I paper pieced Riley's chair and then colored it in with colored pencils and blender pens. I used a SU Creamy Caramel Marker and some Chestnut Roan chalk ink from Color Box and a blender pen to color in Riley.
So, there it is. I hope you like it and have a great day!