Scor-Pal and Paper Smooches!

Hello Again!
Paper Smooches is joining forces with Scor-Pal all week!  Both blogs are giving away prizes, so check out these two blogs every day – today is the last day of the collaboration!



I created my project by using the Scor-Buddy (a super fun and handy little tool that I know I will be using OFTEN because of it’s convenient size) to score some lines in a diamond pattern for some lovely texture and interest.  I added self-adhesive pearls to further set off the diamond pattern.  I also added a line of 1/4” Scor-Tape double-sided adhesive, and sprinkled some Dazzling Diamonds glitter to really add a pop of bling.  The sentiment is from Flap Happy and the sentiment is from Salutations.  I’ll list the products I used below my signature.  Here’s a close up of the scoring detail:


Please be sure and click on through to both the Paper Smooches Blog and the Scor-Pal Blog to see about winning some prizes as well as viewing some beautiful projects using Paper Smooches and Scor-Pal products!

Today is our last day with our daughter and her fiance since they leave tomorrow for about six weeks.  So I’m off to spend some time with them before they leave.  I hope you have a lovely weekend!  Thanks so much for stopping by!



PRODUCTS USED:
STAMPS:  Flap Happy and Salutations (Paper Smooches Stamps)
INK:  Strawberry (Fresh Ink), VersaMark (Tsukineko)
PAPER:  Vintage Cream and Berry Sorbet CS (PTI)
OTHER:  Scor-Buddy Mini Scor-Pal and 1/4” Scor-Tape (Scor-Pal), Butterflies 1 Die (Paper Smooches), Vintage Cream Satin Ribbon and Linen Impression Plate (PTI), Dazzling Diamonds Glitter and Self-Adhesive Pearls (Stampin’ Up!), White Embossing Powder (Zing/American Crafts)

PS Pep Rally–You Light Up My Life!

It's Pep Rally week and we are here today to share a sampling of the Paper Smooches June stamp release with you!  FIVE new stamps and FOUR new dies will be available to purchase at 12:01 AM (EDT) on June 1st.  You will find them HERE.

To add extra fun to our blog hop, we are offering up a prize! Just leave a comment on any of the eight design team blogs listed below for your chance to win one of our new stamp sets!  (You do not need to comment on all blogs to qualify!)  You have until midnight MDT on Friday, May 31st to leave a comment.  Please check all design team blogs on Saturday, June 1st to see if you are one of the lucky winners.

Emily Leiphart
Heidi Van Laar
Kalyn Kepner
Karolyn Loncon<---- You are Here!
Kim Kesti
Laura Bassen
Laurie Schmidlin
Teri Anderson

To increase your chances of winning:

1. Leave a comment on this blog post;
2. Tell us that you Facebooked about our blog hop;
3. Tell us that you Tweeted about our hop; and/or
4. Tell us that you posted on your blog about our blog hop.

(Which means that you have up to four chances to win on each blog!)




My project features the new set called Crystal Clear.  This set includes a mason jar, some vases, as well as some darling little pretties to use in conjunction with all of focal images.  Check out that ADORABLE little lightning bug!!  AACCKKKK!!!  Is he not so cute?!  I stamped the jar and lid from Crystal Clear and cut out the inside of the jar, leaving a slight border.  I adhered clear acetate to the inside so that it looks like a clear jar. Then I stamped the lightning bug inside the card, glittered his little “butt” and wings, and then stamped the “light rays” using one of the images from this month’s TAM set called Off the Charts.  The sentiment is from Smoocheroos!

We have a bonus giveaway for you.  Stop by the Paper Smooches blog for your chance to win a Scor Buddy!  You will find the details HERE.

That’s it for my PS share today.  I’ll be back in a bit to share this week’s CAS(E) This Sketch Challenge.  In the meantime, thanks so much for stopping by!  I so appreciate it!

CAS(E) This Sketch #30–Celebrate!

Hola Friends!

It’s time for the next CAS(E) This Sketch Challenge!  I designed this week’s sketch.  Hope you’re as inspired by it as I was!  Here’s my take:



I’ll list the products that I used below my signature.  Please be sure and click on through to the CAS(E) This Sketch Challenge Blog to see what lovelies my sweet teamies have created for you.  I know you won’t be disappointed!

No time for chit chat today.  I’m on my way to a menu tasting with my daughter and her fiance before they leave town for the next seven weeks.  Thanks so much for dropping by – you have no idea how much it warms my heart when you do!  Have a great day!




PRODUCTS USED:
STAMPS:  Celebrate (Avery Elle)
INK:  Kraft (My Favorite Things)
PAPER:  White OP, Bumble Bee, Sour Apple, and Swimming Pool CS (Bazzill Basics Paper), Handmade Holiday DP (Simple Stories)
OTHER:  Paper Lanterns Dies (Memory Box), Jute Thread (May Arts), Jump Rings (Stash)

Make A Wish, Ardyth!

Hello Friends!

I’m sure you all know who my blogging friend, Ardyth, is.  Well today is her birthday!  Darnell (another of our blogger friends) decided to throw Ardyth a birthday blog party to show her some of the love that she shares with all of us all year long!  The idea was to CASE (copy and steal everything) one of Ardyth’s cards in her honor.  Well, I went through Ardyth’s galleries and swooned over many of them – too many to decide on a favorite.  So I created a card that I think captures the essence of who Ardyth is as a designer.  She is about clean and simple (like beyond!), bold and graphic (she’s a genius, really), and she’s about RAINBOWS!!

I stamped a row of birthday candles in VersaMark and heat embossed it with white EP.  I then scribbled a rainbow of watercolor pencils over the top, and used a water color pen to blend them.  Ohhhh how I love the magic of those water color pencils!  The sentiment was also stamped in VersaMark and heat embossed with black EP.  I’ve listed the products that I used below my signature.

Darnell is hosting the birthday celebration over on her blog.  Be sure and pop on over there and check out all of the birthday love that is being left for Ardyth on her special day!  I’m pretty sure she’d love it if you showed her some birthday love, too! Ardyth, you are one of my stamping heros!  I adore your style and your amazing graphic eye!  Your skills and execution are second to none!  I hope your day is outstanding and that your family and friends spoil you rotten!

Thanks so much for stopping by today.  We’ve arrived in Washington and are in the process of getting settled for the summer.  I’ll be back tomorrow with the latest CAS(E) This Sketch Challenge!  Have a great day!




PRODUCTS USED:
STAMPS:  Make A Wish (Kelly Purkey/Simon Says Stamps)
INK:  VersaMark (Tsukineko)
PAPER:  White OP CS (Bazzill Basics Paper), Solar White CS (Neenah Classic Crest)
OTHER:  Inktense Water Color Pencils (Derwent), White and Black Embossing Powder (Zing/American Crafts), Water Color Pen (Ranger)

Wishing You, Like, Happy Birthday

It’s me again!

How’s your holiday weekend going?  I’ve been trying to get some crafting done before I have to pack up my crafting supplies to transition from our AZ house to our WA house.  We’ll get on the road on Tuesday, so today is packing day!  But before I go, I wanted to create one more project for the Paper Crafts Magazine Gallery Idol contest.

I would LOVE to have a pair of Chuck’s with a turquoise chevron pattern, wouldn’t you?!  I mean, how fun would these be in real life?!  I downloaded a sneaker cutting file from the Silhouette online store and went to town jazzing it up a bit.  The sentiment is from a super fun stamp set from My Stamp Box called Whatever.  That word “whatever” was heard around my house OFTEN when my girls were teenagers.  So I thought this sentiment was perfect for this card.  I’ll list the other products I used below my signature.

Well, the audition deadline for the Gallery Idol contest is up tonight.  Still crossing my fingers that I make the Top 20, but even if I don’t, I had a lot of fun playing along!

I’m off to start packing!  Thanks so much for stopping by again today!  I appreciate it more than you know.  Have a great week – I’ll be back on Thursday with the next CAS(E) This Sketch challenge!




STAMPS:  Whatever (My Stamp Box)
INK:  VersaMark (Tsukineko)
PAPER:  White OP CS and Bazzill Yellow (Bazzill Basics Paper), Turquoise Chevron DP (Snap! Collection – Simple Stories)
OTHER:  Mustard Embossing Powder (American Crafts/Zing), Sew Mini Sewing Machine (Janome), Sneaker Cutting File (Silhouette Online Store – Design #23338), Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine (Silhouette America)

Gallery Idol 2013–HPY 16BD

Hola Chicas!

I had a super busy crafting weekend, and it felt soooo good!  Got some DT stuff done, got some pub call stuff done, and I got my entry for the 2013 Gallery Idol competition done.  Eeeekk!!  I’m not gonna lie – I’m a little nervous about entering into this competition.  But, I ultimately decided that it’s a challenge that I’ve always been intrigued with, and the worst that can happen is that I don’t make it to the Top 20 – I think I can live with that.  Right?  You can’t win if you don’t play – that’s my motto!  So the first challenge is to create a birthday card for a teen or a kid.  Here’s my answer to the challenge:

What’cha think?  I created the cut file for this sports car shaped card and license plate, and cut them with my Cameo.  If I were turning 16, I’d definitely get a kick out of receiving a sporty little card like this.  The car would be nice, too!  LOL  If you’d like the cut file to make your own sports car shaped card, just drop me an email – I’m happy to share!  If you’re interested in throwing your hat in the Gallery Idol ring, you still have time – the deadline is Monday, May 27th.  You can get all of the details HERE.

Well, kids, please cross your fingers for me.  I’d love your support if I make it!  Thanks so much for stopping by today!  I’m off to have lunch with my girlie and try on some dresses for my daughter’s wedding.  I gained a few pounds in Mexico, so I’m not sure how that little adventure will go.  I guess we’ll see!  LOL  Have a lovely rest of your weekend!




PRODUCTS USED:
PAPER:  White OP CS, Candy Apple CS, Beetle Black CS (Bazzill Basics Paper), POW Silver Glitter CS and Silver Foil CS (American Crafts)
OTHER:  Yellow Wink of Stella Glitter Pen (Zig), Sports Car and License Plate Birthday Card Cutting File (created and designed by me), Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine (Silhouette America), Font:  License Plate USA (dafont.com)

ConGRADulations!

Hello!

I’m back from our trip to Cabo – we had an amazing time, celebrating my brother-in-law’s 60th birthday, and just enjoying the sunshine and leisure time.  But I have to say I’m ready to get back to a normal schedule.  KWIM?


So I’m here to share another one of my Paper Smooches May release samples.  This one features the new number die set called Numbers.  It’s a companion die set to the stamp set called Digits.  It’s not meant to be an exact fit for the stamps – there are coordinating dies for the Digits stamp set, too.  The Numbers dies are meant to add an additional layer to the Digits stamps and/or dies.  I love that concept!  This sample actually uses both the Numbers dies as well as the Digits dies – the Numbers die cuts are the blue ones behind the yellow die cuts.  They just add that extra bit of oomph to make the Digits dies and stamps really pop!  I die cut the mortar board with my Silhouette, and the sentiment is from Smarty Pants.  Just in time for graduation season, right?!

I think Kim is sharing some other goodies over on the Paper Smooches blog today, so I highly recommend that you click on through and check it out for yourself.  She always has some great stuff to share!

It’s a three day weekend!  Woohoo!!  Hope you have a great one!  Thanks so much for stopping by today.




STAMPS:  Smarty Pants (Paper Smooches)
INK:  Black Dye (Hero Arts)
PAPER:  White OP CS, Mediterranean CS and Raven CS (Bazzill Basics Paper), Lemon CS (American Crafts)
OTHER:  Digits and Numbers Dies (Paper Smooches), Mortar Board Cutting File (Silhouette Online Store), Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine (Silhouette America)

CAS(E) This Sketch #29–Something to Brighten Your Day!

Hola Amigas!

I’m on my way back from our trip to Cabo – this is being pre-posted because I wasn’t sure if I would have internet service.  So here ya go – the latest CAS(E) This Sketch Challenge!  It’s another great sketch from Jackie.


I love the whole slanted aspect to this sketch (although the linear side of my brain is screaming a bit – LOL).  I’ve also really been loving the “cottage rose” looking flowers.  I pulled out my Blanket Stitched Blooms and stamped them without the blanket stitching for a softer, more water colored look.  I die cut the flowers and layered them over some fun polka dot DP and cute baker’s twine.  I stamped the sentiment and created a banner.  Easy sleazy, right?!

We’d love to see what you all come up with for this sketch!  You can link it up over at the CAS(E) This Sketch Challenge Blog.  And while you’re there, be sure and peruse the lovelies that my sweet teamies created for you!  I know they’d appreciate some love!

Thanks so much for dropping by today!  I’ll be back to somewhat of a normal blogging schedule in a few days (although we’ll be packing up and getting ready to move back to Washington for the summer – another crimp in my stamping life!  LOL)  Hope you have a great weekend!




STAMPS:  Blanket Stitched Blooms (W Plus 9 Designs)
INK:  Orange Fizz, Blu Raspberry, Sour Apple and Lemon Drop Dye Ink (My Favorite Things)
PAPER:  White OP CS (Bazzill Basics Paper), Snap DP (Simple Stories), Solar White CS (Neenah Classic Crest
OTHER:  Blanket Stitched Blooms Dies (W Plus 9 Designs), Caribbean Baker’s Twine (The Twinery)

Let’s Do Lunch!

Hello Again!

Still here in Cabo enjoying the sunshine with my family!  But I wanted to pop in quickly to share another Paper Smooches project featuring more of the May release.  This project features the new set called Think Fast.  The stamp set has some super fun fast food images, as well as some really cute sentiments.  It also has some coordinating dies that make using the images so much easier!  This card features the sub sandwich.  I die cut it out of some water color paper, stamped the sub sandwich image in VersaMark, and then heat embossed it with white embossing powder.  I then went to town water coloring the image with some dye based markers and a water pen.  Oh my goodness – I just love the magic of water coloring!  I designed and cut out the sandwich basket with my Silhouette (I’d be happy to share the file with you if you’d like it – just send me an email) and added some tissue paper for a little sandwich shop reality.  The sentiment is also from Think Fast.  I’ve listed all of the products below my signature.

I think Kim is sharing some other fun projects over on the Paper Smooches blog today, so be sure and click on through to see what she’s got!

I’ll be home in a couple of days.  In the meantime, I hope you’ll come back this Thursday for the next CAS(E) This Sketch Challenge!  Thanks so much for stopping by!




STAMPS:  Think Fast (Paper Smooches)
INK:  VersaMark (Tsukineko) and Chocolate (Fresh Ink)
PAPER:  Kraft CS (My Favorite Things), Watercolor Paper (Fabriano), White OP CS (Bazzill Basics Paper), Crimson CS (American Crafts)
OTHER:  Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine (Silhouette America), Flag Tags Die and Think Fast Die (Paper Smooches), White Embossing Powder (Zing/American Crafts), Dye Based Markers (Memento), Watercolor Brush (Ranger), Red Gingham Ribbon and Green Buttons (from my stash)

Dude, You Rock!

Howdy!'

I realized that I haven’t shared a Paper Smooches project with you in a few days.  I’ve got a card that I think Kim shared on the Paper Smooches Blog last week.  It features the new sentiment set called Slang Gang – suuuuuuper fun sentiments, especially if you have young people in your life.  I combined “dude” with “you rock” from Sentiment Sampler.  Oh, and I also created the sticker – full sized sticker sheet cut into a rectangle, rounded corners – easy peasy!  I thought this would be a great “retro” guy card – maybe for a dad or uncle who actually remembers cassette tapes! Ha!  I created the cassette tape from a file that I purchased at the Silhouette Online Store (all products listed below my signature).

I think Kim is sharing some other fun samples over on the Paper Smooches blog today.  You should totally pop in and check them out.

Thanks so much for stopping in today.  I so appreciate it!  Have a great day!




STAMPS:  Slang Gang and Sentiment Sampler (Paper Smooches)
INK:  Black Dye (Hero Arts)
PAPER:  Raven CS, Sea Glass OP CS, and White OP CS (Bazzill Basics Paper), Snap DP (Simple Stories), White Sticker Paper (Avery)
OTHER:  Cassette Tape Cutting File (Silhouette Online Store), Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine (Silhouette America), Corner Chomper (We R Memory Keepers)

CAS(E) This Sketch #28–You’re Sweet!

Hi Sweet Friends!

I’m back with this week’s CAS(E) This Sketch Challenge!  This week’s sketch was designed by N@, and I think it’s an awesome one, don’t you?!

Here’s my sample – I looked at it and saw a bee hive.  Of course, I am in LOVE with hexagons, so I created a diagonal hexagon pattern and cut it out with my Silhouette Cameo.  The little bees were created with some Elizabeth Craft Designs dies – aren’t they so fun?  I’ll list all of the products I used below my signature.

We’d love to see your take on this sketch – you can link up your project at the CAS(E) This Sketch Challenge Blog.  While you’re there, be sure and check out the deliciousness that my other teammates created for you!

Thanks again for stopping by today – you make my heart smile.  I’m off to Cabo for a week.  I’ll have a couple of pre-posted projects that will pop up occasionally while I’m gone.  So I hope you’ll come by for a visit again soon.




STAMPS:  Chocolate Sentiments (My Favorite Things Stamps)
INK:  Black Dye Ink (Hero Arts)
PAPER:  Sunflower CS (American Crafts), Raven CS, and White OP CS (Bazzill Basics Paper), Vellum CS (Stampin’ Up!)
OTHER:  Bee Dies (Elizabeth Craft Designs), Honeycomb Border Cutting File (Silhouette Online Store), Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine (Silhouette America)

Paper Crafter’s Library Featured Designer!

Hola Chicas!

As you’re reading this, I’ll be on a plane winging my way to Los Cabos, Mexico!  Woohoo!  But I wanted to let you know that Andrea Wolford, the brilliant mind behind Paper Crafter’s Library, contacted me several months ago to be one of their featured designers.  My post is live on their website today, so I’d be ever so humbled and thrilled if you’d pop on over there and check it out.  It’s a super cool site with tons awesome information for paper crafters!  Here’s a little sneak peak of what you’ll see when you do.



Thanks so much for stopping in today!  I’ll be back in a bit to share a project for the latest CAS(E) This Sketch Challenge!  Toodles!

CAS(E) This Sketch #27–Hello Friend

Well, hello again!

Sheesh – posting four days in a row . . . there must be something wrong with me!  LOL  I’m back today to share the latest and greatest CAS(E) This Sketch Challenge.  Chrissy designed this week’s sketch, and it’s a really good one (aren’t they all?!)



Here’s my take on the sketch.  I like to twist and turn the sketch in all directions to see what I see . . . I saw a typewriter in this one, if you turn it on it’s side.  Do you see it, too?!  I created the typewriter with my amazing Silhouette Cameo – I can’t imagine my crafty life without that baby, I tell ya!  I’ve listed the other product information at the bottom of the post.

We’d love to see what you all would do with this sketch!  You can link your project up at the CAS(E) This Sketch Challenge Blog.  While you’re there, be sure and peruse the other lovely samples that my sweet teammates have created for you!

Okay, kids – that’s it for me today.  I need to get some stuff mailed today (including my mom’s mother’s day card and gift – always running late!  Yikes!)  I hope you have some lovely plans for your day.  Thanks so much for spending a bit of it here with me – I love it when you stop by for a visit!




PRODUCTS USED:
STAMPS: None
INK:  None
PAPER:  White OP CS, Dragonfly CS and Beetle Black CS (Bazzill Basics Paper)
OTHER:  Typewriter Cutting File (Silhouette Online Store), Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine (Silhouette America), Corner Chomper (We R Memory Keepers)

Reverse Confetti–Release Blog Hop!

Hello peeps!!

Can you believe that it’s May 8th and already time for REVERSE CONFETTI’S first bi-monthly release?!  I know I’ve been anxiously awaiting this day, and I hope you’re just as excited as we all are!  To get things started, we invite YOU to hop along with the Confetti Crew and a few of Jen’s other stampy buddies that are helping her launch this fabulous new stamp company!

The hop started over on the REVERSE CONFETTI BLOG, and you should have made it here from the amazing Amy Kolling’s blog.  It would be worth your while to start at the beginning of the hop so you don’t miss a thing!  We have tons of inspiration for you to see using REVERSE CONFETTI’S first four brand new stamp sets!  I have two projects that I’d love to share with you, so let’s get started, shall we?!


My first project features the set called Dream In Color (available NOW – click HERE to buy it).  I designed and cut the rainbow out of different colors of designer paper using my Silhouette Cameo.  I sized each section of the rainbow so that it would be as wide as each of the letters.  I actually cut apart the word “COLOR” with my handy dandy scissors so that the letters would line up properly.  These stamps are so beautifully manufactured that cutting the stamp apart was a breeze!  Here’s a graphic of the entire set:


My second project features Peacock Pretties.  I am really digging the feather trend that I’m seeing lately, and more specifically the peacock feathers.  The bold and vibrant colors are something that I always love to work with because of my clean and simple style.  Here’s what I came up with:




I inked up one of my acrylic blocks with the three colors of ink, and then I “kissed” the feather stamp onto the block, making sure that it got plenty of coverage.  I then immediately stamped it onto the card base.  The ink well was again cut using my Silhouette Cameo.  I stamped the sentiment in gray ink, and inked it up a second time the same way that I inked up the feather image – by “kissing” it to the inked up block.  I then cut out the word “IMAGINATION” and popped it up with foam tape right over the top of the gray stamped word.  Peacock Pretties is also available NOW and can be purchased HERE.  Here is what the full set looks like:



I hope you’ve enjoyed hopping with us today.  Be sure and hop with us on the 8th of EVERY MONTH for more REVERSE CONFETTI inspiration!  Now it’s time to hop on over to the fabulous Amber Hight’s blog.  If you get lost along the way, you can find the hop order and list of all the participating designers over on the REVERSE CONFETTI BLOG!

Thanks for stopping by today – I so hope you love REVERSE CONFETTI as much as I do!  Toodles!

350 Cards & Gifts–My Fave Project!

Hello Again!



So, I don’t do this very often, and I’m not sure exactly why.  But I wanted to share a project that I created for the newest Paper Crafts Magazine special issue, 350 Cards & Gifts, Vol. 2., because it’s very near and dear to my heart.



I had several projects picked up for this special issue (which is beyond thrilling to me in and of itself), but this project especially made my heart smile because it’s a project that features my daughter and her amazingly cute family.  Of course the stars of the show are my two grandsons, Brecken and Brenner.  These are ceramic tile coasters created to look like Polaroid photos.  They were super easy and beyond fun to create!  For this project, and a boatload of other amazing projects, you so need to pick this issue up.  I guarantee it will be your go-to resource when you’re struggling to find ideas for hand crafted gifts, cards, gift card holders, and food/treat wraps!  I believe you can pick it up at any Barnes & Noble bookstore or JoAnn Fabrics!

Thank you for indulging me today.  I’m off to take my bestie to lunch for her birthday.  I hope you all have a great day – thanks so much for stopping in.  Please come back tomorrow as I’ll be sharing a few more fun projects for the Reverse Confetti launch!

Reverse Confetti Sneak Peek!

Hola Peeps!


Today I am so excited to have the chance to share something new and fun with you! My friend, Jen del Muro, is kicking off the start of her new stamp company, REVERSE CONFETTI, and she has asked me to help peek one of her new sets! There are some beyond amazing designers also joining in, so you'll want to head to the REVERSE CONFETTI BLOG to check it all out!

The set I am sharing with you today is called Peacock Pretties.  I’ve been seeing the peacock and feather trend all over the place in art and design, and I’m really digging it!  I stamped the feather image repeatedly using turquoise and purple dye ink.  I added coordinating gems in the center of each feather.  The sentiment was stamped on a trimmed out banner and adhered with foam tape.  These images were so much fun to play with!  I can’t wait for you to have a chance to play with them, too!



We have a little something for YOU!  Leave a comment on my post today for your chance to win a $25 Gift Certificate to REVERSE CONFETTI!!  You have until 1:00 PM EST on May7th to lave a comment.  (Only one comment per blog per day, please!).  The winner will be randomly chosen from all of the DT blogs and Sneak Peeks for May 5-7th and announced on the REVERSE CONFETTI BLOG at 5:00 PM EST on May 7th.  Good luck!

That’s it for me today, kids.  Please don’t forget to click on through to the REVERSE CONFETTI BLOG to see the other sneak peeks that are being shared today – I promise you’ll be amazed!  Thanks so much for stopping by!




PRODUCTS USED:
STAMPS:  Peacock Pretties (Reverse Confetti)
INK:  Blu Raspberry and Grape Jelly Dye Ink (My Favorite Things)
PAPER:  White Linen CS (Ellen Hutson) and Blu Raspberry CS (French Poptone)
OTHER:  Self-adhesive Gems (Doodlebug Designs)

MOXIE FAB: The Wonder of Watercolor Challenge

Hola friends!

Phew!  I’ve had a very productive weekend, and it feels so good!  I am officially caught up and have worked ahead enough that I finally had some time to just “play.”  I feel like I haven’t had much of a chance to just stamp for the sake of stamping lately, and I miss it . . . .  As much as I love all of my design teams, sometimes I just want to stamp what I want to stamp!  KWIM?!  So that’s just what I did!

Where does one go when one wants to stamp just for the sake of stamping?!  The Moxie Fab World, of course!  I adore, adore, ADORE Cath’s challenges and have missed playing along with her!  Her challenges always stretch me creatively and force me out of my little stamping bubble that I live in.  The Wonder of Watercolor Challenge was no exception!  I’m not a huge colorer . . . so I feared that I was going to hate whatever I created.  But I’m happy to report that this watercoloring thing is a freakin’ BLAST!  Here’s what I came up with for the challenge.

I’m sure you’re not surprised that I chose to work with a cityscape.  The image is from an A Muse Studio set that I got in January and hadn’t had a chance to ink up before now.  I stamped it in VersaMark on water color paper, and then heat embossed it using Charcoal embossing powder.  I didn’t own any watercolor pencils, so off to Michael’s I went with my 40% off coupon.  I happened to have one of those Tim Holtz water pens in my stash - it worked like a dream!  I honestly had no idea what I was doing, but I just dove right in.  I chose three colors of blue water color pencils, and colored them directly onto the watercolor paper, darker to lighter.  I masked off the moon and colored the pencils around the mask.  I then filled up the water color pen and just started painting the water onto the penciled areas.  OH MY GOSH – it’s like magic when that water starts blending those colors together!!  You seriously need to try this!  I feel like this technique is relatively idiot proof and has the potential for amazingly beautiful results!  There’s still time for you to play along, so I hope you give it a try.  You can find the challenge HERE.

I wanted the focal image to pop and still retain a clean and simple/graphic look.  So I created a panel with my Silhouette that included a cutout for the image to peek through.  The sentiment was stamped in VersaMark and heat embossed with the same Charcoal EP.  I adhered a few rhinestones for stars, mounted the image panel onto a charcoal card base, and called it good!  What do you think?  I’m pretty stinkin’ happy with the results and will most definitely be doing this watercolor thing again!  Thanks for challenging me (as always), Cath!

That’s it for me today, friends.  I’m off to join my Women Who Wine group today – it’s Cinco de Mayo, so I think we’ll be tasting wines of Mexico . . . hmmmmm.  It ought to be interesting.  LOL  Hope you have some lovely Sunday plans.  Thanks so much for stopping by today – you all make my heart smile.




PRODUCTS USED:
STAMPS:  Love Is In the Air (A Muse Studio), Square Sayings (Simon Says Stamps)
INK:  VersaMark (Tsukineko)
PAPER:  Steel Gray CS (My Favorite Things), Watercolor Paper (Strathmore), White OP CS (Bazzill Basics Paper)
OTHER:  Rhinestones (Stampin’ Up!), Silhouette Cameo Electronic Die Cutting Machine (Silhouette America), Watercolor Pencils (Derwent), Watercolor Pen (Ranger), Charcoal Embossing Powder (Zing/American Crafts)

Paper Smooches Shares!

Hi Again!

I know . . . two days in a row!  I’m sure you’re shaking your head and wondering what in the heck has happened to me.  Right?!  LOL  I’m finally starting to see the light at the end of tunnel.  And in doing so, I realized that I haven’t shared any Paper Smooches goodies for many days now.  So, I’ll show you a sample from May’s new release, as well as my remaining samples from April’s release!  Here we go!



First, we’ll start with Retail Therapy – a brand spankin’ new set released on May 1st.  This set has every single thing that any girlie girl needs in her fashion loving stash.  This set has great possibilities for super fun cards to share with your fellow fashion divas!  I repeatedly stamped the sexy pump from Retail Therapy and combined it with the other fun shoe images from Pretty Momma.  The sentiment is from Retail Therapy – I cut it with my handy dandy scissors to make it so that it spread more across the main panel.  That’s one of the things that I love most about clear stamps!



Next is a card I made using Wicked Nauticool (released on April 1st).  The Wicked Nauticool set has coordinating Wicked Nauticool dies, which made creating this project uber easy!  I also used the new nesting Ovals 1 Dies that were released in April – every stamping stash needs nesting ovals so if you don’t own any, you so need to add these to your arsenal!

Lastly, I’d like to share a card using another stamp set that was released in April – Shindig.  This set is the perfect sentiment and invitation creating set that is super versatile!  I used it here to create a baby shower invitation.  The onesie, heart and baby pin dies were also new dies that were released in April.  The stamped images (besides the sentiment) are from the previously released Pip Squeaks stamp set – it coordinates perfectly with the Baby Shower Dies (the heart is from the Wedding Shower Dies).  I cut all of the monochromatic circles with my Silhouette Cameo.

Well, that’s it for me today, friends.  I’m off to crop with my bestie.  I’m crossing my fingers that I’ll be able to stay focused enough to get completely caught up on all of my deadlines!  Thanks so much for stopping by today – I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

CAS(E) This Sketch #26–Loads of Love!

Hello my peeps!

I’m so sorry for the long absence!  I’m soooo behind in my projects that I’ve just been holed up in my craft room trying to get caught up!  But I’m starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  Three more projects and I’ll not only be caught up, but I’ll be golden through the middle of June!  Yeehaw!



Enough of my rambling.  I’m back to share this week’s CAS(E) This Sketch and it’s another good one!  Maybe because I designed it – HA!  I feel like it’s a design that leaves the possibilities wide open!  Here’s my take on it:


I interpreted this one pretty true to it’s design.  Shocker!  LOL  I’ve been dying to use this sentiment since I got the stamp set (products listed below my signature block), and knew exactly what I wanted to pair it with.  A load of laundry – perfect, right?!  I’m surrounded by loads of laundry as we speak . . . ugh!  Why hasn’t the laundry fairy come by to put it all away for me?!  *sigh*

So we’d love to see your interpretation of the sketch – you can link it up at the CAS(E) This Sketch Challenge Blog.  While you’re there, be sure and leave some love for my sweet teammates – they’ve created some lovelies for your viewing pleasure and inspiration.

I’m headed to lunch with one of my BFF’s with a little side trip to Paper Source.  Be still my heart!  Hope you have yourself some amazing creative plans for the day!  In the meantime, thanks so much for stopping by today – your kindness makes my heart smile!




PRODUCTS USED:
STAMPS:  Just A Love Note (Simon Says Stamps)
INK:  Pool (Fresh Ink)
PAPER:  Solar White (Neenah Classic Crest), Swimming Pool, Orange Juice OP, azzille, Cherry Cheesecake and Dragonfly CS (Bazzill Basics Paper)
OTHER:  Circles Border Die (Simon Says Stamp), Laundry Basket Cutting File (Silhouette Online Store), Silhouette Cameo (Silhouette America), Corner Chomper (We R Memory Keepers)