Thanks for the Hospitality!

 

Happy Wednesday!

 

It is pouring down rain here (surprise, surprise, right?!), so it’s a perfect day for stamping.  I created this for a couple of reasons.  One, to thank my mother-in-law, who hosted eight  adults, one newborn, and a dog for four days this past weekend.  She also cooked for all of us, as well as any other stray relatives who happened to “pop in” to see the new baby.  She handled all of it with absolute grace and finesse – I feel so fortunate that she is my mother-in-law.  And I want her to know that I appreciate her and her generous and hospitable spirit.

STAMPS:  Home Made (PTI), Background Basics:  Retro (PTI)
INK:  Versamark (Tsukineko), Wave Pigment Ink (American Crafts)
PAPER:  Brilliant Blue CS (Stampin’ Up!), White CS (Neenah), Pure Poppy CS (PTI), Bitty Dot DP (PTI)
ACCESSORIES:  Janome Sew Mini, Pure Poppy Button (PTI), Glue Dot, Rouge and White Embossing Powder (Zing/American Crafts), Canvas Impression Plate (PTI), Cuttlebug, 1/8” White Silk Ribbon (PTI), Donut Chain Edger Punch (EK Success), Stampin’ Dimensionals (Stampin’ Up!)

It also qualifies for a couple of challenges:  the CARDS Magazine Blog Challenge (create a window card), the City Crafter Challenge #7 (button and bow), “Just Us Girls” Challenge #35 (dry embossing).  My inspiration came from the latest Creative Mint collage – I want to be inside Leslie’s brain, as she always comes up with THE most beautiful inspiration photos.  This particular collage reminded me so much of our trip to Cabo . . . can’t wait to go back!

 

What kind of ink do you use with clear stamps?  Mostly, I use the PTI Ink because it matches the cardstock that I’m using.  Some of their inks are a hybrid formula, and some are a special pigment ink formula.  I especially like the pigment ink.  But I recently purchased some of the new American Crafts Pigment Ink.  Can I just say that I LOVE them!!  First of all they come in all the same amazing colors as the Zing embossing powders, which I think is far superior to any other embossing powder I’ve ever used.  Second, the coverage on clear stamps is amazing – no missed spots, no splotchy coverage.  It’s super creamy and smooth, and it dries really fast!  So you don’t have to worry about smearing it.  If you have a chance, I highly recommend that you try it out with your clear stamps (or rubber stamps, for that matter) – it’s pretty great stuff.  I got mine at www.scrapbook.com – super fast service, and they had all the colors.  I’ve also seen it at www.scrapgal.com – also great service.  Two Peas had it, too, but I thought their charge for shipping was a bit unreasonable.

 

That’s it for me today!  I plan to get back to the stamp table this evening and crank out some more crafty goodness to share with you.  Thanks so much for stopping by!