Give Thanks . . . .

Hi Peeps!

TGIF!! This week has flown by, and I don't feel like I got alot accomplished. The weather has been beautiful this week, so it's been a good week for sure. But boy am I glad it's the weekend! Any fun plans in your future? I'd love to hear all about them!!

Today's card features one of the new Karen Lockhart images that was just released - this one's called Harvest Window. I am obsessed with windows and doors - isn't this one amazing? I paired it with some new 6 x 6 DP by Memory Box, called Twilight. I colored the image with my Copics, using the color palette from the designer paper. The ribbon is some yummy May Arts grosgrain that I got on one of my retail therapy shopping trips with my buddy, Terri. Also added some gorgeous Martha Stewart orange glitter. Gotta have some bling for good measure, right?!! The sentiment is from the Limitless Labels clear set by Papertrey Ink.

That's it for me today! I'll be back on Tuesday with my ABC Toys & Crafts sample - the last of my Halloween samples (unless I get a wild hair and create some more!). Thanks so much for stopping by. Your kind words and time mean the world to me! Have a great weekend!

A Happy Hello!

Hola Peeps!! My kids are still here, so if I'm kinda MIA this week, I know you'll understand.

I needed a "just because" card for my stash, so I pulled out my recently purchased Karen Lockhart Rooster. Can I just tell you how much I love Karen Lockhart images? Well, I do!! I picked this one up from Susana's Custom Art & Card Design and knew that it would look ultra yummo-licious paired with this breath-takingly gorgeous Graphic 45 DP. Don't you just love it?!! The quality of this paper is sooo substantial and exquisite. I just love their dramatic images. The layout came from a card that I saw on Julie Campbell's blog, Stamped In His Image. I love to try fun new folds, and I thought this image and the layout were just meant to be. Yummy, huh? Here's a photo of the card when the ribbon is untied.

STAMPS: Rooster (Karen Lockhart)

PAPER: So Saffron CS, Riding Hood Red CS, True Black CS (PTI), Vintage Cream CS (PTI), Botannicabella DP (Graphic 45)

INK: Tuxedo Black (Memento)

ACCESSORIES: Labels 4 Nestabilities, Stampin Dimensionals, Glittery Ribbon (American Crafts), Labels Trio (Spellbinders), Scor-Pal, Buttons, Scrapper's Floss (Karen Foster), Scor-Tape, Copic Markers

I have another post for today, so please scroll down a bit to see.

Thanks for stopping by!

Welcome to the Neighborhood!

Suzanne Dean has posted a fun sketch challenge on the Fans of Karen Lockhart Papercraft Planet page. Along with the sketch, she challenged us to use our Karen Lockhart Itty Bitty stamps! If you don't have any Itty Bitty's, then you need to run right over to Susana's Custom Art & Card Design to order some because I'm here to tell you they are just so fun to play with! As for the sketch, I changed it up just a bit. I turned it on its side, and I added an extra panel. Hey! I never said I was a rule follower!! LOL Thanks, Suzanne, for another fabulous sketch challenge!!

If you like a sketch challenge and you want to possibly win a free stamp of your choice from Susana, you should run on over to the Fans of Karen Lockhart Papercraft Planet page for all the details!

Stamps: Itty Bitty Cape Cod House (Karen Lockhart)

Paper: Kraft CS (PTI), Pumpkin Pie CS, Family Tree DP (Bella Blvd), Vintage Cream CS (PTI)

Ink: Rich Cocoa (Memento)

Accessories: Copic Markers, Scrapper's Floss (Karen Foster), Stampin Dimensionals, Square Classic Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Large Inverted Scalloped Square Nestabilities, Fence Edge Punch (Martha Stewart), Ripe Avocado 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon (PTI), Labels Trio (Spellbinders), Slot Punch (SU), Button

Thanks for stopping by!

Try It Out Tuesday #14 - Sweet Pea!

Suzanne Dean has once again challenged the Design Team for Susana's Custom Art & Card Design. She's such a little rascal, that Suzanne! This week she not only gave us a pretty tough sketch, but she also included a color challenge! Fortunately, the color challenge was the easiest part for me as she chose my favorite color combination of Pink, Brown and Cream. Neopolitan Ice Cream - YUM-OOOO!!! So, this is what I came up with. I used this darling Karen Lockhart image called "Sweet Peas" that I got from Susana's store (although it appears she's out of stock of this one - but she's got boatloads of others that you'll love just as much!!), as well as my new Spellbinder's Labels Four. I colored the image with Copics and added some of my fave Kaisercraft Pearls. Thanks, Suzanne, for another great challenge!

Stamps: Sweet Pea (Karen Lockhart)

Paper: Pretty In Pink CS, Vintage Cream CS (PTI), Bronze CS (Bazzil), Sugar Cookie DP (Luxe Designs)

Ink: Rich Cocoa (Memento)

Accessories: Apron Lace Edge Punch (Fiskars), Labels Four (Spellbinders), Cuttlebug, Stampin Dimensionals, Copic Markers, Kaisercraft Self-Adhesive Pearls, 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon (American Crafts), Sakura Quickie Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds.

Thanks for stopping by!

Try It Out Tuesday #12 - Take Time to Smell the Coffee

ETA: Susana has very kindly asked me to stay on as a Guest Designer for her store through April, and I've VERY HAPPILY ACCEPTED! Thanks, Susana, and SCACD DT for putting up with me for another month!! I look forward to more fun and laughs!!

Sadly, this is my last post as a Guest Designer for Susana’s Custom Art & Card Design. It's been a fun ride, for sure!! The ladies on the DT are amazingly talented women - hopefully I've absorbed some of their incredible talent while hanging out with them. Thank you Susana, Suzanne, and the rest of the DT for all your patience, kind words, and laughs over the last month!! I've enjoyed every minute of my time with you.

My final Try It Out Tuesday challenge was to create a card with two coordinating gifts. Fun, huh?!! Well, I love trolling the aisles at JoAnn Fabrics. They always have the most fun crap, man!! I ran across this darling little travel coffee tumbler in the Value Bins ($2.50!!) and knew just what I was going to make for my gift set.

I pried open the tumbler and created an insert from some Nana's Kitchen DP that I had picked up at Mike's a while back. I loved the colors and the bling that was already built in. And it had those cute little coffee cups on it - PERFECT!! Here's the fun thing about it though - see that cute little coffee scoop hanging from the ribbon? That image is a stamp I picked up at a little Stamp Convention a few weeks back. I stamped it onto Shrinky Dink with Timber Brown Staz-On. Then I cut it out with my scissors, punched a hole in the handle, and took my heat set gun to it. It shriveled up into a little ball, and then finally laid flat. Have you ever used that stuff?!! It is a HOOT!! I attached it to the ribbon with Karen Foster Scrapper’s Floss. Next I added some of the same DP to a coffee bag that I had picked up at JoAnn's when I found the tumbler. I used my Oval Classic & Scalloped Nesties to reveal the window. I used my Rectangle Classic & Scalloped Nesties to create a cute little coordinating topper. I stamped some coffee beans on the pink CS, and then stamped and cut out my all time favorite Lockhart Itty Bitty Hot Chocolate. I colored it with my Copics, added some Liquid Applique and some Dazzling Diamonds, then heated up the Liquid Applique with my Heat Gun to make it look like foam on my Cappucino. I added some little Prima Sprites that I had in my stash, blinging the pink one up with some Shimmerz Blingz Pixie Dust, adding a button, and tying that with my favorite Karen Foster Scrapper’s Floss. I filled it up with some Starbuck's coffee beans - BONUS!! I didn't want it to fall apart, so I used Scor-Tape to adhere all the pieces together. Love that stuff!!

The last piece of my little set was the gift card holder. I made a Fold-over Flap Card that I found the tutorial for on Cammie's blog. But I altered it a little bit on the inside to add a pocket for a Starbuck's Gift Card. Same DP, same Itty Bitty; I used my Circle Classic & Scalloped Nesties and my Square Classic & Scalloped Nesties to create the fold-over flap, same ribbon, and VOILA!! I'm not sure who I'll give this little set to, but it's ready and rarin' to go!!

Stamps: Lockhart Itty Bitty Hot Chocolate, Coffee Break (Amuse)

Ink: Rich Cocoa (Memento), Pink Toille (Palette), Timber Brown Staz-On

Paper: Nana's Kitchen Stack DP (DCWV), Summer Sunshine CS (PTI), Sweet Blush CS (PTI), Dark Chocolate CS (PTI), White CS (Neenah)

Accessories: Dazzling Diamonds, Sakura Quickie Glue Pen, Scor-Pal, Scor-Tape, Square Classic & Scalloped Nesties, Circle Classic & Scalloped Nesties, Rectangle Classic & Scalloped Nesties, Oval Classic & Scalloped Nesties, Cuttlebug, Stampin Dimensionals, Liquid Applique, Karen Foster Scrapper’s Floss, Button, Shimmerz Blingz Pixie Dust, Prima Sprites, Shrinky Dink, Heat Set Gun, Scalloped Edge Punch (Martha Stewart), Polka Dot Summer Sunshine Ribbon (PTI), Copics, Glue Dots, Coffee Tumbler (JoAnn's), Coffee Bag (JoAnn's)

Thanks for stopping by!

Flowers In Porcelain Chintz

I just love Karen Lockhart images - don't you?!! This one is no exception. This stamp is called Lockhart Flowers In Chintz and I got it from Susana’s Custom Art & Card Design. I paired it with this yummy Basic Grey Porcelain DP that I picked up from my LSS a few weeks ago. I just love the soft colors and pattern, and I felt that it was perfect for this image. I used another sketch from my new favorite sketch book called Cardmaker's Sketch Book (I got it on Amazon.com). I colored the image with my Copics, added Dazzling Diamonds with my Sakura Quickie Glue Pen, and used my Rectangle Classic & Scalloped Nesties to cut out and emboss the main image. Isn't it pretty?






Stamps: Lockhart Flowers In Chintz, Floral Frenzy (PTI)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Paper: Porcelain DP (Basic Grey), Pretty In Pink CS, Always Artichoke CS, White CS (Neenah)
Accessories: Sakura Quickie Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds, Copics, Rectangle Classic & Scalloped Nesties, Ribbon (Martha Stewart), Lace, Button, Karen Foster Scrapper’s Floss, Scalloped Edge Punch (EK Success), Stampin Dimensionals, Chalks

Thanks for stopping by!

Just "Chicken" In!

Happy Monday, blogland!! Hope you enjoyed your weekend!

Here's a card using another of my favorite Karen Lockhart images called Lockhart Buttermilk Hen. How cute is she?!! I just love all the patterns and how they fit perfectly with this DE-LISH designer paper by Graphic 45 called Bride 2 B. I feel like this image was MEANT for this DP, don't you?!! I printed the sentiment on my computer and then cut it out with my Spellbinder's Double-Ended Tags. I found this sketch in a new book that I ordered from Amazon called "Cardmaker's Sketch Book." I love it when half the work is already done for me, and a good sketch is a brilliant way to "short cut" a cute card. I'll definitely be using both this sketch AND the Cardmaker's Sketch Book again!!

Stamps: Lockhart Buttermilk Hen

Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)

Paper: Groovy Guava CS, Certainly Celery CS, Bride 2 Be DP (Graphic 45), Vintage Cream CS (PTI)

Accessories: Dazzling Diamonds, Quickie Glue Pen, Stampin Dimensionals, Cuttlebug, Square Classic & Scalloped Nesties, Satin Ribbon (Martha Stewart), Buttons, Karen Foster Scrapper’s Floss, Piercing Tool & Template, Copics, Double-Ended Tags (Spellbinders)

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, Suzanne Dean has issued a challenge for the Susana’s Custom Card & Art Design DT to create a card/project using shades of green with one neutral. Yikes! I had to really think about that one. Thought about making a St. Patrick's Day card, and decided against it because . . . I don't know any leprechauns?

LOL So I made a "Just Because" card using one of my most favorite Karen Lockhart images called Apples In Chintz Bowl. Isn't it just too yummy?!! I used some Kiwi Kiss DP, and a sketch from my new favorite book from Amazon called "CardMaker's Sketch Book". It really has some fabulous sketches and saves a whole lotta time - you really need to get yourself one!

Stamps: Apples In Chintz Bowl, Floral Frenzy (PTI)

Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)

Paper: Kiwi Kiss CS, White CS (Neenah), Kiwi Kiss DP

Accessories: Stampin Dimensionals, Dazzling Diamonds, Quickie Glue Pen, Circle Classic & Scalloped Nesties, Cuttlebug, Tags Trio (Spellbinders), Buttons, Glue Dots, Scalloped Edge Punch (EK Success), Copics, Ribbon (SU), Karen Foster Scrapper’s Floss

Thanks for stopping by!

Sit Back and Relax!

I seriously need to do more of this, don't you?!! Life is so hectic and stressful for so many . . . there are days that I'd love to just transport myself to a beautiful tropical beach. Doesn't that sound amazing?! When I bought this Lockhart Beach Chair stamp from Susana’s Custom Card & Art Design I was suddenly laying on the beaches of Hawaii in my mind - a place where there's no stress, no chaos . . . just peaceful rest. I have so many friends who are stressed out right now, so I think I'll send this off to one of them.

I used the sketch challenge that Suzanne Dean has posted on the PCP Susana’s Custom Card & Art Design group page. It's a sketch challenge as well as an inspiration challenge. The inspiration is a picture of a beautiful tropical beach. Ahhhhhhh . . . I can smell those plumeria's blowing in the breeze. Pool boy!! Bring me a Long Island Iced Tea!! LOL

I love a good sketch challenge - how about you? Well, if so, head on over to the PCP Susana’s Custom Card & Art Design and check it out for yourself!! Great stuff, I tell ya!



Hope you have a lovely, tropical day!!








Stamps: Lockhart Beach Chair, Lockhart Sit Back and Relax Sentiment
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Paper: Bashful Blue CS, Green Apple CS (Poptone), Beach Collection DP (Memory Box), White CS (Neenah)
Accessories: Dazzling Diamonds, Quartz Glitter (Martha Stewart), Sakura Quickie Glue Pen, Stampin Dimensionals, Oval Classic & Scalloped Nesties, Copics, Chalks, Labels Trio (Spellbinders), Cuttlebug, Corner Rounder, Wave Edge Punch (EK Success), Buttons, Karen Foster Scrapper’s Floss

Thanks for stopping by!!

Fans of Karen Lockhart PCP Sketch Challenge!

Well, I've finally gotten my creative rear-end in gear and actually got some of my stamps inky! I tell ya, I didn't realize how much I missed creating until I sat down last night to create some papercraft goodness.

So, I don't think I've told you all that Suzanne Dean emailed me the other day and asked if I would be interested in being a Guest Designer for Susana’s Custom Card & Art Design for the month of March. Well, needless to say, I was THRILLED and after hyperventilating into my brown paper bag immediately accepted her offer. I have gotten to know the ladies that love Susana's store over at the PCP Fans of Karen Lockhart group as well as the PCP Susana’s Custom Card & Art Design group. They are all such fun ladies and are all incredibly talented and inspiring. Plus Susana's store has some of the most delicious products ever!! Perfect package, wouldn't ya say?!!

Anywho, I saw this as a fabulous opportunity to ink up some of the beloved stamps that I've collected from Susana's store - she's got an amazing selection, so check it out for yourself! This is my first card as an official Guest Designer (hehehe).

I created this card using one of my favorite Karen Lockhart images called Lockhart Geraniums. The layout was inspired by the sketch challenge that Suzanne Dean has posted on the PCP Fans of Karen Lockhart group. Isn't it just DE-LISH?!! Suzanne's challenge is to follow the sketch, as well as make your card monochromatic. I just last week received my packages of brand spankin' new Bloom & Grow DP by My Mind's Eye! These are just two of the yummiest papers I've ever laid my eyes on. You'll be seeing more of the patterns in the very near future and I'm sure will want to buy some for yourself!

Also, Susana has a contest going on over at her store to be a Guest Designer for a month. Check out all the deets HERE. Great stuff, I tell ya!

Stamps: Lockhart Geraniums, Simple Little Things (PTI)

Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)

Paper: White CS (Neenah), Tangerine Tango CS, Orange CS (Poptone), Bloom & Grow DP (My Mind's Eye)

Accessories: Corner Punch (Fiskars), Circle Classic Nesties, Cuttlebug, Rectangle Classic & Scalloped Nesties, Stampin Dimensionals, Dazzling Diamonds, Quickie Glue Pen, Ribbon (American Crafts), Tags Trio (Spellbinders), Karen Foster Scrapper’s Floss, Copics

Thanks for stopping by!

More Shirley's 2 Girls and Chintz Bowl With Apples

Another fun gal from Shirley's 2 Girls called Cooking (SG 508). This woman represents the story of my life right now. Cooking is not my bag and with it just being my husband and I at home, and being on funny eating schedules (he's always golfing, I'm always doing other stuff), we do a lot of eating out. That's probably why my butt and mid-section keep getting bigger. hehehe Anyways, I won't bore you with the crap from my life. I just love this funny lady.





Stamps: Cooking (SG 508 Shirley's 2 Girls), Pin Dot Scrapblock (Cornish Heritage Farms), Recipe Background (Great Impressions)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Ladybug Red (Memento)
Paper: Stamper's Select White CS (PTI), Poppy Red CS (PTI), Basic Black CS (PTI)
Accessories: Rectangle Classic and Scalloped Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Library Clip (Making Memories), Red and Black Gingham Ribbon (PTI), Rhinestones (Jolee's Boutique), Edge Punch (Martha Stewart), Copic Markers, Stampin Dimensionals


Do you ever have one of those days when everything just comes together like it was made to be together? That's how this card came together. I found this DP on a little retail therapy shopping trip last week with my friend, Terri. I grabbed it this morning, matched it with some CS, and knew that I wanted to make something with it. When I saw the challenge on the Fans of Karen Lockhart group on Papercraft Planet, I knew that this image would be PERFECT for this DP . . . just like they were made to go together, right?!! If you love Karen Lockhart images like I do, you should run on over to the Fans of Karen Lockhart Papercraft Planet page and play with us!! There are prizes for the winner!! Woohoo, gotta love prizes, right?!!





Stamps: Apples In Chintz Bowl (Karen Lockhart), Simple Little Things (PTI)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Paper: Snowcone CS (Poptone), Spring Moss CS (PTI), Stamper's Select White CS (PTI), Lynden DP (Scenic Route)
Accessories: Buttons, Spring Moss Polka Dot Satin Ribbon (PTI), Square Classic and Scalloped Nestabilities, Labels One Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Stampin Dimensionals, Sticky Strip, Glue Dots, Copic Markers

Thanks for stopping by!!