Two cards-Two Challenges

I was super busy yesterday, but I really wanted to participate in the color challenge over at SCS, so I made a card last night. The challenge was to make Yo-Yo Yellow look *good*! I had to laugh because I rarely use yo-yo yellow, so I was on board. I struggled with which stamps I could use that would pull off this challenge. I thought about birthday, because it is bright and fun, but opted for something a little more classy. I hadn't used Happy Harmony for a *long* time and thought it could use some love. The other two neutrals to use were going gray and basic gray. I had fun making this card. I think I *may* pull yo-yo yellow out a little more often.

My second card is for today's sketch challenge. When I saw the sketch, I knew a little mouse from The Saltbox Studio would be perfect. The set that I used is called Celebration Companion. It features this mouse and a variety of fun sentiments. I stamped the image with Brilliance Graphite Black ink and then punched it out with my large marvy circle punch. Since I was in the mood to continue using a bright yellow, I punched a marvy scallop with a yellow Amuse notecard and layered the circle onto that. I also used an Amuse notecard for the background polka-dot piece. I then colored the image with an assortment of Copic and Prismacolor markers choosing to bring in some other bright colors. It was from the image that I completed the card, choosing red and blue to make it pop. I added some stickles to the balloon and a few Amuse twinkle gems to bring the yellow into the card for consistency. I stamped the sentiment that is included in the Celebration Companion set and punched it out and raised it with dimensionals. I had a lot of fun using this sketch and these great images! Have you ordered yours yet? I hope so. I can't wait to see what you all come up with!!!!

A Tasty Treat

I absolutely love to cook. I absolutely love to stamp. I love it when I can combine the two. I made these cookies and decided I would surprise a friend with a bag of them. Of course it needed a tag, so this is what I came up with. I *love* this color combo. I wanted something a little elegant, so I used Carte Postale, one of my most beloved stamp sets. I also added the scrumptious chocolate chip ribbon that was featured in the holiday mini. I love using it, but I will admit...I am pacing myself so that I can have it for those special projects. I also stamped French Flair BG with Cotton White StazOn on a sheet of acetate, frosted the edges as well and then layered that for some dimension. Since I was using decadent ribbon, I added some bling and a piece of aged copper hodgepodge hardware to finish it off! Thanks for fluttering by!

Comfy * Cozy

I *so* wanted to reach for my snowmen stamps again today, but decided on this darling image from the set Candle Glow by The Saltbox Studio! If you could see outside my house right now, you would know why I chose this. We have high winds and snow, which equals blizzard like conditions!!! I thought this image would be perfect for a day like today. Now...I wasn't going for a Christmas card even though I used burgundy and green. I was just trying to get a warm feel, which I think I captured. These candles are so fun to color and I love the berries and stars. How fun! I am still getting used to coloring with alcohol based markers, so please bear with me as I learn each day. I have some fun SU! projects that I will be posting soon! I recieved some more fun goodies the other day with my club order and I am itching to play! I have guests coming for dinner, so I have tidying up to do and dinner prep. Hope you all have a comfy*cozy day!

K.I.S.S.

Do you every have those days when you want to sit down and stamp but don't have much time? Today was one of those days for me. So...today's post stands for {keep it simple, stampers} For today's card I went with what worked; a fabulous printed Amuse notecard, a darling stamp and a coordinating sentiment. This particular set is called Winter Wonders from The Saltbox Studio. Isn't it darling? I love it because it has a variety of line art images, accents and sentiments. It is one of those *go to* sets because everything is there. Sets like these are the ones that usually are always on top of the stack because they get used so much. I can tell that I will be using these images all winter long. I must be in love with these colors, too, because I have used them all week. I think they work so well for this time of year. I hope you have enjoyed seeing my creations from The Saltbox Studio as much as I have enjoyed making them.

P.S. BLOG CANDY COMING SOON! I HAVE A TON OF GOODIES I CAN'T WAIT TO SEND YOUR WAY!!!!!

Launch Day

Hello! Isnt' this the cutest stamp? I love it! I wish I had this exact banner to hang outside of my home. The day is finally here! It is launch day over at The Saltbox Studio! Run, don't walk, to go and order your sets. You wouldn't want to be without would you? Here is the link:http://www.thesaltboxstudio.com/thesaltboxstudio/home.html I chose a festive card for today's card and for the launch day. This card features the set(s) A Banner Year and February Banner. I colored it with copic and prismacolor markers. I added a touch of Amuse ribbon and cut a notecard for some visual interest. I thought the circles worked perfectly with the snowman. Thanks for fluttering by.

***ALSO***** There is a CONTEST going on over at The Saltbox Studio to win FREE STAMPS, so head on over NOW!!!! Yes...you could be a winner! Wahoo!!!!!

*sneak peek* #3-Thank Ewe

Hi! I chose to use the same sheep from my first sneak peek card on monday, to show how versatile these images are. I absolutely love this image and it is so fun to color. I used the layout from Today's Sketch Challenge on SCS. I thought that the Amuse note card would look great cut into the panels. I decided to mat the panels onto black to really make them pop. I knew I would be adding gray to the sheep, so I added a background of gray as well. I then went back and colored my sheep, choosing colors to work with the papers. Sometimes pattern papers can overtake your project if they are not chosen carefully. I usually like to pick my papers first and then color my image. Also, I have added links to The Salt Box Studio on the sidebar under the Design Team. Please go check it out! Go check out the other designers as well, because they have been using some of the same images as well, and it is fun to see them used in other ways! Thanks so much!

Stamp Set: Sheep-The Saltbox Studio

pattern paper and twinkle stickers- Amuse

Copics and Prismacolors

*sneak peek* #2- Live Simply

Hello! yes...I am back again! The day just wouldn't be complete without another sneak peek from http://www.thesaltboxstudio.typepad.com/ The Saltbox Studio's fabulous new stamp sets. This card features the set(s) A Basket Celebration and Deck the House companion. I absolutely love coloring the baskets from this set. I also added a few Amuse twinkle star stickers for the fireworks shooting out from the basket. I distressed the edges to give this card a true Americana feel. I also tried to distress the ribbon a bit as well, so it didn't look to crisp against the distressed cardstock. I also made this card for today's color challenge over on SCS.

S.S. Valentine's Day

I loved this set when it first came out last year, but I don't use it very much! I thought it would be perfect for Today's Color Challenge on Splitcoast. The colors to use were Real Red, Blue Bayou, Soft Sky. I thought they were perfect nautical colors. I watercolored the image with re-inkers and an aquapainter. I cut out the heart and mounted it with dimensionals. I alos added a layer of stickles on the waves and around the heart for some interest. I was also excited that I got to use my new real red striped grosgrain ribbon.

Also, stay tuned today for *another* sneak peek of some great images from The Saltbox Studio. If you notice on my side bar, I included a link to all of the design team members so you can see their sneak peeks, too!

Exciting News and a *Sneak Peek*

Today's the Day! I have been so excited to share some exciting news and today is the day! I have been invited to be on the Design Team for a brand spanking new stamp company called The Saltbox Studio which you can view here:http://www.thesaltboxstudio.com/thesaltboxstudio/home.html

The Saltbox Studio offers a wide range of clear stamps with a fun and whimsical feel. Not only am I excited about the new Design Team assignment, but I am thrilled to get to work with such great images and such great people. I will be adding links to the blogs of my *fellow* design team members. I have had so much fun working with the images. I know you are all going to fall in love with them, as I have. Keep posted for more fun sneak peeks!

The *sneak peek* card that I have posted today features the new set(s) Sheep and Sheep Sayings! How cute, Huh? I love the line art so that I can easily use any medium to color the images! For this card, I used Copic Markers and Prisma color markers. I also used some pink notecards from Amuse for the mats and scallops; the other pattern paper is by K& co. I also added some buttons for some detail and gingham ribbon around the sheep's neck. The embossed circles in the scallops were made with my crop-a-dile. I have been using that technique quite a bit lately. Thanks for fluttering by!

Exciting News Tomorrow!!!

Hello! I know that I have been talking about some exciting news coming! Tomorrow I will be letting everyone know *what* the excitement is all about! Stay Tuned......

Jami's January Challenge

For the last few months, Jami Sibley has come up with some fun challenges for the Dirty Dozen and Dirty Dozen Alumni to participate in. Each month has a theme and some guidelines to follow. This month was to use any *female* stamp and to use *sweet* in it, we could decide how to incoporate that. I chose to use the word sweet, but others just used a sweet theme. Also, the cards could not be a standard a-2 size card. This is the first time my little Sugar Nellie stamp has seen ink, so I couldn't be more thrilled for this challenge! You can see the rest of the cards by the other DD/DDA here: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/showgallery.php?mcats=all&si=DCG108&what=allfields&name=&when=&whenterm=&condition=and

I chose to go with a shabby type feel since my little Sugar Nellie looks a little like she has just wandered from Little House on the Prairie! LOL! I used a variety of Prismacolor and Copic markers to color her. My black ink smudged a bit...yes...I am irritated, but no...I did not thow it into the circular file. I had colored it way too long...oh and by the way, it was the second one that I had completley colored. ( the previous one smudged at the very last part I colored) I was so upset, started again and then this one smudged too! I had fun, regardless! Thanks for visiting!

A Great Thing

Hello! I am off to a surprise party in about 2 hours, but of course I am stamping for today's Inspiration challenge first! I still have to make her card. It is one of my good friend's fortieth birthday and we are meeting at Olive Garden to surprise her. I went shopping yesterday and found her a diamond necklace at Macy's for a killer deal. I want to make a card to *go* with the gift. That is kindof my thing...it all has to *go*. Anyway, I will post that later when I get a chance. I have always enjoyed participating in the Inspiration Challenge over at Splitcoast because I usually make cards that I normally wouldn't have. Today's card uses the new rub-ons from the SAB mini-catalog. I didn't realize that they had 4 sheets! Lovin' that! Anyway, I also used my new blooming with love set. I had a lot of fun watercoloring the image. The inspiration piece directed my color and paper choices. While I am not thrilled with this card, I spent too much time fiddling, so here it is! Thanks for fluttering by!

Summer by the Sea-Old School Style

Hello! Today's challenge over at Splitcoaststampers was to use our background stamps; no pattern paper, no cuttlebug. I actually love creating cards like this, so it was super fun. I did however, pick an older set, and an older background to create this "old school" look. I also chose mellow moss and perfect plum with sahara sand as my neutral, which to me are SU! old school style as well. I used my aquapainters and reinkers to watercolor the image. I sponged the edges, added some hardware and ribbon! Done! I had a lot of fun creating this card! Thanks for fluttering by!

P.S. stay tuned for some exciting news in the nex few days and some blog candy!!!!

Stamps: Floral Bg, summer by the sea, circle of friendship
Cardstock: naturals white, mellow moss, perfect plum, sahara sand
Accessories: crop-a-dile, large pewter eyelets, pewter hodgepodge hardware, chocolate taffeta ribbon, paper piercer and mat pack, silver ep, heat tool, 1 inch circle punch, 1 1/4 inch circle punch, dimensionals

Always Iridescent

Another day, another challenge! Today's Ways to Use it Challenge over at splitcoast was to use embossing powder. I was just thinking yesterday how much I enjoy using embossing powder, but rarely take the time to use it. I was glad I was able to play today. My daughter is feeling much better today so we may head over to the mall to redeem my gymboree gymbucks, go to the postoffice and grocery store. I'm hoping the outing will do us all some good. We haven't gone anywhere ALL week...yes...I am going stir crazy!!!!

Anyway, back to the card. I just got this set in the mail yesterday as you can see from my previous post, and I was itching to use it. I thought that it would look great embossed with iridescent ice embossing powder. I was right. I love how the bird turned out! Thanks for fluttering by!

Stamps: Always

Cardstock and Paper: Spring Fling DS paper, pretty in pink, celery, whisper white and papertrey white

Ink: Pretty in pink craft, certainly celery, basic gray

Accessories: Pink Taffeta ribbon, mini-library clips, iridescent ice ep, heat tool, 1 1/4 inch circle punch, 1 3/8 inch circle punch, dimensionals, stamp-a-majig, 1/2 inch circle punch, silver brads

Before and After

Today was a great Mail day! My SU! order arrived today with all of my fun new goodies. I could hardly justify making an order right after Christmas...so I waited! Here are my new toys! I can't wait to play with EVERYTHING!

A Springy card for Today's Sketch Challenge

My daughter has been fighting a nasty cold and my son is off-track (year round school), so I have been able to just relax and stamp. Yesterday was a full-on Jammie Day. Don't you just love those once in a while? I know that I do. My daughter is feeling better today, I can tell, but I don't dare push it. I think we will take it easy again today. I participated in Today's sketch challenge over at splitcoaststampers. I wanted to use springy colors so I chose Saffron, Celery and Artichoke.I also added a fun design element that I have noticed recently on the SU! samples; add embossed circles to the scallops with the crop-a-dile. I really like how it turned out. It has the feel that I was trying to achieve. Also, as I mentioned in my previous post, I will be trying to add things to my blog daily, and don't miss out on the blog candy coming up soon! Thanks for fluttering by!

Stamps: Garden Whimsy, Tres Chic

Cardstock: Whisper White, Always Artichoke, Certainly Celery, So Saffron

Ink: Artichoke, celery, saffron

Accessories: pretties kit, vanilla 5/8 inch grosgrain, saffron brads, slit punch, crop-a-dile

More to come!!!

I just wanted to add that I haven't had much time to add a lot to my blog, so keep posted as new things will be added daily. I am really trying hard this year to learn what the word BALANCE means. I know that it may take a lifetime, but I am really going to try!!!

Today's Color Challenge

I haven't participated in any of the challenges over at Splitcoaststampers lately, so I decided to check out today's color challenge. This is the card that I created for the challenge. I really love this set...as you can tell, since I used it yesterday as well. I have a new box of SU! goodies coming tomorrow and I will have some new stuff to play with. So...until then...I used some of my faves. I used *touch of nature*, sanded bg, floral bg, and *hugs and wishes*. I really like how this card turned out. I never would have thought to put these colors together. That is why I love the challenges so much! Thanks for dropping by. Stay posted for some exciting news and some BLOG CANDY!!!!

My New Blog

First of all I would like to say "Welcome to my new Blog". I can't believe it has taken me this long to join the blogging world. I am excited to share my paper crafting adventures here. I will update my blog frequently. I have lots I want to share.