Aloha!

Aloha everyone! Sigh.... Hawaii oh so beautiful! I can't believe it is almost 8 years since I went there! We went for our honeymoon and it was amazing so worth it especially considering we probably won't get there again for a long time! Anyhow, I just received some new stamps from a fabulous new company called Mothers and Daughter's Creations. They have some great clear images at amazing prices. The penguins are the images that drew me initially because I had to have them. With my order I think I got about 8 images! This great Hawaiian themed penguin is my first creation with them. I remember thinking at first about their size, how big or small will they be and I was impressed when I rec'd my happy mail yesterday!

I used Stampin Up's mellow moss as the base color. The flowered patterned paper is from a DCWV stack pack. I mounted this cutie on a pink cardstock (source unknown) and added the flower and brad. The Aloha sentiment stamp I had for some time in my stash, I believe it is one I picked up at a dollar bin in Michaels some time ago.

I hope you like this great Penguin! I didn't forget about my sampls using my new Crafty Secrets set, stay tuned....

Edited to add: I forgot to mention that I added (in case it's not clear) Stickles to her skirt and her flower!!

A Bunch of Hearts and Vintage Birds - Oh My

I know that Title made you think what the heck is going on. After typing away I started to babble about vintage stamps so.....

How cute is this heart bouquet stamp I picked up at Michael's dollar spot! YES I know I do love those areas of Michael's, Target etc. But you have to admit they have great finds! I used a basic pink for the base and the patterned paper I cut as corners, like photo corners. Yes that is a doily! I found a pack of heart ones I thought would look cute on a card. I added red stickles to the heart to make it glimmer! I don't think this one came out spectacular or anything but cute. I figured I'd share anyhow. :-)

Yesterday I stopped by a local Scrapbook store to find they have Crafty Secrets Clear Art Stamps. So I picked up a set. Their images are definitely more vintage than cutesy but this one has to do with Coffee and I loved it. I think Miss Lauren posted a cute card with this set awhile back. At one point (before blogging days) I liked the vintage images so I do have a bunch actually so I'm thinking I should pull some out and see what I can do. LOLOL. Here is a basic sample of a set from Oxford Impressions that I purchased awhile back..... I just loved this bird and the other bird images in the set.

What do you guys think about the vintage sets? It's not a bad thing to mix it up once in awhile right? Humm..... I'll have to see what I come up with. A little bit of vintage with a little bit of cute, it's art anything is possible right?

SU Oldie - CPS Sketch Challenge

This is a simple card I made using the sketch challenge over at CPS. If you love the sketch challenges like I do this is a great site to check out. I did a few more of their challenges which I will post soon as well. Check out this week's sketch here.

Here is my creation for the challenge.... I used an old Stampin Up set called Natural Beauty. I haven't used many of my SU sets recently and lord knows I have many so I pulled this one out today. I can't remember but I think this set I received as a freebie when I attended the Providence Demo Regional a few years ago. Unfortunately, I am no longer a demo or hobby demo :-( Maybe one day I will join again! I used rose romance for the base color. The great patterned paper is from the DCWV Mat Stack "Once Upon a Time". This pack has great fairy tale papers which have glitter already on them!! (Sorry if the photo does not pick that up well) I stamped the flower on Vanilla cardstock and mounted it on Mellow Moss. It was colored in with markers (not Copics yet). I added some bling in the middle of a flower, it's part of the blings I picked up at Michael's dollar spot.

This is definitely a super simple card but in the end I really liked it. Nothing too fancy but the paper and flower are fancy enough I thought. Sometimes simple is better.

Lizzie Anne Weekly Sketch Challenge

I made this using the challenge sketch over at LAD. They post one each week and it's alot of fun to play along. I just love love this darling ballerina stamp, it's one of their new singles.

I embossed the background SU paper using my swirls embossing folder for the Cuttlebug. The background paper is from a DCWV stack pack. I colored this cutie in using markers and adhered it to a darker pink background. On a recent trip to Michael's I picked up some great bling bling in the dollar section and that is what I put on the four corners. I think this came out very simple but cute. Part of the challenge was to use the sketch but to also incorporate stitches! Oh, my cute little craft sewing machine is still sitting there because I can't figure it out! (I've never been one to sew and I've never used a sewing machine:-) ) Soo... I went with faux stitches, or tried... I know this gal needs a sentiment added but I decided to leave it simple.

Drumroll..... Blog Candy Winner

Today is the day for the drawing for blog candy! Thanks to everyone who left comments it was fun reading all of them.





And the winner is (drawn at random) is.......








laos348

Congrats!!! Please send me your mailing information.


I'll be back later with a card posting.

Lauren's Weekly Sketch Challenge

Every week Lauren has a great sketch challenge on her blog. I love sketch challenges! This week the challenge used circles. I think she loves circles:=) I definitely have to invest in nestabilities because this shape cutting thing gets too difficult! Here is my take on her challenge...

I used SU mini messages set for the center of the flower. The patterned paper is from my DCWV glitter pack, gotta love those stack packs!!! The background is of course using my wonderful friend the Cuttlebug! If it weren't for Lauren I probably would not have one right now. She convinced me I NEEDED one and boy was she right!! Thank you Lauren! I also thank DH every day because it's the best gift!!! :-) The cool flower embellishment is from the Target dollar spot! This is great but is something that adds weight to a card so beware if you use these guys and have to mail them. Not sure how much that would cost! The sentiment is an old stamp not sure of the source. Speaking of sentiments that is something I realized that I don't have many of!

Have you guys checked out The Saltbox Studio yet? They just lauched today and boy do they have some cute images! I may have to order at least one set. :-)

Cutie Patootie Valentine

This stamp is from the Cutie Patootie set at Serendipity Stamps. I used the Mrs. Patootie for this card :-) The background is actually a "pre-made" card that I purchased as a pack at the Target dollar spot. I thought it would be a fun way to make a quick cute card. If you haven't already you should check out their dollar spot every once in a while. The last time I was there they had alot of great Valentine stuff. I'm hoping they will have Easter stuff soon. I added some embossed fun to the bottom using my heart embossing folder for the Cuttlebug. I added some heart ribbon (Michael's) and the little embellishment. For this I used the scallop punch from Stampin Up and a circle punch. The heart button I had in my stash, I believe I picked up at a dollar spot as well :-) I colored the Mrs using markers and added red glitter. Pretty simple but I think it turned out cute.

Don't forget there is still time for my blog candy giveaway here, I will pick a winner on Sunday!

Birthday Bella and Sketch Challenge

I finally broke out another one of my new Bellas! This one is called prezzibella. I started with a night of navy base. The cool background paper is from a DCWV stack pack and I used my Cuttlebug for embossing with the birthday plate. The ribbon is from Michael's and I colored my Bella with markers. The little flower is from the target $1 spot and the brad I believe is Making Memories. I loved the "jeans" look of the brad. I was really happy with the way this Bella turned out. I think I'll make similar ones for Birthday cards, but I'll switch up the papers and colors! Stay tuned....

I'd love to see what you can do with this layout, here is the sketch.... If you play along please post a link to share what you came up with. I love sketch challenges!

Organizational Fun

Lately I've been on a roll trying to organize my little space. I used to have a room for stamping but not too long ago moved into the office where our computer is. I get the back corner. The room I was in will be for my son once we decide to separate out b/g twins.

The other day I rec'd a 50% off coupon for Michaels! I was excited, I never get their coupons in the mail my mom gets them for me. Anyhow, I stopped off at Michaels and found this great little desktop organizational tool from Making Memories. I wasn't sure if it would fit on my desk but it seems to work well.

Scrumptious Cupcakes & BLOG CANDY GIVE AWAY!

I received my new Lizzie Anne stamps on Friday. One that I got was the great cupcake and I had to ink it up immediately. Here is what I came up with...

I used Stampin Up's Rose Romance paper for my base and the Cuttlebug to created the embossed background.. I colored the cupcakes with markers and used my Gel Pens to add some shimmer to them. I used the scallop punch by Stampin Up to punch them out and my 1/8 inch punch to add the "lacy" border. The patterned paper is from a glitter DCWV stack pack. The mustard colored circles are from an unknown source, I had the paper in scrap. What is your favorite card stock to use? I have to admit I do love the Stampin Up weight and colors! I have to order some more, I actually don't have alot of it. I was up late last night going through the new catty deciding what I need. Card stock is on my list for sure.

I can't believe I have surpassed 2,500 hits!! Thanks to everyone who visits and leaves me comments. I think this is a great time for some blog candy!!! Leave me a comment, I'd love to know what brand card stock you love and use and what your favorite color (or color group) is. I will randomly pick a winner next Sunday.

Lauren's Saturday Sketch

Ok, either I'm a day early for Lauren's weekly challenge or a week late? Hum.... OK, I'm a week late. I created this cutie a few days ago and now I'm catching up.

I used Ballet Blue (Stampin Up) cardstock. The embossed background is using spots and dots embossing folder for the Cuttlebug. The orange paper is from a stack pack by DCWV. I mounted the little cutie on Night of Navy (Stampin Up) and my ribbon is from Michael's. The final touch was the flower (source unknown) and great "gem" brad.

This little cutie is by Rubber Stampede, Little Suzy's Zoo. Can you believe I found him in the clearance at Michael's for $1!! I couldn't believe he was so unwanted, but now he found a happy home! :-) The chillin' sentiment is from MFT, Baby It's Cold Outside set. I used markers to color in not Copics yet except for the bit of blue that "shadows" him. I did receive my first round of markers from Gina K, some blues, brown and neutral colors. I really need to play with them. Maybe I'll show my practice piece of artwork, but it's so awful I need to think about that! LOLOL

Duck, Duck.......

OK there is no goose here but I had to share with you another creation using this great Easter stamps from Serendipity. Spring is just around the corner right? Then follows Summer and I hate summer even though my birthday is right in the middle of it! A/C the best invention ever!

Anyhow, I used markers to color in this little guy. Stickles give the grass the glittery shine. I used my Cuttlebug for the background, SU buttons and ribbon from Micheal's.

Lizzie Anne's Weekly Challenge

Here it is my version of LAD's weekly challenge. This week it was a sketch with a twist... to use pink and green! At first I was just like hum.... interesting. But I like how my turned out. I used two sets. The small butterfly is from the Blissful Blossom set and the larger one is from the L'Amour set. I used Rose Red and Mellow Moss card stock (Stampin Up). The ribbon is from Michael's and the paper flowers were from the Target $1 spot. I embossed the background Mellow Moss with my Cuttlebug and added a nice patterned paper under the butterflies. Finally I added ribbon from Michael's. This photo does not show the glitter details but the middle of the small butterflies I used Stickles and on the trim as well as parts of the large butterfly I used my new Gel Pens from BJ's. I also mounted with pop dots the middle butterfly so it would stand out.

Weekend Stamping?

Ok so I didn't get much accomplished over the weekend in terms of creating, however I did get some new "toys". Since I love glitter so much I picked up some Glitter Markers at AC Moore, they are so cool! Then at BJ's I found a pack of 72 Gel pens, which inlcude glitter ones!! Target is fablous right now, go to the dollar spot! They have tons of great things for Valentine's day creations. Then today I had some time to organize my little space, I picked up some wire shelves and 12x12 plastic drawers from Walmart.

Here is my question for you.... how do you store and organize your wood mounted stamps?? We all have loads of them. I know SU has theirs in the plastic cases, those I have in Iris carts and even that I can't find what I need. But like most I have loads of mounted "loose" (not part of a set) stamps. When they are put away and out of site I forget what I have. It would be cool to be able to "showcase" them like in a stamp store but that is not possible.

I have one creation to share with you today. I've been on a Valentine's Day kick so here is my cute owl I picked up at my LSS. The owl is by Inkadinkado. The background patterned paper is from the target $1 spot! I used my new glitter markers to color the hearts on the body and to add the glittery trim. The ribbon is from Michael's and the large eyelets are from AC Moore. I used my handy dandy Cutttlebug to create the embossed effect .

That is it for now!

Valentine Snowbunny Bella

So here she is Valentine Snowbunny Bella! I love these ladies and had the Snowbunny Bella so I figured why the heck not make it into a Valentine card. Valentine's Day is in the winter right? So what she is wearing is appropriate, at least in some areas of the country. I used my Cuttlebug hearts embossing folder for the background. The patterned (actually has sentiments on it) is from the Target dollar spot. The ribbon and cool puffy heart I picked up at Michael's. I colored her in with markers and added stickles!

Super Simple Thank You

I realized that I really need to get out a few thank yous for holiday gifts. I get so wrapped up with all the challenges and release parties etc that I forget I have some cards to actually send out. How many of you create lots of cards but never actually send them to anyone? This year I need to begin incorporating things like birthday cards in my designs even for challenges so I can use them. :-)

Here I made a simple thank you card, even though simple I thought it came out nice. I used the Cuttlebug's thank you embossing folder, the scallop is the punch from SU and the sentiment is also from SU, an old set I think called Mini Mates if I'm not mistaken. I used Mellow Moss and Baroque Burgundy paper. Sorry the picture is not that clear, I even took this one outside!

Lizzie Anne's Weekly Challenge

Even after a rocking release party this week, the gals at LAD still had the energy to post their weekly sketch challenge. I love playing with the L'Amour set and this is the perfect time of year to do so. I STILL haven't settled on which sets to get either! I can't get them all at once so I better make a decision! :-) I don't know what I'm waiting for, the stamp fairy? I keep saying I NEED to win lotto but let's face it that's not going to happen right? I think I will get the Far East Set and definitely the cupcake! I was debating one of the other floral sets as well. Sigh.....

For this card I used my cuttlebug for the embossed background. The ribbon I picked up at Michaels. The scallop is the punch from SU. I added Stickles to the heart and used my Sketch It markers to color it in. Still waiting for my first shipment of Copics to arrive, any day now! :-)

Chickie Mama

LOL, ok that is what I call my little DD for fun, my little Chickie mama! LOL. This cute stamp I picked up at DRS designs a few weeks ago. . They have a cute little store if you live near CT you should take a ride over. The actual company for this image is the Stamp Barn. Anyhow, I just thought this cute Chickie would be fun. So it's not a rainy day or anything but I had to create something I think I was going through withdrawal! Now I must check out some of the challenges out there this week.

Lizzie Anne - Rockin Party

In case you missed it Lizzie Anne Designs had a rocking party last night over at SplitCoastStampers. It started 10pm EST which was a little late for me but I stayed up for the fun. They had great giveaways and released a bunch of new sets!

OHHHH, and guess what? I won a giveaway! WOOO HOO! That was pretty neat! I won the new pirate and pirate saying singles. Of course I still have not decided which sets I want to get. I definitely need the cupcake single! Did anyone order new sets at the party last night? I should have just stayed awake a little longer to decide!

Well, of to work on some new creations. I am a bit behind from this weekend but need to catch up. Lauren had a great Saturday sketch this week so I want to give that a try.

Happy Monday!

Valentine Princess

This fabulous image is from Missy B Designs. This set called Alexa's Set was created for a very special little girl. Check out the full set here.... Alexa's mommy is a fellow stamper, a fantastic one I might add. Check out her blog here and Alexa's story.

I used my target $1 spot patterned paper and ribbon I picked up at Michael's. The scallop is from SU and the sentiment is Lizzie Anne. I embossed the background using the heart embossing folder for the Cuttlebug. Oh the Cuttlebug my favorite Christmas gift ever!! :)

Valentine Butterfly

I'm on a roll with Valentine's Day now! I pulled out some of my cool Starving Artistamps images to get started. Here is one using this great butterfly. The background is the french script embossing folder for the cuttlebug. The patterned paper is from Basic Grey - Urban Couture. The sentiment is from DRS. The glitter is of course Ranger Stickles, I added SU eyelets and finally the ribbon is from Michaels.

I really like the way this card turned out. I was a bit skeptical at first but I'm not sure why. Butterflies make great Valentine's images. Now back to my Starving Artistamps stash, I have some flowers.... Hum...

How does this photo look? I'm trying to get better shots! I really need to go outside to take my photos, but it's soooo COLD!

My Favorite Things Sketch Challenge

Here is my creation using the sketch challenge over at MFT on Split Coast Stampers. The set I chose to use is called "How Sweet It Is". I used markers to color and stickles to add glitter. I can't seem to get enough glitter! I used the scallop punch from SU for my "circle" image in the corner.

Gotta love these cool stamps. New release next week can't wait! I finally added a watermark to my picture. I've had issues with that, but I found a way I can with a software on my laptop. We'll see how it goes. But I do have to thank Lisa S because she sent me a cool watermark but at the time couldn't figure out how to make it work. Maybe I can try again with this software we'll see.

Lizzie Anne Designs - Weekly Sketch Challenge

Here is the first sketch challenge for 2008 from Lizzie Anne Designs. This is using the L'Amour set. I figured it's time for some Valentine's cards. In the sketch she used circles I changed it up a bit to make use of these great hearts. I used my cuttlebug for the background embossed look. The patterned paper is from Target's $1 spot, gotta love that! I added stickles to the hearts and the middle heart is on a pop dot a bit hard to tell in the photo.

Can't wait for their new releases next week. This week is preview week, check it out!

Happy New Year!!!

Did everyone have a Happy New Year? I had a nice quiet one. Made a nice dinner for DH and myself and ate after the kids went to bed which was nice.

What is your resolution this year? I never really make one because come on we all know it NEVER works! Eat better, exercise blah blah blah.... However the new year is a good time to reflect on things you've accomplished and what you might want to accomplish in the new year.

What's on your list? Do you have stamping goals? I want to submit a few things for publication and I would love an opportunity for DT. I did get picked last year for Starving Artistamps Guest DT, which is fabulous. I can't wait till my turn comes around. I will also continue to participate in challenges. But most of all have FUN. Stamping is a great way to meet new people while doing something you really love. There is so much to learn and my next adventure will be using the Copic markers. Did I mention I joined the Copic Marker club over at Gina K? Very cool way to start a collection, 6 markers a month for 6 months until a set is complete! I hope I can do well with them, any advice is greatly appreciated.

My post today is an Easter card, come on think Spring! :) This great little kitty is from Serendipity Stamps. I really love their images, check it out! It's a pretty simple layout but I just loved the background paper so I decided to keep it simple. I used markers to color and stickles to add the glitter. I'm trying to get better photos as well. I think my problem is I end up doing most of my stuff at night after the kiddies go to sleep, so I don't have the natural day light. Anyhow, maybe I will change that up a bit.