Tu-lips are better than one! EIC #33

Ok, I couldn't resist the title...I definitely inherited the corny gene from my mother (I won't tell you what I inherited from my father!) My card today is for the Etsy Inspired Challenge #33, and it is a beautiful store this week! Ashley always highlights such great stores on Etsy!! Opalescence is the store for this week's challenge, and she features gorgeous handspun yarns and jewelry. Fun for everyone!! I was inspired by this piece HERE. The thing that I love about inspiration challenges is that there is no right or wrong answer...the right brain side of me loves this!! I was drawn to these earrings because they are purple, my favorite color, and they are so dangly and dainty at the same time! And, for some crazy reason, I thought of tulips. Tulips are so strong and dainty at the same time, and it is a shame that they are only here for a short span of time.

I wanted to show you all the close up of the Shimmerz on the leaves as they don't stand out as well in the first picture. This stamp set by Firecracker Designs is such a great value at $8.99. All of Pamela's set come in red rubber, and there are many stamps in each set!! They are awesome! In this particular set, the tulips are separate from the leaves, so you can decide how you want them. I decided to stamp them and cut them out to attach them.

Card details:

Stamps: Tip Toe Tulips by Firecracker Designs by Pamela
Paper: Lovely Lilac DSP and Wild Wasabi CS by Stampin' Up

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Lovely Lilac by Stampin' Up

Accessories: Copic markers; Scor-Pal; Organdy ribbon; Metal butterfly; Shimmerz (Celery)

Hooray for the Red, White, and Blue!

This week's Flutter By Wednesday challenge from Danni was to use the colors red, white, and blue on our cards with a butterfly or fairy, of course. To play along, just create your card and link it up to Danni's post using Mr. Linky...it is fun to see everyone's creations!

I was able to accomplish two things this week: conquer my fear of using my sewing machine on my cards and using this awesome shimmery patriotic paper by Reminisce! I was able to do both, and I felt that because I was honored to be the featured team member this week that I ought to make two cards. I guess I'm always overcompensating!! Oh well...they just came together this week. And, they are super simple cards!

Card Details:
Stamps: Butterfly by Savvy Stamps; Celebrate Everything by Stampin' Up
Paper: Brilliant Blue and Whisper White by Stampin' UP
Ink: Silver Encore; Real Red by Stampin' Up
Accessories: Red thread for sewing machine (used free motion foot); Royal Red Shimmerz

My second card today started simply enough, but I had to add a few elements to make it all come together. The sentiment is stamped on twill, and it is sewn in a zig zag stitch to the navy grosgrain behind it. The grosgrain is only a little wider, so it doesn't show up as much. The paper that the butterfly is cut out of has the words to the Star Spangled Banner printed on it. So many friends, stamping and otherwise, have loved ones in the military at this time that I thought this was a tribute to them.

Card Details:

Stamps: Sentiment by Paper Makeup Stamps

Paper: Patriotic designer paper by Reminisce

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories: SU twill; Navy Grosgrain; Nesties Labels One; Quickutz Butterfly die (for the Revolution); Red rhinestone stickers

Thanks for stopping by today...hope you can play along with the challenge with us this week!!! And, if you have the chance, wish my stamping/blogging/mommy friend Dawn a happy birthday on her blog!

PMS Friday Feature: Part 2

And, this is my 100th post!! Woohoo!!! I've definitely been more diligent in the last few months about my posting. It really is a habit that you just have to get into!! These are the other two projects that were featured on the PMS blog last Friday. It was so fun to be one of their Friday Feature girls!! The above is a shadow box that I found on super duper clearance at Michaels...it is by Martha Stewart. Well, it just kicked around my craft room, and I finally decided to incorporate it in my room. Voila, here it is with the awesome Swirlie Tree and quote from Paper Makeup!

Project details:
Stamps: Swirlie Tree and Art of Life sentiment stamps by Paper Makeup Stamps
Paper: DCWV designer paper; Bashful Blue and Basic Black by Stampin' Up
Ink: Versamark and Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Black embossing powder; Nesties Labels 1; CM oval cutting system
I think that I probably drive my husband crazy with my little snippets of advice. However, I always tell him in his business that "slow and steady wins the race." There's no need to get flashy! I had to texturize this adorable turtle's shell, so I stamped the image, ran it through the Cuttlebug, and I cut out just the shell part. I used my SU oval punches and the EK Success border punches that are fairly new at Michaels.

Card Details:
Stamps: Dawdling Turtle by Paper Makeup Stamps
Paper: Basic Gray, Riding Hood Red, Always Artichoke DSP by Stampin Up
Ink: Always Artichoke by SU; Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Scor-Pal; SU oval punches; SU ribbon; EK Success border punches; Cuttlebug embossing folder
Copic Markers: YG95, E49, BG10, R20, W4, W6

Thanks for stopping by today!! I'll be posting again this evening!!

I Hit the Motherload!

I saw that Stef had made a post on her garage sale finds, so I thought, "why not take a picture of mine and share!" Well, here it is!! I had exactly an hour and a half yesterday morning to go to two community garage sales. I didn't even scratch the surface on the second community I went into (50+ homes had sales), but I got some great toys for Meredith (ranging from Barbie to Playmobil; games to play food). I have been wanting to sew on my cards, but something always stops me from using my $2000+ Bernina on a card. Well, I found one of those mini "As Seen on TV" machines for $2, so I thought, "why not?" My goal is to use that this week on one of my cards to test it out! The picture that I took is of the Stampin' Up loot that I found (I think it is worth between $150 and $200. Guess what I paid for it? $25!!! Can you believe that? I was ecstatic!! Like I need anything else, but you can't pass that up!!

And, I wanted to tell you of some blog candy that I have found!!

Janet Rossi

Debbie

Jeanette

Have fun today!!! I'm going shopping, without a child!! Woohoo!!

PMS Friday Feature

I'm so excited to show you my Friday Feature cards from the Paper Makeup Stamps (PMS) blog this week. I was selected as this week's Friday Feature on Katie's blog, and I was so excited that I did four cards for the occasion! I am only posting two today, but I will post the other two tomorrow! I took the pictures of these cards at night, so the lighting is a bit off, especially on Monkey Man below! I went a little understated on the Shimmerz just because Jack is a boy! However, even boys need to shine a bit!

Card details:
Stamps: Jack by Paper Makeup Stamps
Paper: Marraketch by Basic Grey; Riding Hood Red and Basic Gray by Stampin' Up
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Scor-Pal; Shimmerz (Angel Wings); MS punch; EK Success punch; brads; SU ribbon
Copic Markers: W2, W4, W6, E25, E27, E31, E33, R00, R01, R20, B34, B37, E41

And, this is little Monkey Man from PMS! This is the first time that I have inked him up. When I first looked at this card, I thought, "it's too plain!" But, after consideration, I thought, "no, it's not...he's just fine the way he is." I have to remember that simple isn't always bad!! I can just imagine Monkey Man saying, "You see, this is what really happened." I think he would fit in quite well with the cast of The Office!!

Card Details:

Stamps: Monkey Man by Paper Makeup Stamps

Paper: Kraft, Soft Sky, Blue Bayou, and Blue Bayou DSP by Stampin' Up

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories: Scor-Pal; Labels Four Nesties; CM silver pen; SU Scalloped Edge punch; SU ribbon

Copic Markers: E25, E27, E31, N5, B12, B97

Twinkling Rock Sensation!

My card for today is for the sketch at Madelynn's Twinkling Tuesdays blog! It is MTTSC19. I missed this for last few weeks...don't know if there was a break, but I am so glad that it is back! This great sketch was done by Jack, and he had a fabulous sketch this week! I did alter it just a bit because with the hardware I used, I felt that it would be too heavy on the other side. I just really wanted the image and this beautiful paper to do the talking! The darker accent color almost looks like black, but it is actually Elegant Eggplant by Stampin' Up. The designer paper is from a fabulous bargain pack by Making Memories that I found at Tuesday Morning. And, of course, the fabulous fairy is Lily by Paper Makeup stamps. If you haven't checked out these stamps, you really need to...they are a "colorist's" dream!!

Card details:
Stamps: Lily by Paper Makeup Stamps
Paper: Scrapbook Basics Pastel by Making Memories; Barely Banana and Elegant Eggplant by Stampin' Up
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Scor-Pal; Hodgepodge Hardware by SU; Shimmerz (Angel Wings and Pink)
Copics: W2, W4, R00, R01, R20, Y21, E31, E41, E33, BV000, BV11, R85

Cassie gave me this fabulous award on her blog, and it is the karma award! I thought if anyone deserved good karma, she does because she is so faithful in her comments and wonderful words of encouragement. I normally forget the awards, but I happened to receive this one just as I was about to post, so here it is!!

The Karma Award: These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind of bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.

Heather

Stef

Danni

Emily

Dawn

Tenia

Ann Kranitz

Nicola

The Flutter By Fairy

Welcome to this week's Flutter By Wednesday Challenge. Hop on over to Danni's blog to see our featured design team member, Jodi! And, the most awesome surprise is that our guest designer this week is Lauren Meader! This week's challenge is an open one, and you can use either a fairy or a butterfly, so create to your heart's content!!

Wow! I have the best of both worlds...a fairy dressed as a butterfly! Can it get any better? I couldn't wait to ink up this adorable new stamp from The Greeting Farm...it arrived last Saturday! I knew that it would be my challenge card for this week. She is just adorable, and I knew that only bright colors would do for this little beauty. She is a doll!

I actually started with the paper first. I found this crazy paper with hand drawn flowers and butterflies all over it, and there were some great colors in it. Luckily, the pack came with some solid sheets in it. Well, when I was constructing the card, the crazy paper was too crazy, and the image was lost in the shuffle, so I knew that I had to go to plan "B" and use another solid in the card. I was so much happier with this turnout! Finally, I knew that it needed something on the bottom, and I remembered this $1 ribbon that I found at Michael's, and Voila, the card was born. When I saw that Anya had her hand up to her mouth, I remembered another little treasure that I had...a ribbon slide that says, "Uh oh!" I couldn't resist...had to do it! It is actually from a baby pack, but I just love when I can "repurpose" things! I guess that is appropriate on Earth Day!

Card details:

Stamps: Flutter Anya by The Greeting Farm

Paper: Multi pack from Tuesday Morning; Pixie Pink by Stampin' Up

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories: Scor-Pal; Flower nesties; Ribbon; rhinestone stickers; Shimmerz (Pink and Iced Lavender)

Copic Markers: R00, R01, Y21, E33, BV04, RV09, RV11, YG05

Bee Mine!

This card is for this week's Etsy Inspired challenge #32, and the shop is so awesome this week! Angel Face Designs by Heather is featured this week, and she has some fabulous jewelry! This is my inspiration piece for this week. Such nice ideas for gifts! I really have found that I love inspiration challenges more and more because it just gives a nice springboard into the creation of a card. And, I especially like the Etsy Inspired challenges because you usually have many different items to choose from for the inspiration. I knew immediately when I saw this pendant that I had to use this set from Stampin' Up. It is a cute one, and of course I had to borrow it, but it may be on my purchase list for next month's stamp club! I didn't have a sentiment stamp that said Bee Mine, so I had to use a rub on alphabet to create the words. Thanks for stopping by today, and it is definitely worth a try to see the Etsy challenges! Come play!

Card Details:
Stamps: Just Buzzin' By by Stampin' Up
Paper: Summer Sun and Basic Black by Stampin' Up; DCWV designer paper
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: American Crafts Glitter Pen; Shimmerz in Coal and Angel Wings; Scor-Pal; SU grosgrain ribbon; Polka dot organdy ribbon; Nestabilities; SU circle punches; American Crafts rub ons; Copic markers

PMS Every Week?

...and it's every Monday! No, not that PMS, Paper Makeup Stamps!! They have a challenge on their blog every Monday, and this week's challenge was a color combination...Cameo Coral, Summer Sun, Kraft, and Old Olive. The coordinating Copic colors are a little off, but they worked just fine for my purposes! This card is also for the Mojo Monday sketch #83, and I tweaked it just a bit. The card isn't square, it's A2 size, and the embellishment is on the opposite side, but that was because Dreck was pointing to the other side. He had to be pointing at something! The sentiment, "Party Animal" is actually a borrowed rub on, and the hanging metal flower says wild on it!! I couldn't resist using it! This was a fun one to do this week, and lo and behold, I have it done on Monday! Woohoo!!!

Card details:

Stamps: Dreck by Paper Makeup Stamps

Paper: Cameo Coral, Old Olive, Summer Sun, Kraft and DP by Stampin' Up

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories: Scor-Pal; EK Success border punch; Prima flowers; brads; American Crafts rub ons

Copics: YG97, Y17, R35, E44

All Bummed Out!

This adorable little stamp finally found some ink today! In true fashion, I waited until the last minute to make these cards for a baby shower that I attended today. Three friends are all having their second babies soon, so we threw them a big baby shower. It was fun...we had brunch at a local restaurant, and the chatting and laughing did us all good! Heather knows that she is having a boy, but Katie and Liz each have decided to make it a surprise. So, technically, I made three cards, but two were the same.

This is a stamp from Stamping Bella, and the sentiment that goes with it is "Bummed Out?" It is so adorable, but the sentiment was definitely not appropriate for a baby shower card, so I paired it with this one from the set Riveting by Stampin' Up. I just giggle each time I see his or her little cheek hanging out!!

Card details:
Stamps: Bummed Out by Stamping Bella; Riveting and Full of Life (sentiment inside) by Stampin' Up
Paper: Designer paper by Making Memories (on yellow card); Designer paper, Bashful Blue, Yoyo Yellow, and Certainly Celery cardstock by Stampin' Up
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Bashful Blue and Certainly Celery by Stampin' Up
Accessories: Scor-Pal; Stampin' Up circle punches (1 1/4 inch and 1 3/8 inch); CM circle cutting system; Scalloped circle nestabilities; SU ribbon; May Arts ricrac
Copics: Y11, Y08, B12, B14, E18, E33

Have bunny, will travel

The whole time I sat here coloring this image, that was the phrase that kept popping into my head. Weird? Yes. Is that the way my mind works? Yes. Call me quippy, I guess! I have had this Tilda for a little over a month, and this is the first time that it was inked up...that, is a tragedy! She is just darling, and I can't wait to get the Tildas that I preordered from Magnolia-licious...they have butterflies! Tilda and butterflies are like bread and butter...they have to go together! I can't wait!

I doubled up on challenges again this time. You would think by all the times that I "kill two birds with one stone" that it would apply to every aspect of my life. I think that the only efficiency I have in my life is card making. I guess we really can't have it all (insert snicker here!) I'm going to stamp club tonight, so I wanted to get this posted. I don't know if I'll have anything to post for tomorrow...it will all depend on how ramped up I am after tonight. 12 women stamping and chatting can get pretty wild!

The two challenges are Color Throwdown #38 and SC224 from Splitcoaststampers. I used so many Copic markers on this image that I had to take a picture of them because I thought I would drive myself bananas writing all of the colors! With that in mind, it really was a simple card with a simple layout, and it didn't take me terribly long to finish (good thing because my 4 year old was jockeying for position at my craft desk!)

Card details:

Stamps: Tilda with Bunny (#335) by Magnolia

Paper: Ruby Red, Basic Gray, and Baja Breeze cardstock by Stampin' Up; Baja Breeze DSP by Stampin' Up

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories/Tools: Copic markers; Stampin' Up in color ribbon (Baja Breeze); Scor-Pal

Do PMS and Mojo mix well?

They do this week! The Monday PMS challenge PMSMC07 was to use ribbon on your card with a PMS image, and the Mojo Monday sketch #82 was pictured here (minus the sentiment). It was fun this week! I was determined to use my new Labels Three that I ordered from Katie at PMS (Paper Makeup Stamps) on this card, so I had to go on a grander scale and make the card 5 1/2 inch square! Argus with his little teddy fit beautifully on this one! And, guess where I got the awesome patterned paper and ribbon? Target, in the dollar spot, no less! I should be part owner in the Target corporation with how much money I drop in there weekly!

Dawn and I went on a stamping excursion yesterday with our 4 year old girls. We live in Charlotte, and Mooresville (a big Nascar town) is only about 45 minutes to an hour north of us. Well, they have a great scrapbook store and an awesome stamp store within a mile of each other. We went to the Scrap Shack first, and I was able to pick up some 12x12 sheets of some of my favorite Basic Grey paper. I found an awesome butterfly die from Quickkutz on sale! Then, it was off to the Stamper's Alley. We love this store, and we happen to be there on April 15th, and they give their customers a 15% discount on the 15th...who'd a thunk? So, I bought another new Nestie, a pot of Shimmerz and some stamps (like I need more stamps!). Fun day with lunch at Five Guys and a side trip to Tuesday Morning (we hit the jackpot there with scrapbooking paper!).

Sorry, like anyone wants to hear about our excursions, but it was paper crafting related!!

Card details:

Stamps: Argus with Teddy by Paper Makeup stamps

Paper: Target DP; Cool Caribbean and Basic Black cardstock by Stampin' Up

Accessories/Tools: Scor-Pal; SU Scalloped punch; EK Success border punch; Nesties Labels Three; Black Brads; Target Ribbon; Lime flower brad; purple rhinestone flower

Copics: 0, E16, V17, BG45

Etsy Inspired Challenge #31

My Flutter By Wednesday challenge card is in the post below...

I seriously stepped out of my comfort zone this week, but I guess that is what challenges are all about! This card is for the Etsy Inspired Challenge #31, and the wonderful store, Make Mine Mud by Little Miss Pottery. The card was inspired by many pieces in the store gallery. I went with earth tones to complement the pottery, and the artist has many pieces that are heart and flower shaped. In addition, she has many fantastic pendants. So, all of those things blended to make this card. The twill with metal loops was an impulse buy a few years ago, and I finally used it! I wanted the effect of the pendants hanging from the twill. I also put a metal charm on the card to hang as well. The papers are from the Porcelain collection by Basic Grey and from the Earth Elements family from Stampin' Up. The stamps are also Stampin' Up, and they are from some seriously neglected sets of mine, Doodle This and Doodle That. The finishing touch was Mello Yellow Blingz by Shimmerz, a new purchase from Firecracker Designs by Pamela.

I tried not "gunk" the card up, so to speak because the pieces in the artist's store are beautiful and simple. While this was a departure for me, it was fun to take a chance this time. That is how we grow! Thanks for stopping by!!

Card details:
Stamps: Doodle This and Doodle That by Stampin' Up
Paper: Porcelain by Basic Grey; Ruby Red, Cameo Coral by Stampin' Up
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories/Tools: Scor-Pal; Nesties hearts; Twill with hardware; Fibers; metal heart charm; Mello Yellow Blingz by Shimmerz
Copics: Y21, YG95, R85

It's Flutter By Wednesday, so FLY!!!

Welcome to world of Butterflies...every Wednesday is an escape into your own imagination and the imaginations of others. We're so glad that you are stopping by to see the Flutter By Wednesday challenges today! Please visit our head Flutter By, Danni on her blog. There you will find our featured team member this week--Kristie! We are also introducing 5 new team members this week! Chris, Nicola, Harriet, Stef, and Kim are joining the team...please stop by their blogs for a welcome to them!

This week's challenge was to use punches/die cuts on our cards, and I couldn't wait to break out my new Nesties Labels Three. They are so beautiful, and I purchased them from Paper Makeup Stamps (not only does Katie have a great line of stamps, but she carries Nesties, Copics, and now bling!!!) The circles in the corners are cut using my Creative Memories circle cutting system. It is probably the oldest tool I own, and it still gets used. I firmly believe that you can't beat this system...love it!!

My butterflies this week are from an awesome new set that I inked up especially for you this week. Fly-Butterflies is available from Firecracker Designs by Pamela. I was so excited to get this set last week! The detail on it is fantastic, and it was fun and challenging to color it. I did go over the butterflies with Angel Wings Shimmerz, but the photograph just doesn't show it.

This card seems so retro to me between the style of writing for Fly, the drawing of the butterflies, and the colors in the designer paper. I used my new favorite Basic Grey paper, Urban Prairie. The colors just seem to speak to me now.

Card details:
Stamps: Fly-Butterflies by Firecracker Designs by Pamela
Paper: Chocolate Chip by Stampin' Up; Urban Prairie by Basic Grey
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Nesties Labels 3; Angel Wings Shimmerz; Target Dollar Spot ribbon; CM Circle cutting system
Copics: G24, BG45, Y21, R85

A Bouquet For You!!

My card for today is actually one that I made as the April Guest Designer for Firecracker Designs by Pamela, and she featured this card on her blog yesterday. It was really fun to create because the layout is simple, and I actually used her die cuts that go with the primrose set to do them. How clever is that? No cutting! I don't consider myself lazy, but I was loving the prospect of not having to cut these flowers! From there, I arranged them in a bouquet, and I punched two small holes near the stems to pass the ribbon through. This ribbon is left over from my wedding, almost 8 years ago...see, I never get rid of anything!

This is a side view of the card to see that it has a three dimensional quality to it. I chose to go very simple with the background paper because I didn't want it to detract from the flowers. I used watercolor crayons from Stampin' Up and ink and an aqua painter to color the flowers. It was super easy, but I like the look of the flowers. The only thing that took a while was finding just the right placement for the flowers. I had to lightly tack them down a bit in strategic places to keep them from moving around too much.

Card details:

Stamps: Primrose by Firecracker Designs by Pamela

Paper: Urban Prairie by Basic Grey; Elegant Eggplant by Stampin' Up

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories/Tools: Stampin' Up Rich Regals watercolor crayons; organdy ribbon; Firecracker Designs die cuts; aqua painter; Scor-Pal

A Best Friend is Hard to Find!

I received this wonderful Tilda image, and I couldn't wait to put it to good use! She was such a cute one! I found a wonderful hair color chart on Suzanne Dean's blog, and I wanted to try out some different options. I really need to watch her tutorial to put it to good use! She has her tutorials and lists on the right hand column on her blog! I wasn't crazy about the way this one turned out, but I love the rest of the card, so I had to go with it! It's all a learning curve, right? I think for me it's important to show all levels of my process, the good with the bad, so to speak. Honestly, I and Copic experts are probably the only ones that would really judge this!

Another current favorite thing that I used on this card were rubons. I don't know why I have neglected my drawer full of them! It's a great way to get a sentiment without having to own the stamp for it. My current favorite brand of rubons come from Stampin' Up...they just are so easy to use.

The background of this card was actually really simple, and maybe if I ever get over my fear of tutorials, I'll post a little one. I used my brayer on the bottom, and I used Wild Wasabi ink. Then, I took a sponge, and I sponged on Garden Green to soften the edges and give a little more texture to the grass. Finally, I took my cloud template from Rosie's Roadshow, and I used Baja Breeze ink to create the clouds. I usually flip the template, so the look isn't too ordered. And, voila, a background is formed!

Card details:

Stamps: (I'm sorry that I don't know the exact names of these stamps!!) Tilda with puppy by Magnolia; Fence by High Hopes
Paper: White and Wild Wasabi by Stampin' Up
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Baja Breeze, Wild Wasabi, and Garden Green from Stampin' Up
Accessories/Tools: Scor-Pal; Cloud template from Rosie's Roadshow; Sponges; SU oval punches; Rubons by American Crafts
Copics: RV11, RV34, 0, R00, R20, E49, E33, E57, B34, G24, G29

Mojo and Inspiration on the same day!!

Whoa, when does that ever happen? Well, if you have seen my blog posts before, you know that I love to combine challenges. There are so many great ones out there that I have to combine some in order to be able to create cards. I'd love to be one of those people that can make several cards in one day, but 3 different cards is probably the best I have ever done, and that was a miracle in and of itself! This card is for the Mojo Monday #81 and for the PMS Monday Challenge #6. If you haven't tried these challenges, try them today! The Mojo Monday sketch actually has a prize this week from Verve stamps!

I'm scheduling this post for Friday, but I actually finished this card on Thursday. I'm going to give you the back story! This is the scenario at home after an excruciatingly long day with a rather whiny 4 year old girl (who will remain nameless...LOL!)!

It's 6:10 pm, and my husband walks in the door, puts his stuff down, gives me a hug, and I say, "Honey, it's 6:10 pm, and this mom is officially off duty." I proceeded to climb the stairs to my craft room and barricade myself in the room. I turned on the TV and tuned into some old reruns of NCIS (love that show!) and a little over an hour later, this card emerged! Now, of course, it is a wreck in there, and my dear daughter did pop in to make a card also, but the smell of brownies got her attention. Daddy knows how to bribe both mom and daughter! And, alas, the smell of brownies is calling me, too. My thighs are screaming, "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?" But, the taste buds win every time!

Card details:

Stamps: Enamored Elephant by Paper Makeup

Paper: Brenda Walton Sweet Talk by K&Company; Euphoria by Basic Grey; Pink Pirouette and Purely Pomegranate by Stampin' Up

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories/Tools: Scor-Pal; American Crafts Pure glitter pen; SU 1 3/8 inch and scalloped circle punches; Marvy Uchida scalloped square punch; Purely Pomegranate stitched ribbon by SU; glitter brads

Copics: W2, W4, W6, R20, E41

Cutest Etsy Shop on the Block!

I love playing along with the Etsy Inspired Challenges...they serve two purposes for me! They inspire me to create a card, and they inspire me to shop! When did I ever need inspiration to shop? Lauren Alexander's shop on Etsy is fabulous! I chose this piece as my inspiration for this week's Etsy Inspired challenge. He is such a cute little guy!

When I saw my stamp from The Greeting Farm, I knew that it would have to go on the card. Since Lauren is such an amazing artist, I had to at least pay homage to the watercolor, well, at least my version of it! I used ink wash on watercolor paper to create the background. I wanted to have something in the background, but I couldn't find a stamp I liked, so I used primas with rhinestone stickers. The colors really spoke to me, and voila, the card is born.

Card details:

Stamps: Forest Friends by The Greeting Farm

Paper: Glorious Green and Rose Red by Stampin' Up; watercolor paper

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Glorious Green for ink wash and Purely Pomegranate by Stampin' Up

Accessories/Tools: Scor-Pal; Prima flowers; Rhinestone stickers; Stampin' Up oval punches

Copics: E21, E25, E33

FCD Ribbon Frame Card

I made this card almost a month ago, but I couldn't share it until now!! I was asked to be the April guest designer for Firecracker Designs by Pamela, and this was one of my creations using the beautiful set Primrose. In addition, it was using a technique challenge from SCS called TLC212 Ribbon frame. Here is a link to the tutorial on how to do this technique...it is so much easier than I thought, especially with a Scor-Pal (I love this tool more and more each day!) I've had a ball having my creations featured over at Pamela's blog, so if you get a chance, check it out here. Whoa, that's a serious bunch of hyperlinks!!

I actually used an aqua painter with my Rich Regals watercolor crayons to color in the image. I wanted to keep the card simple to not only highlight the stamp, but also to show off the ribbon frame. Sometimes, less really is more! I hope you enjoyed stopping by today!

On a side note, please look on the left hand column on my blog for some awesome blog candy that my friend Heather is giving away. It is truly for an awesome cause--to benefit research for Cystic Fibrosis. A dear friend of hers is dealing with this in her own home. Check it out...it's some seriously awesome candy!!

Card details:

Stamps: Primrose by Firecracker Designs by Pamela

Paper: Purely Pomegranate by SU; watercolor paper

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Purely Pomegranate

Accessories/Tools: SU watercolor crayons; aqua painter; SU Purely Pomegranate stitched ribbon; Scor-Pal; craft knife

To believe in fairies and butterflies...

This is the greatest gift! Who can resist two wondrous creatures such as these? Wouldn't we all love to have wings and flit about in the sunshine? Fairies and butterflies are both so ethereal and delicate...how can we resist them? Well, now the challenges for Flutter by Wednesdays can incorporate fairies as well! It just makes the possibilities endless! I incorporated Tink from the Greeting Farm and a beautiful little butterfly from DRS Designs. This was a fun card to make because I just adore coloring and especially coloring these images from The Greeting Farm.

If you want to know more about the Flutter By Wednesday Challenges, please visit our Head Flutter By Danni on her blog. And please visit the other team members' blogs to see their amazing creations for this week. There is a link in the left hand column of my blog. There are so many amazing people on the design team...it's an honor to work with them! Cassie is our featured team member this week, and Lynn Put is the awesome guest designer! This week's challenge is an open one, so the possibilities are endless!

Card details:

Stamps: Tink by The Greeting Farm; Believe Butterfly by DRS Designs

Paper: Choc. Chip and Tangerine Tango cardstock by SU; Urban Prairie by Basic Grey

Ink: Tangerine Tango by SU; Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories: Cuttlebug embossing folder; SU Satin ribbon; Shimmerz (Angel Wings, Celery); Labels One by nestabilities

Copics: Hair-E53, E33; Skin-R20, R00, R01; Dress-G24, YR02, YR04; Wings- YR02, E41

A card, a cold snap, and a computer snafu!!

I bet you were wondering, "where is Nancy? Why hasn't she posted?" Well, let me tell you, computers can be a pain. And, mine has been giving me fits. Hence, the baby has been in the shop for repairs. I hope she will be fixed soon, but I am at my friend's house to publish a few posts. It's quite a production to come to someone else's house to post on my own blog. Crazy!! I'm going to keep it rather concise as I don't want to overstay my welcome!

Easter card:

Stamps: Two chicks in an egg by DRS Designs (I don't have exact name of stamp...sorry!); sentiment from More Great Greetings by SU

Paper: Barely Banana, Wild Wasabi, and Pretty in Pink cardstock by SU

Ink: Wild Wasabi by SU; Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories: Cuttlebug Embossing folders; Raspberry liquid pearls; Shimmerz; SU circle punch; scalloped circle nestabilities; pink and light green grosgrain from SU

Copics: Y02, YR02, RV02, G24, G29, V04

Easter Challenge Card

I've wanted to get to the sketch challenge on SCS (#222) since yesterday, but I only had a few minutes today! I had already colored the image on the card, so the putting together part was a snap! The stamp is new from DRS Designs, and it is a cutie called Duck's Decoration! The paper is so yummy from my favorite company, Basic Grey!! I just absolutely adore those wonderful little 6x6 paper packs.

Tomorrow (April 3rd), DRS Designs is having their first ever blog hop, and it will start on the DRS Designs blog. I think it will be fun, so if you have a chance to pop over there, you'll see some familiar faces and some cute stamps!!

Card details:

Stamps: Duck's Decoration by DRS Designs; sentiment from More Great Greetings by Stampin' Up

Paper: Barely Banana, Purely Pomegranate, and Pink Pirouette by SU; Euphoria by Basic Grey

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Purely Pomegranate by SU

Accessories: Lilykate ribbon by Basic Grey; Faber Castell pencils; Gamsol; Prima flowers

My happy day, and it ain't no joke!

Two posts in one day! Wow, am I going to be able to uphold this precedent? Who knows! If you are looking for the Flutter By Wednesday card, please scroll down!

For the month of April, I am the guest designer for Firecracker Designs by Pamela! Pamela is an awesome person, and I have the good fortune of only living less than a half hour from her! That close to beautiful stamps...I am lucky!! And, she carries Shimmerz...can you say heaven??? If you haven't visited her store, please do! She is also offering a great coupon deal for today only...check HERE! To check out my introductory post, click HERE!

I wanted to show you one of the cards that will be featured this month on Pamela's blog! In this card, I actually created the background with a cool cloud template from Rosie's Roadshow. I used a sponge and Cool Caribbean ink to get the effect.

Details:

Stamps: Feelin' Quappy by Firecracker Designs by Pamela

Paper: Yoyo Yellow by Stampin' Up; Shimmery paper by Me and My Big Ideas

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories: Copic markers; Shimmerz; SU word window and oval punches

It's a Fluttering Butterfly Day!

I'm fluttering and flitting myself today!! I am so excited to announce that I am joining the Flutter By Wednesday team starting today! For those who haven't discovered this awesome challenge yet, it is every Wednesday and the running theme is...you guessed it, butterflies! Danni started this super fun challenge, and if you haven't visited her blog, you need to go HERE now! In fact, this is her 51st challenge!

This week's challenge was to use butterflies (of course), but to also not use designer paper. Instead, you are to create your own background. This could be using stamps or your Cuttlebug or whatever you choose. The quote from the set Butterfly of Happiness by Stampin' Up is one of my favorites, especially since I am a Hawthorne fan. The card is simple, but I sometimes forget that simple can be really pretty, too! I love how the Purely Pomegranate gives it just the right POP!

Thanks for stopping by and sharing my great news! I feel like I finally got my big break in the biz...Oscars here I come! Please grab a beverage, sit and relax and head on over to the other team members' blogs to see their creations!

Danni

Ann

Ashley

Cassie

Cathy

Heather

Jodi

Kristie

Michelle

Card details:

Stamps: Butterfly of Happiness and Kind Thoughts by Stampin' Up

Paper: Baja Breeze, Very Vanilla, Pink Piroette, Chocolate Chip, Purely Pomegranate, and Close to Cocoa by Stampin' Up

Ink: Close to Cocoa and Purely Pomegranate by Stampin' Up

Accessories: Angel Wings Shimmerz; MS butterfly punch; Cuttlebug embossing folder; ribbon