Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Twinkling with America's Sweethearts!

I've really gotten to love all of the challenges over at Madelynn's Twinkling Tuesdays, so it's fun to play with them when they come out! This week was an inspiration challenge. There was a picture of Minnie and Mickey Mouse and a sweet little story to go with it. You can read about it HERE. The code for this one is MTTSC16 if you upload it on SCS and PCP. The picture is below:



And, yes, these are America's sweethearts! When I saw the inspiration, I immediately thought of my new set from The Greeting Farm. What a wonderful excuse to ink it up!

Card details:

Stamps: Cup of Stuff by The Greeting Farm
Paper: Real Red cardstock and DSP, Basic Black cardstock by Stampin' Up
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Versamark
Accessories: Marvy Uchida Mega scalloped oval punch; Organdy Ribbon; SU oval punch; Black embossing powder; Copic markers (C1, C3, B34, R29, RV02, RV06)

Monday, March 30, 2009

Got My Mojo Going!!


And, this is my second post of the day! When does that ever happen? Not very often in my world, but that is ok! The reason why I wanted to post is to say that I actually did the Mojo Monday sketch on Monday! Woohoo!!

Mojo 80 was a great sketch! My image was a little big, but I made it work. This Sugar Nellie had never been inked, so I decided it was time. Also, I wanted to use this new Bella Rose paper from Stampin' Up...it's pretty yummy! I worked in reverse of what I usually do...I selected the paper first, then I colored the image. It was a little bit of a constraint, but I dealt with it! Thanks for stopping by again today and sharing my obsession!

Card details:

Stamps: Nelly with Dotty Wellies and Plant by Sugar Nellie
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss, and Pink Pirouette cardstock; Bella Rose DSP all by Stampin' Up
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Stampin' Up grosgrain in Choc. Chip; Rhinestone stickers; Nestabilities (scalloped circles); Copic original and sketch markers (skin-R00, R01, R20; boots-RV11, R37; dress-RV11, RV34, R37, R39, E41; hair-E33, E57; flower pot-E13, YG95, RV11, R37)

My First Etsy Inspired Challenge (#29)


I keep seeing all of these super cute cards/projects done, and they keep referring to the Etsy Inspired Challenge. Well, because of my obsession with all things challenge related, I had to do some investigating. And, I think I've found a new challenge to be obsessed about! Imagine that! Here is the link to the Etsy Inspired challenge #29.
The shop on Etsy that was the inspiration for this challenge is Handmade by Rebecca. We were to visit her shop and choose an inspiration piece. I chose this item, the Asian Pearl ribbon bracelet. The flower on the ribbon caught my eye because it reminded me of the flower from the Stampin' Up set, Bella's Bloom. It is an adorable little set, so I love to use it. I didn't have a pearl brad like the one on the bracelet, so I had to improvise. I had a flat, round brad that was to be used with epoxy letter stickers. I took some rhinestone stickers and arranged them on the brad to make a whole lot of bling. I wanted the brad to look like a slide on the ribbon, so I used thread to tie the ribbon together, and I affixed the brad to it. To stamp the flower, I simply used Rose Red and Mellow Moss markers from Stampin' Up to color the image and stamped it. This card was simple, but it really reminds me of the bracelet!

Card details:

Stamps: Bella's Bloom by Stampin' Up
Paper: Chocolate Chip and Mellow Moss cardstock and Rose Red DSP by Stampin' Up
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Brad and rhinestone stickers; SU satin ribbon; Rose Red and Mellow Moss markers by Stampin' Up

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Stylish Tilda


The sun is finally shining today in the Carolinas...we've had our share of gloom lately. Raining Tilda is much better than real rain! This is the card that I made for the March raining group #2 over on the Magnolia-licious yahoo group. I actually played around with my pencils and gamsol this time instead of the copics. I realize that the more I practice, the better I get...imagine that! LOL! However, my supply of pencils is limited, so I have to pick and choose carefully which colors that I need. Also, I heard some chatter about how the prismacolor pencils are constantly breaking, and the sharpening gets a little tedious. Someone then suggested the polychromous pencils from Faber Castell. And, they were right, the prismas break all the time, and the Faber Castell don't. However, I do like the results with the prismas a tad better. Anyone else had this issue? Just my little testimonial!

I just love playing with these Tildas! I mostly have stamped images of them, but I am now the proud owner of a few them. They are expensive, but I will add to my collection slowly as they are the most darling things. Friends and family from home love them because we have such a strong Swedish heritage. On to the pertinent stuff! Thanks for stopping by today! I really appreciate all of your comments and your visits. I even marvel at the fact that I have 19 followers. How cool is that? (I realize there are blogs with hundreds, but give me the moment!!)

Details:

Stamps: Stylish Tilda by Magnolia stamps
Paper: Real Red and Pacific Point cardstock, Pacific Point and Real Red DSP by Stampin' Up
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Scalloped oval nestabilities; SU In-color ribbon (Pacific Point); Precious Elements silver pen; Faber Castell polychromous pencils; Gamsol; EK Success border punch; Angel Wings Shimmerz for the small wings on Tilda

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Flutterby Wednesday #50


Danni has a great challenge every week on her blog, and it is called Flutterby Wednesday. Every week she challenges people to do something new with a butterfly. Butterflies are always so hopeful to me...the whole idea that a caterpillar can become a beautiful butterfly always mystifies me. This particular challenge is especially great because there is candy involved. Butterflies AND candy...who could resist!! It is Danni's 50th challenge, so hop or flit on over to her blog and check it out!

I had fun with this challenge because it was a sketch. I lengthened the card a bit (7x4 1/4) to accommodate my image, but that is the beauty of a sketch (it can stretch!) I made a rhyme! The image is from DRS Designs, and it is so appropriate for this time of year!

Details:
Stamps: Butterfly with eggs by DRS Designs; fluorish from Delight in Life by Stampin' Up
Paper: Purely Pomegranate and Pink Pirouette by Stampin' Up; Euphoria by Basic Grey
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: EK Success border punch; Shimmerz (Sunflower, Pixie Dust, Pink, Deep Purple); Prima flowers; Glittery brad; Cuttlebug Embossing folder (swiss dot); Copic markers (Eggs-G24, G29, RV11, RV34, BV000, Y02; Butterfly-BV11, V17)

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Twinking Tuesday on Wednesday!

My silly little girl!


I did finish this sketch last night, which was still Tuesday, but alas, I had to wait until today to post it! I just love the challenges on Twinkling Tuesdays, and it is all because it involves our other children sharing in our crafting passion. I love to have my 4 year old daughter crafting with me in my room. She even has her own desk. And, the first thing she thinks about when wanting to make people happy is to make them a card. How awesome is that? She is such a fabulous little girl!

The sketch this week is over on the Twinkling Tuesdays blog, and it is tagged MTTSC15, so you have to hop on over there and check out the sketch and all of the great creations from the design team! The funny thing about me is that I used the exact same fairy again for another sketch on the site...I must really be drawn to her!!

Details:

Stamps: Fairy Chloe by The Greeting Farm
Paper: Euphoria by Basic Grey; Pretty in Pink and Tempting Turquoise cardstock by Stampin' Up
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Purely Pomegranate by Stampin' Up
Accessories: Scalloped circle nesties; SU oval and word window punch; SU Purely Pomegranate stitched ribbon; rhinestone stickers; Cuttlebug swiss dots embossing folder; Pixie Dust Blingz by Shimmerz; Copic original markers (skin-R00, R01; hair-Y21, E33; wings-E41; dress-B04, RV11, RV34)

It's Time to Bloom!!


I finally inked this adorable fairy from Paper Makeup Stamps, and her name is Kirsten. I think I would call her the tomboy of the fairy world. I can imagine her climbing trees and getting dirty, forever curious. The sketch is on the PMS blog this week--PMSSC03--and it was fun to work on a larger scale this week. My card measures 5 1/2 inches square. Sometimes you just need a larger card size to accommodate a great stamp!! The sentiment is from Stampin' Up's set, Bella's Blooms, and it just fit perfectly with my little scene. I also dusted off some retired SU ribbon that matched a past in color, True Thyme. It worked fairly well with this Kraft designer paper.

Do you color the image first or pick your colors/paper first? We were talking about this on PCP lately, and I guess that I never really thought about my process. After I did ponder the question, I realized that mostly I color the image first and pick the paper to match it later. The only exceptions are when I am trying to do a color challenge of some kind or I just have to use some new paper! I have an ever growing supply of Copic markers and polychromous pencils, but I am amazed that I always seem to not have the exact color that I am looking for. I have so many brown tones, but I can never find the right now. So, that is my quest...to own it all then I won't have that problem! Just kidding (well, maybe not...[hides head in shame])!!

Enough of my ramblings, here's the important stuff:

Details:

Stamps: Kirsten by Paper Makeup; sentiment from Bella's Bloom by Stampin' Up (p. 83 IBC-Spring/Summer 2009)
Paper: Kraft DSP, Elegant Eggplant, Wild Wasabi by Stampin' Up
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Elegant Eggplant by Stampin' Up
Accessories: SU True Thyme stitched ribbon; EK Success border punch; decorative brads; SU oval punches; Pixie Dust Blingz and Angel Wings by Shimmerz; Copic original (skin-R00,R01, R20; hair-E33, E57; Wings-E41; Shoes-E33, E57; Shorts-E13, E21, V17; Shirt-BV00, V17; Leg warmers-V17; Grass-YG17, G29, 0)

Monday, March 23, 2009

He Really is a Gentle Bear!


Wouldn't you just love to pick him up and squeeze him? This is Gentle Bear from High Hopes Stamps. I fell in love with him, and I had to have him. While the ordering process is quite lengthy with High Hopes, he and the other stamps I received were well worth the wait. They achieve a whole new level of cuteness. I wanted to finally be able to do another Mojo Monday sketch, so I was actually able to finish #79 on this Monday!! How amazing is that for me? After a variety of mishaps in the craft room (I dumped an entire box of paper, burned my finger on my lamp, and got glue on my shirt), I combined this week's sketch with the Color Throwdown #34 from last week and Voila, a card is born!

I'm sorry if I get a little disjointed with this post...I'm trying to watch the new ABC show Castle, so I'm typing on the commercials. I know, yes, I stamp and watch TV...it keeps me company!! Anyway, I digress! Here are the particulars of this card, but watch out, you may fall in love with him, too!

Details:

Stamp: Gentle Bear by High Hopes Stamps
Paper: Blush Blossom, Not Quite Navy, and Kiwi Kiss cardstock by Stampin' Up; Urban Prairie by Basic Grey
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Basic Grey velvet rickrack; American Crafts Rubons; SU oval punches; EK Success border punch; Cuttlebug embossing folder; Copics (E21, E33, E37, N5)

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Inky Impressions 1st Design Team Call



I just keep getting back up on the horse! LOL!! This card is for a design team call for a brand new stamp company called Inky Impressions, and the sneak peaks of these images have been awesome! I can't wait to see what more images that they come up with for the coloring fanatics in all of us! The level of cuteness on the little girl is over the moon...she is adorable! For this challenge, I had to ink up this adorable bunny from High Hopes, especially now that spring is officially here. He is just begging to be colored! And, my favorite fairy from Paper Makeup is here, too! I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

Details Card One:
Stamps: Elle by Paper Makeup Stamps
Paper: Rose Red and Kiwi Kiss by Stampin' Up; Sultry by Basic Grey
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Noteworthy cartridge for Slice; Grosgrain ribbon; rhinestone stickers; Pixie Dust Shimmerz Blingz; Copics (Skin-E00, R20; Dress-RV11, RV34; Hair-Y21, E33; Wings-E41 and Shimmerz; Egg-Y02, Y04)
Details Card Two:
Stamps: Bunny Blooms by High Hopes Stamps
Paper: Urban Prairie by Basic Grey, Wild Wasabi and Regal Rose cardstock by Stampin' Up
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: SU rubons, Basic Grey ribbon, EK Success border punch, pearl stickers, Angel Wings Shimmerz, Nestabilities Label 2, Copics Original (Bunny-C3, N5, RV02, RV34, R20, 0; Flowers-G24, RV11, RV34, BV00, Y02, Y08, G29)



Saturday, March 21, 2009

PMS Challenge #3


This is the third challenge card for the PMS blog hop last weekend. I hadn't inked Emma yet, so this is her first time out of the plastic...what a lucky girl!!

Details:
Stamps: Emma by Paper Makeup Stamps
Paper: Night of Navy and Bashful Blue cs by Stampin' Up; DCWV designer paper
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Prima flowers, rhinestone stickers, circle punches, SU rubons, CM circle cutting system, Shimmerz (Sunflower and Sky Blue) Copics (Umbrella/dress-B12, B14, Y02; Rain-BG10; Boots/wings-Y02; Skin-R00, R20; Hair-Y21, E33)

PMS Challenge #2


This is the second challenge for PMS...we needed to use the colors orange, green and white! I just love little Argus with his teddy bear!

Details:

Stamp: Argus with teddy by Paper Makeup Stamps
Paper: Marrakech by Basic Grey, Groovy Guava and Wild Wasabi CS by Stampin' Up
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: SU ribbon, EK Success border punch, SU rubons, Copics (Argus-G24, YR02, E41; Teddy-E57, E59)


PMS Challenge #1



I'm a little late, but I was able to finish all three challenges for last week's PMS blog hop. There were three challenges. The first was to make an altered/3-D item, the second was to use orange, green and white, and the third was to use a sketch that was provided. I got a little bogged down this week, but I finally finished these last night!!

Challenge #1 Altered Pencil/Pen Holder
Details:
Stamps: Sprout by Paper Makeup Stamps
Paper: Sahara Sand and Delicate Dots DP by Stampin' Up
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Ribbon, Copics (skin-R00, E21, R20; Outfit-B12, B14, Y02, Y08; Soil/plant/water-E33, E25, G24; Wings-E41)




Thursday, March 19, 2009

Just Swingin'


No, not that kind of swingin!! I've been under the weather for a while, and I am finally able to get back into my stamp room and create! This card is actually for our swap at stamp club tomorrow night. I had to have this adorable set called A Kind Word (p. 57 in IBC Spring/Summer 2009) from Stampin' Up. They are hopefully going to go more toward the trend of coloring and offer more adorable sets like this in the future. It is really cute! It is also for SC219 on Splitcoaststampers. I haven't been keeping up with the SCS sketch challenges as much, so I'm trying to go back and get some of them in!! I also have been using one of my favorite Copic color combinations RV11 (Pink) and RV34 (Dark Pink)...don't know why I like the combination, I just do!!! Thanks for stopping by and checking out my blog today...I hope you'll stop by again!

Card details:
Stamps: A Kind Word by Stampin' Up
Paper: Raspberry Tart DP, Rose Red, Kiwi Kiss, and Choc. Chip Cardstock
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Organdy ribbon, Cuttlebug Swiss Dot, Copic markers (skin-R00, E21, R20; dress-RV11, RV34; hat-E43, RV34; bird-B12, YR02; Flowers: RV11, RV34, G24; Hair/swing-E57)

Sunday, March 15, 2009

PMS Blog Hop Here...it's a PARTY!!!


I'm so excited to be a part of the PMS blog hop today! Katie, over at Paper Makeup Stamps (PMS) has lots of challenges, prizes and fun planned today for PMS over on Paper Craft Planet! We have become quite a chatty little group over there and all of the ladies are so fun and welcoming. We'd love to have you join us!

Here's a schedule of events!

At 12 EST the blog hop will start. Of course it'll be up all day, but this gives everyone a chance to browse and leave some love before the party starts. There will be some pre-party chatter going on over in the PCP forum

Here's a breakdown of our party plans!
Just before the party starts at 3 EST (that's 2 CST, 1 mountain time, and 12 for west coasters!) Katie will announce the winner of the blog banner giveaway.
3:00 - Then to kick off the party there will be some sneaks and some digis! Woot!
3:30 - Christi will issue our first challenge. There is NO time limit on these, but they will be spaced out for those that want to play along as the party goes on.
4:00 - Playin' some games, givin' away some goods...
4:30 - Christi will issue challenge number 2!
5:00 - The Design Team will be announced!!!
5:30 - Christi will issue challenge number 3!From that point on we will just play and chat and share our creations.


I had to play with one of my new fairies from PMS, especially in time for Easter. She is adorable. I finally have mastered the art of the bow...I can tie one and not have it look pathetic! This was the perfect ribbon for the colors that I chose! And, this paper (Sultry by Basic Grey) is so gorgeous, I had to let it stand on its own. Fairy Elle is colored using Copics and Shimmerz. The shape that she is cut on and used as a background is from the Making Memories Slice cartridge Noteworthy.

Card details:
Stamps: Fairy Elle by Paper Makeup Stamps
Paper: Rose Red and Kiwi Kiss by Stampin Up; Sultry by Basic Grey
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Noteworthy cartridge for Slice; grosgrain ribbon; rhinestone stickers; Pixie Dust Shimmerz Blingz; Copics: Skin-E00, R20; Dress-RV11, RV34; Hair-Y21, E33; Shoes-E57, RV34; Wings-E41, pixie dust blingz; Egg-Y02, V04

If you have come to the blog hop here first, go back to the start on Katie's blog. Then, follow the list here (it's a long one, but your love is truly appreciated!).


Have fun hopping around today!!!

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Double Whammie...2 challenges in one day!


Yesterday I was able to combine two challenges, and today I did the same! I used CC209 from SCS and I used MTTSC13 from Madelynn's Twinkling Tuesdays. I also had to use my adorable fairy Chloe from the Greeting Farm...she was really fun and simple to color tonight, so that was a blessing! The color challenge was Black, Rose Red, and Always Artichoke. I didn't think that I would be feeling it tonight, but it all came together. The flowers are from the wedding section in Micheal's...they are so shimmery and fun and CHEAP!! The last part is the best!

Don't forget the PMS Party on Sunday...there will be a blog hop, and my blog will be a part of it. For more information, click on the icon on the right at the top!

Card details:

Stamps: Fairy Chloe by the Greeting Farm
Paper: Black, Rose Red CS and DSP, Always Artichoke DSP
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: MS ribbon, Paper flowers from Micheals, Bling stickers from Mike's, Pixie Dust Blingz by Shimmerz, Copics: (hair- Y21, E33; dress-RV11, RV34; skin-R00, R20; wings-E41)

Monday, March 9, 2009

Wish You Were Here


I'm back, after a bit of a vacation that just kept getting extended! My original plan was to visit my parents in Surfside Beach, SC from Saturday (2/28) until Wednesday (3/4), and I scheduled some posts for then. Well, the weather was so yucky at the outset and it was becoming increasingly more beautiful as the week went on that we just extended a bit. Meredith was really having a great time with my parents and Judy that we just decided to stay through the weekend. Swimming every day (indoors of course) and a couple of trips to the actual beach punctuated a very successful daddyless vacation. We missed him of course and on Saturday it was finally time to come home! Meredith kept saying "I miss Daddy!" This sad little bear reminded me of that sentiment, so this little card is dedicated to her!



Some upcoming news! Paper Makeup Stamps (more affectionately known as PMS) is having a party this Sunday, March 15th!! You don't want to miss it...they will be having a fun blog hop, surprises, and the announcement of the design team. If you haven't heard of them by now, you have to hurry over to Katie's site and check them out...absolutely adorable and so affordable!

I had fun with this card, and I was able to combine two challenges: Mojo Monday #77 (sketch challenge) and Paper Makeups' PMSeb1 (an embellishment challenge) Hopefully, the challenges really will help with my mojo!! It was nice to get my fingers inky tonight!

Here are my card details:

Stamps: Grumble Bear and sentiment by Paper Makeup Stamps
Paper: DCWV designer paper, Close to Cocoa and Choc. Chip by SU
Ink: Rich Cocoa and Tuxedo Black by Memento
Accessories: SU Rhinestone Ice Squares, Shimmerz Pixie Dust Blingz, Nestabilities Scalloped Circles, CM circle cutting system, Cuttlebug embossing folder, Copics (E57, E25, E33, N5, B12)

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Clean and Simple...Me?


My cards haven't really been as clean and simple lately as they were in the past. However, when I do swaps for my stamp club, I can't duplicate some of these cards 6 times. So, I have to ratchet it down a few notches. I have to get back to my roots, so to speak! The parameters for this month's swap were to follow one of the sketch challenges on SCS. Our February host, Katie, chose SC119 and it was one that I had done before, but I wanted to try out my new Bella's Blooms set. The colors came out nicely, and I was quite pleased with the card. You won't believe my list of accessories on this one...one thing! YIKES! Can it be?

Card Details:

Stamps: Bella's Blooms and Whimsy jumbo wheel by SU

Paper: Pink Piroette, Riding Hood Red DSP, Chocolate Chip

Ink: Riding Hood Red ink pad, Pretty in Pink and Mellow Moss markers to color image

Accessories: Spica pen

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Happy Birthday, Carter


I just love the Anya and Ian stamps from the Greeting Farm. They are so fun to play with and fun to color. I sound like a kid!! Anyway, this card was for my friend and rubbah dealer, Jen's little boy Carter. He turned two recently, and we went to his birthday party. I knew that I had to color this image like the little man himself. I just love the cuteness factor of this stamp and this whole line of stamps!

Card details:

Stamps: Spaceman Ian by The Greeting Farm, sentiment by SU
Paper: SU Bashful Blue, Brilliant Blue, Summer Sun and Real Red
Ink: Silver Encore, Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: CM circle cutter, Cuttlebug embossing folder, SU star punch, Copics and spica markers (I can't remember which, and the card is now gone!)

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Opposites Attract


It always happens. You see a man and a woman together, and you just wonder, "what ever brought those two together?" Well, Cowboy Ian and Mermaid Anya are the type of couple that you might question their attraction. I mean, he's a rough and tumble sort, out riding on the range, miles from water. And, then there is sweet Anya, swimming in her ocean looking high and low for whatever it is mermaids look for. Cue music, "there you see her, sitting there across the way, she don't got a lot to say, but there's something about her." So, even the most rugged cowboy can't help but fall for Anya and her siren song. And, I know that it is stuck in your head, so just go ahead and sing,

"Sha la la la la la la, my oh my, looks like the boy's too shy, ain't gonna kiss the girl. Whoa oh oh!"

Here are the details:

Stamps: Cowboy Ian and Mermaid Anya by The Greeting Farm; sentiment is computer generated
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: Me and My Big Ideas Designer Paper; SU Night of Navy, Real Red, Kiwi Kiss
Accessories: Marvy Scalloped Oval punch, Primas, Rhinestone brad, pearls, Ribbon from Basic Grey, Copics (Ian: R00, Y21, R27, B14, B37, E33, E57; Anya: R00, E57, E59, G17, RV34, RV11) and spica glitter pens