Tangii's Creative Corner

I'm moving!!! Well, kinda...

2009-01-13T20:29:00.000-08:00

I finally have my new blog ready for visitors!! I still have a few things to do on it, but I'd love to have you come over for a visit... If you would still like to follow my blog (well the new one), there is an email subscription button on the right sidebar, I truely hope you'll continue to follow... I enjoy your company (not to mention the wonderful commments!). This will be my last comment on this blog... Please visit me at http://www.tangiink.com/

Last Calendar page (seriously)...

2009-01-13T20:24:00.000-08:00

This is the last of my contributions to the Bella calendar swap (whew!)!!

Supplies:

Stamps: HuggyBella's

Paper: Autumn Vine DSP, Chocolate Chip, Really Rust and Apricot Appeal cardstock (all from SU)

Ink: Black Craft ink

Accessories: clear ep, Chocolate satin ribbon from PTI, circle nesties and copics.

Bellaholics Calendar Swap, September & April

2009-01-11T20:31:00.001-08:00

This is my September page for the Bellaholics Calendar Swap.

Supplies

Stamps: Flowers from StampingBella

Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black

Paper: Cloud 9 Design, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White

Accessories: Prima flowers, MM brads (both the squares and circles), ribbon from PTI

And last, but not least...my April page (I {heart} Stella!!). I colored her flower with my copic and then went over it with Sunny Shimmerz. For the crown and wand, I colored them both with a copic and then went over them with a Gold Spica Glitter pen.

Supplies

Stamps: Stella on a Flower

Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black

Paper: diVine collection by Rubbersoul, Pixie Pink and Whisper White cardstock

Accessories: Sunny Shimmerz, Gold Spica glitter pen, circle nesties, Rhinestone brads from Stampin Up!

Limelight Papercrafts DT call

2009-01-10T18:33:00.000-08:00

Limelight Papercrafts is holding a Design Team call. If you have never "talked" with Amanda...she is awesome and super-de-duper sweet! You can go here for all the deets! Deadline is January 17th!!

Bloggers Challenge #81, Designer Paper Showcase

2009-01-09T22:31:00.000-08:00

Here it is! This week's Blogger's Challenge was to showcase Designer Paper...how fun! I was set on using this layout on the card, but when I got the image, etc. on it it seemed too flat. I finally got it finished and I'm sure it's still Friday somewhere, lol! Not sure if I like it with the bow or without, what do you think? Supplies:

Stamps: Love you much by Stampin Up!

Ink: White Stazon, VersaMark

Paper: Two Scoops by Basic Gray, Whisper White

Accessories: 3 hearts punch by Stampin Up, White Tafetta ribbon, pearls

Bella Calendar Swap, October & November

2009-01-08T08:36:00.000-08:00

For the Bella Calendar swap this year I made 5 different pages, here is one of my November pages, the bottom of my calendar says "I am thankful for my friends". These HuggyBellas are still one of my favoite Bellas!

Supplies (all images are from www.stampingbella.com):
Stamps: HuggyBellas
Paper: First Fruits collect by PTI, Summer Sunrise and Rioe Olive cardstocks from PTI, Really Rust cardstock from Stampin' Up!
Ink: Brilliance in Graphite Black
Accessories: Ripe Olive Satin ribbon from PTI, ep (image is embossed), circle nestabilities, Copics

Here is my October page...

Supplies:

Stamps: WitchyBella

Paper: DP is from a Halloween pack from MFT Stamps, Black and Whisper White cardstocks by SU!

Ink: Brilliance in Graphite Black

Accessories: Nestabilities tags, button from Stampin' Up!, Black ribbon, copics, sentiment is a rubon by Stampin Up!

And the Blog Candy winner is...

2009-01-05T13:45:00.000-08:00

Wow, thank you all for your ideas! I got tons of email ideas as well...thanks so much! After a couple of conversations with various "helpers", I've come up with the winner...actually winnerS. I have decided to combine the ideas from Cindy Malone and Kate Upshaw! Now I guess I'd better get to work on the construction of my new site!! I am so excited! I'll keep posting here until the new site is done....thank you all, again, for all of your awesome ideas! Cindy & Kate please email me so I can send you both your goodies!

Blog candy alert…

2009-01-04T21:37:00.000-08:00

This post will remain at the top of my blog until the deadline. Please scroll down to see new posts. I have been thinking about moving my blog over to Typepad, and have finally decided to take the plunge! When I created this blog, I was obviously “creatively challenged” and I think that the domain and the blog name are boring and don’t very accurately describe my or my style, etc. Here is what I am asking of you… Please help me come up with a name for my blog. You can email it to me at tccrain@socal.rr.com or you can post a comment here. This will not be be a “random” winner. The person who comes up with the name I like the best (I will probably have a small panel of family to vote on the favorite) will win a package of Sweet Always DSP (by Stampin Up!, a brande new package of Fire Circle Rhinestone Brads, and 2 yards each of Chocolate CHip 5/8" ribbon, Regal Rose 5/8" ribbon Pink Pirouette 5/8" Striped ribbon and Pumpkin Pie 1/2" Striped ribbon (these are the 4 coordinating colors to the paper). The deadline to enter will be Sunday, January the 4th. So put on your thinking caps and send me your ideas. You can submit as many ideas as you can come up with.

Valentine Test Tubes

2009-01-03T20:43:00.001-08:00

I needed to make a “hand stamped” item for a Stampin Up meeting tomorrow. I love these little test tube things, they are so quick and easy and you get a huge “WOW”! The patter is from Lisa Somerville, I altered it a little. When I made this the first time the tubes wouldn’t stand straight so I added a 2nd set of holes inside the box so they’d be held in place. I also added Close to Cocoa on the back for added support (you can see the scalloped top). I hope the ladies like this! That “Love you Much” bundle sure is coming in handy!! Thanks for stopping by, tomorrow I will have the calendar pages posted. Happy Sunday!

Supplies (all supplies are Stampin’ Up!)
Stamps: Love you Much
Ink: Riding Hood Red, Close to Cocoa
Paper: Candy Lane dsp (from the bundle), Close to Cocoa, Riding Hood Red cardstocks
Accessories: Riding Hood Red Taffeta ribbon, scallop circle punch, circle punches, twine.

BC80 – Love you much!

2009-01-02T20:41:00.001-08:00

This week’s Bloggers Challenge was to use any Red, Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip and either Very Vanilla or Whisper White. Well since I also have to make some Valentine swap cards for Sunday I decided to kill 2 birds with 1 stone…here’s the result! You’ve got to go and check out everyone else’s BC cards…they are awesome! You can click on the button in my sidebar. I am sure I am the last one on the planet to try out one of Stampin’ Up!’s punches that coordinate with a stamp…omg! these are way too cool! I used the 3 heart stamp from the Love You Much stamp set, and the coordinating punch…lines up with those hearts perfectly!!! You can get the stamp set, the punch and the new Candy Lane Dsp as part of the Love You Much bundle for only $41.48 (that’s 20% off!!). Click on the “Love You Much bundle” words above and then click “Shop Now” in the upper right…easy as pie! Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies (all supplies are Stampin’ Up!):
Stamps: Love you much
Paper: Candy Lane dsp, Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze cardstocks
Ink: Riding Hood Red
Accessories: 3 hearts punch (from bundle), Button Bouquet, Chocolate Chip Taffeta ribbon

Hot Chocolate!

2009-01-01T21:53:00.001-08:00

This was for Hubby’s Dad & Step-Mom. I really wanted to make them something home made and fun for Christmas this year. Neither of them drink coffee or tea, but they both like hot chocolate. I wonder if Target realizes that they are a crafters dream store? How many times have we found the funnest alterables in the $1 bin? Well none of this came from the $1 bin, but alot of it did come from the Christmas baking aisle! Christmas tree shaped marshmallows, I got some plastic spoons and dipped a couple in milk chocolate and a couple in white chocolate. The cute bags came from there also. I bought some huge pretzle sticks at my local cake decorating store and dipped them in chocolate and then covered them with Christmas Tree candy sprinkles! That is a Spaghetti jar filled with NesQuick powder. I also included my boys’ favorite “Secret Hot Chocolate” recipe! The main image is from a set I won from Gina K Designs recently! (Gotta love Gina!!!). While I am quite proud of myself with all of the Christmas goodies I made this year, I am equally happy at this point to be done making anything “Christmas”, lol! Thanks for stopping by, tomorrow is Bloggers Challenge day, and on Saturday I hope to post my calendar page contributions for the Bella Calendar Swap.

Supplies:
Stamps: My Cuppa Joe by Rupa Shevde for Gina K Designs, From the Kitchen of by JustRite
Ink: Momento Dew Drops in Brown, Ruby Red classic ink from Stampin Up!
Paper: Holiday Treasures, Ruby Red, Chocolate Chip and Whisper White card stocks
Accessories: Felt ribbon and Ruby Red brads from SU, Circle and Rectangle nesties, White Liquid Applique

Card Organizer

2008-12-30T20:13:00.001-08:00

I made this card organizer for my mom (who seems to be the biggest admirer of my cards, yup, she was my first “buyer”). I can totally see my mom making the same face as Bossy Elzy and in that same stance, lol! I made this box at 2 am on Christmas morning, because I couldn’t sleep and because “the idea just came to me…”. She really liked her box, but I guess now I’d better get busy filling it up for her! For the index cards, I made her 8 of them and I left them blank so that she could come up with her own categories, etc.

Supplies (all supplies are Stampin’ Up! unless otherwise noted):
Stamps: Bossy by Elzybells UK, “I’m not bossy…” sentiment also by Elzybells UK
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black
Paper: Maine Blueberry, Night of Navy, Old Olive and Whisper White cardstocks
Accessories: Mellow Moss Taffeta ribbon, Top Note die, Copic markers, Tab punch, corner rounder, Crop-a-dile, On Board Chip Board

Old Guys Rule

2008-12-28T22:35:00.001-08:00

Haha, I love this line of t-shirts, etc. When I saw this designer paper at my LSS, I knew I had to get it. It made a great cover for a notepad for my Daddy. It’s hard to come up with some kind of alterable for a guy. I also added a little “b” Chipboard monogram. Fun, quick, Easy and best of all Dad loved it!

Post-it holder

2008-12-27T20:47:00.001-08:00

I made this little post-it note holder for my Gramma. She is truly a blessing to me, I adore her with every ounce of me. I used Stampin’ Up! Chip board and just cut it to the size I wanted, I don’t seem to be very good at using standard sizes, lol! Here it is open.

Supplies:
Stamps: A Beautiful Thing, Tart & Tangy
Paper: Summer Picnic, Real Red, Bashful Blue and Whisper White cardstocks
Ink: Real Red, Glorious Green
Accessories: Red check ribbon, Scallope circle punch, cirlcle punches, scalloped border punch, Stampin Up! chipboard, Bind it all

Some gift card holders...

2008-12-27T16:32:00.001-08:00

My parents like giftcards for Christmas, and since it seems like they have just about everything it works out well! I made 3 different gift card holders. This one was for my Gramma. There is a great tutorial for it on Gina K's blog, being that I was full of cold medicine and feeling artistically challenged, I decided to also use Gina's beautiful layout! Here is the inside of the card

Supplies:

Stamps: Frosty

Ink: Brilliance in Graphite Black

Paper: Holiday Treasures, Ruby Red and Shimmery White cardstocks all paper by Stampin' Up!

Accessories: Rectanlge Nestabilities, Copic Markers, Sakura Black Glaze Pen, Word Window punch by SU! (for the slot that holds the card)

Another Gift card holder...

2008-12-27T16:30:00.000-08:00

Closed this card isn't so much fun, but when you open it..woo hoo! This one was for my Daddy and of course it is holding a Home Depot gift card, lol. Santa is colored with Copics and has Dazzling Diamonds snow and Fun Flock for the fur on his suit...very dashing!

Supplies:
Stamps: Jolliest Time of the Year, Holidays & Wishes
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black, Craft Basic Black
Paper: Wintergreen DSP, Black, Basic Gray, Sage Shadow cardstocks
Accessories: Vanilla hardware, Top Note die, Black ep, Ticket Punch, Tag Punch

Secret Santa gifts...

2008-12-16T20:01:00.000-08:00

I participated in a Secret Santa gift exchange this year...how fun!!! These are 2 of the "handmade items" I made for my little elf. These test tubes are the funnest little things to decorate! I filled these up with gumballs (mostly cause I liked the colors, lol).

Supplies (all supplies are Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted)

Stamps: Deer Friends

Paper: Heirloom Treasures, Ruby Red and Chocolate Chip cardstocks

Ink: Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Season of Cheer and Saint Nick Rub-ons, Felt Flurries, circle punches, silver cord, Alpine Ribbon Originals and Test Tubes by Martha Stewart

Secret Santa gift #2

2008-12-16T20:00:00.000-08:00

Here is the second item I made, this one is full of yummy chocolate. I hope my little elf likes her homemade goodies!

Supplies (all supplies are Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted)

Stamps: Snow Swirled

Paper: Heirloom Treasures, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip and Ruby Red cardstocks

Ink: Old Olive

Accessories: Saint Nick rub-ons, Fire and Ice Rhinestone Brads, Brown felt Alpine ribbon, Slit punch, Circle Nestabilities, I don't remember where the cardboard container came from.

Bellaholics Calendar Swap

2008-12-15T19:53:00.000-08:00

Well this is the 2nd year that I have hostessed the Bellaholics Anonymous Calendar Swap. Each person make calendar pages for 4 months and then we throw all the extra's in a big pile and reassemble all the calendars. I normally end up contributing 2 spots and then I bind them and give them a front and a back. This is this years calendar. Later I'll post my month contributions. This year we made 44 calendars! Up a few from last year. I think the biggest challenge is making these cute and simple. I can't do anything elaborate or very time consuming since I have to make 44 of them. I'm rather pleased with this year's covers, I hope everyone else likes them too! The circle on the cover is a monogram using my JustRite Special Occassions set. The part where you see the words is the back cover (the front cover is 9" long and the back cover is 10 1/2" long), it says "Life, Live like you mean it".

Birthday Gift for my MIL

2008-12-14T22:09:00.001-08:00

Have you ever had one of those projects where you worked so long and so hard on something and you are abosultely inlove with the end result, and then the recipient says "Oh, that's nice"? This is that project. I made this Stationery Box and altered Candle for my Mother in Law's birthday. Now mind you these stationery boxes are pretty quick and easy to make, but I spent hours coming up with the card, and the note cards, etc. I really loved the way it turned out. I got the directions for the box from Jackie Topa's blog and then just had a great time decorating it, etc. Because my cards and note cards are so bulky I could only fit 4 of each into the little cubbies. The main image on the cards was colored in using my "Homemade In Colors" markers (click on the Tutorial catagory on the left sidebar to see how to make your own set of these). Below is a picture of the contents, the cirlce thing-y's in the corner are envelope seals. This was so much fun I think I will make some more for some family Christmas presents!

Supplies (all supplies are Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted):
Stamps: Bloomin Beautiful, Say it with Scallops, "From the Desk of" and Special Occassions font by JustRite Stamps, "B" monogram and border by PTI
Paper: Bella Blossoms DSP, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Pink Pirouette, Kiwi Kiss cardstocks
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Riding Hood Red
Accessories: Stampin' Up! markers, Pink Tafetta ribbon, dimensionals, Ticket punch, Chocolate Chip 5/8" ribbon, Riding Hood Red stripped ribbon, circle punches, scallop circle punch, Nestabilities (tags and circles), Swiss Dots cuttlebug folder, Button Bouquet buttons.

BC76 - A Color Challenge...

2008-12-05T17:34:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday!!! Happy Friday means Happy Bloggers' Challenge day! Woo hoo! Todays' challenge was to use Bashful Blue, Old Olive, Tango Tangerine and Close to Cocoa. I was very excited to be getting my challenge card done early (yesterday), until I finished and realized I didn't like it, so I made another one! Above is my 2nd attempt, I like this one. I've attached my "reject" card below.

Supplies (all supplies are Stampin' Up!):

Stamps: Jolliest Time of the Year

Ink: Brilliance in Graphite Black

Paper: Close to Cocoa, Bashful Blue and Whisper White cardstock, Frosty Day DSP

Accessories: Rhinestone brads, Felt Snowflakes, Dazzling Diamonds

Here is my poor little "reject card", lol. I used Spica glitter pens and "outlined" the snow with a C-1 Copic marker. I think I like the Dazzling Diamonds look above better. This is a Joy Fold card.

Supplies (all supplies are Stampin' Up!):
Stamps: Jollies Time of the Year
Ink: Basic Black and Bashful Blue
Paper: Bashfull Blue, Close to Cocoa and Whisper White cardstocks, Frosty Day DSP
Accessories: Rhinestone Brads, Silver cording, copic markers, spica glitter pen in clear, Black Sakura glaze pen, Scallop circle punch, circle punch

BC75 - Inspiration Challenge

2008-11-28T22:53:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday!!! I am so excited to be stamping again and participating in the Bloggers' Challenges! This week's challenge was an Inspiration Challenge, IC's are quickly becoming my favorite types of challenges!! :) Thanks Lisa! You can see the Inspiration piece below. A friend of mine had a really bad week this past week, so when I was looking through my stamps trying to figure out which stamps to use for the challenge, I knew this set would make for a perfect card for her! Thanks for stopping by, hope to see you again! Have a wonderful weekend!

Supplies:

Stamps: owl always love you by Gina K Designs

Paper: Figgy by Basic Gray, Basic white cardstock from PTI

Ink: Brilliance in Graphite Black

Accessories: Build-a-Brads from Stampin' Up!, Copic markers, Paper piercer, Sakura Black Glaze pen

A couple of Thanksgiving cards

2008-11-28T16:29:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I just love all the cooking, all the family time, all the play time!! I know I am late getting these up, but I really wanted to share them because I really like how they both turned out. I used Harvest Home stamp set for both and my Basic Gray Mellow mat pack for both. This card I did a little paper piecing, for the pumpkins I used paper from the Autumn Vines DSP by Stampin' Up!, and then just used Whisper White cs for the stems.

Supplies:

Stamps: Harvest Home by Stampin' Up!

Paper: Chocolate Chip, Really Rust and Whisper White cardstocks by Stampin' Up!, Autumn Vine DSP by Stampin' Up!, Mellow paper pad by Basic Gray

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Stampin' Up! markers

Accessories: Chocolate Satin Ribbon from PTI, Nestabilities

This card turned out even better than my original plan (I just love when that happens). Not sure if you can tell from the picture, but I used the Pumpkins Cuttlebug folder on the Pumpkin Pie rectangle. The "buttons" are wood buttons that I colored with my copics. I also dug out my Metallic Rub-Ons from Gina K Designs to "ink" the edges of the white cardstock. Love this stuff!!! I love it even more, I am sure, when I learn how to use it, lol!

Supplies:

Stamps: Harvest Home by Stampin' Up!

Paper: Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie and Whisper White cardstocks by Stampin' Up!, Mellow paper pad by Basic Gray

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Stampin Up Markers, Copic Markers

Accessories: Wood leaf buttons, CB embossing folder, twine, Metallic Rub-Ons

Shimmerz Blog candy winner...

2008-11-28T11:46:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who sent Birthday cards!! Every day we got a stack of cards! It was sooooo much fun! My daughter loved them all and said "gosh, I feel so loved, hehehe". The cards were absolutely gorgeous and wonderful, thank you so much to everyone who sent a card! The winner of the 4 pots of Shimmerz from My Favorite Things is.... Sarah Anderson! Here is the card Sarah sent. Sarah, please email me with your choice of colors.

An Award from Susan (StampingTink)

2008-11-28T11:37:00.000-08:00

This blog invests and believes the PROXIMITY- nearness in space, time and relationships. These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or 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 8 bloggers who may then pass it on. I hope you’ll accept this award from me because of our friendship and the inspiration you all give me. I received this super cute & charming award from Susan. Thanks, Susan!

Christi Thorsen
Chris Dickenson
Teresa Kline
Leanne Dudley
Lynn Mercurio
Lori Tecler
Sarah Anderson
Shannon Roberts

Christmas Card kits... limited quantities

2008-11-27T08:46:00.000-08:00

I have pre cut, etc. a small handful of each of the Christmas card kits/add-ons (click on the picture on the left sidebar for details). Due to the Holiday "time crunch" once I run out of what has been precut, I will not be selling any more. So, order yours now, these kits are going fast! To order your kit(s) email me today at tccrain@socal.rr.com. Have a wonderful day! Later today I'll post some Thanksgiving cards and tomorrow is Bloggers' Challenge day!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2008-11-18T16:34:00.001-08:00

I always feel so honored and get a "warm & fuzzy" when someone sends me one of these awards. I never think that anyone really looks at my blog very often and so I am so surprised and honored to know when someone is not only reading it, but comes back for more! I got this award from Susan (Stampin Tink), you've gotta check out her blog...not only are her cards, etc. wonderful, but her blog is super cute too! It seems like "life" is just taking over and swipping my "creative time"...thanks Susan for the little nudge I needed to get back on track!

So here's the rules with this award:

1. The winner may put the logo on their blog.
2. Put a link to the person who sent you the award.
3. Nominate 5 blogs.
4. Put links to their blogs
5. Leave a message for your nominees

There are so many blogs out there that inspire me in one way or another, instead of nominating 5 I will ask that you visit 5 of the fabulous blogs on my sidebar. THanks again Susan and to everyone else who reads my itty bitty blog! Have a wonderful week!

Shimmerz Cupcake Birthday MFTWUW04 & SC199

2008-11-12T18:14:00.000-08:00

Finally!!! I finally got to stamp, I finally got to post and I finally got to play with some of the goodies I've gotten lately from a few different friends! (Wait until you see the cupcake card tomorrow using my cupcake from Shannon & Lisa). Talk about multi-tasking...this is a Birthday card for my Chemo patient (I am a Chemo card angel), this is my paper piecing entry for MFT Stamps What's Up Wednesday Challenge and the SplitCoast Sketch Challenge 199...whew, that was a mouthfull :)
Let's get to the fun facts... The cupcake wrapper is paper pieced as is the frosting (technically), I colored the frosting with my copics using RV02 and BG23, then I painted over them using Pink and Mint Shimmerz. I also colored in the cherry using R29 and then gave it some dimension with Crystal Effects. Hopefully you can see the shimmer better on this little picture as well as all the dimension. Thanks to Carollee for this awesome paper, the perfectly matching Shimmerz and the super cute ribbon!!! Thanks for stopping by and looking!

Supplies:

Stamps: It's a Cupcake Kind of Day and sentiment from You Take the Cake (both sets by MFT Stamps)

Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black

Paper: The Sweet Stack with Glitter by DCWV

Accessories: Copic markers, Shimmerz, Pretty in Pink cs (by Stampin Up), Crystal Effects, dimensionals

Yeah I'm back!! How about some Blog Candy??

2008-11-12T13:06:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! Thanks for visiting and for bearing with me in my absence. The world is back on track now and I think I am getting caught up! This post will remain at the top of my blog until the Blog Candy deadline, so please scroll down to see other posts!

My beautiful and wonderful baby girl is turning 18 next week (November 20th)! That is her in the picture with me. She loves stamping and drooling over the talent of many of my "online friends". So here's the deal... send her a Happy 18th Birthday card by November 26th (that gives you 2 weeks). Please also leave a comment on this post. We will put all the cards in a hat and draw one as the winner. The winner will receive (drum roll please.....)

4 bottles of Shimmerz, their choice of colors!!!
Shimmerz will be shipped directly to you from My Favorite Things Stamps

This is a surprise, she has no idea. Please email me for the address (tccrain@socal.rr.com)

Happy Halloween! & Bloggers Challenge #71

2008-10-31T17:06:00.000-07:00

Happy Weenie Day!! Someone told me that today and I couldn't stop laughing!! Hehehehe. Happy Friday too!!! and of course Happy Blogger's Challenge Day!!!! Woo hoo! Today's challenge was an easy one...Halloween! Luck for me it was so easy, cause I am sooooo far behind and buried in everything I needed an easy thing! Besides I got lots of cool stuff for Halloween cards and have not really used any of it (insert super sad face here!). Well here is a card I made to send to my Mommy & Daddy. I made the card the other night and had to get it in the next day's mail so it would get there in time...had I had more time I would have changed a thing or two...like making either the jars or the spider dimensional. Oh well...I still liked the way it turned out. I stamped the web in black and then went over it with my clear Spica pen, the spider is embossed with black and I used my Stampin Up! Color Spritzer on the white background so it wasn't so plain.

Supplies:

Stamps: Totally Witchin' by MFT Stamps
Paper: Halloween paper packs from MFT Stamps, Papertrey Ink white, Tangerine Tango and Basic Black from Stampin' Up!

Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black

Accessories: Black 1/4" ribbon, black brads from Stampin Up, Copic markers, Clear Spica glitter pen, rectangle Scallop Nestabilities, embossing powder.

I made these little goodie bags for some of the neighborhood kids and the kid's of my co-workers. Quick and easy, but I was determined to make something with the Eat, Drink and Be Scary set that I just had to have because it was so super cute!!! I am so bummed the I didn't get more time to make Halloween goodies!! The hat is stamped with black on white and then matted on black and popped up with dimensionals.

Supplies (all supplies are Stampin Up!):

Stamps: Eat, Drink and be Scary

Ink: Basic Black

Paper: Basic Black, Old Olive, Whisper White

Accessories: Pumpkin Pien 1/4" ribbon, Top Notz Die

Bloggers Challenge #69...

2008-10-18T19:47:00.000-07:00

Happy Bloggers Challenge Day, a day late! :) This week Lisa challenged us to use Really Rust, Riding Hood Red and Old Olive. I really didn't think I was going to be able to get a card done this week, but then an idea came to me and I was determined!! Sorry I am late!!

I am a Chemo Card Angel and this one is going to Angel friend. She loves the fall like I do and loves to see the fall colors, etc. She may not be able to go and see the colors change this year so I thought maybe I can bring some of those colors to her! I think I'm gonna package this card up with some goodies for her and her family! Thanks Lisa for an awesome challenge, these colors are gorgeous together!!! I used the leaf stamp to stamp on the white with all 3 colors. Then I took the cardstock of those colors and stamped in Versamark and clear embossed the leaf image, then cut around each leaf.

Supplies

Stamps: Botanical Dreams by Asela Hopkins for Gina K Designs

Paper: Whisper White, Old Olive, Riding Hood Red

Ink: Versamark, Riding Hood Red, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip

Big Shot card swap

2008-10-18T19:40:00.000-07:00

I signed up for a Big Shot Christmas card swap. It seems like everyone is using the Top Note die, so I was determined to choose a different one. This is what I came up with using the Scalloped Envelope, I think I rather like this card. I had to make 15 of them and of course I had to fall in love with an idea before realizing what a ton of paper it was going to use, lol. Well I hope my fellow swappers like my card, I am always worried people are going to get my card in a swap and say "what on earth was she thinking????" Hope you are having a wonderful weekend, thanks for stopping by!

Supplies:

Stamps: Snow Swirled

Paper: Holiday Treasures DP, Ruby Red, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip and Shimmer White cardstock

Ink: Ruby Red

Accessories: SU Bigz Scalloped Envelope die, Riding Hood Red/Very Vanilla Grosgrain ribbon

A little 'Spoil me' package for someone...

2008-10-12T20:16:00.000-07:00

I have a 'card pal' who had a really rough week last week, so my first thought was "Ok, what can I do to make this next week a little better?". While we were at Target getting Halloween costumes today, I left the boys with hubby and went searching for something that said "pamper me". I found this jar candle which smelled really good and looked perfect for altering! A little PTI ribbon and some Guidelines paper (also from PTI), a few rub-ons from Stampin' Up and Voila! Hocus Pocus, a candle that smells wonderfully and looks pretty! That should put a smile on her face! Next I went to a little Boutique type store in the same little area and found the yummiest Rose smelling Bath Gel, a Rose smelling soap cake and some really great lip balm/gel stuff, yup Rose smelling (did I tell ya she loves Roses?). That should do it! I just love how a little paper and some ribbons can really take some ordinary things and make them 'just so'. I had made the card a while ago, but it sure was perfect for the occassion! I don't think my 'card pal' reads my blog but if she see's this...Lisa this is for you, I hope it brings a smile to your heart. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you all have a wonderful week!!

Supplies:

Stamps: Take a Break (PTI), Say it With Scallops (Stampin' Up!)

Paper: Guidelines (PTI), Whisper White, Shimmer White, Lovely Lilac and Perfect Plum cardstocks

Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black, Lovely Lilac

Accessories: Stampin Up Rub-ons, PTI Ribbon, Stampin' Up!'s Build-a-Brad, misc. White satin ribbon, Whisper White Tafetta ribbon from Stampin' Up!

Bloggers Challenge #68 - an Inspiration Challenge

2008-10-12T19:28:00.000-07:00

Woo hoo, game on!! This is the first 'inspiration challenge' I have ever done and all I can say is bring 'em on! These are a blast!!!!!! Now let me apologize for being so late! I won't get into why, but I would like to say that things are much better and thank goodness for answered prayers!! Now back to the fun stuff... I have to say I even love this card! :) Here is the inspiration piece...very cute, eh? As soon as I saw this I knew I had to ink up my Guide Lines set from PTI. I think I spent more time playing than actually making the card! Can I also just say that I LOVE the Riding Hood Red color from Stampin Up! What a yummy shade of red.

Supplies:

Stamps: Bloomin Beautiful (Stampin' Up!), Guide Lines (PTI), Best Yet (Stampin' Up!)

Ink: Riding Hood Red, Basic Black & Brilliance Graphite Black

Paper: Whisper White, Riding Hood Red & Basic Black

Accessories: Riding Hood Red Tafetta Ribbon, Copic Markers, Photo Corner Punch, Designer Label Punch, Circle Punch

Christmas Card Swap - Vertical Joy Fold card

2008-10-12T19:00:00.000-07:00

This is one of the cards I made for a Christmas Card swap I was in. Super fun swap, I can't wait to see what I get back! I haven't done a card swap in quite awhile. Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies (all supplies are Stampin' Up!):

Stamps: Jollies Time of the Year, Seasonal Icons

Ink: Stazon On Jet Black, Baja Breeze

Paper: Ski Slope dsp, Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze and Real Red cardstocks

Accessories: Rhinestone Brad, Stampin Up Markers, Dazzling Diamonds, Scallop Circle Punch

Shake it baby!

2008-10-12T18:56:00.000-07:00

This is one of those cards that was so super cute...in my head! I love this set from Melanie, Jumping for Joy. I thought this Ostrich was so cute! While the card isn't as "WOW" as I'd hoped I still think it is cute. I made this card so long ago and just finished it the other day. I colored him in with Copic markers and went over the feather area with a Spica Glitter pen. I also cut out his 'tail feathers' and glued them on (not with a dimensional).

Supplies:

Stamps: Jumping for Joy (Gina K Designs)

Paper: Wild Wasabi, Brilliant Blue and Whisper White cardstocks, I think the DSP is Basic Gray

Ink: Brilliant Blue, Brilliance Graphite Black

Accessories: Brilliant Blue feathers, pearls, Black Sakura Glaze pen, Spica Clear Glitter pen, Oval Nestabilities.

Marge & some very old buttons...

2008-10-04T16:00:00.000-07:00

What a great day today is so far!!! My girlfriend who owns a Salon, every year does a "Haircut day' and the proceeds of all haircuts goes to the Susan G Komen foundation (awesome event). So today I went, got a great haircut and contributed to a wonderful cause which always makes us feel good! On top of that the weather here is just perfect for a Pajama/stamping/rent a movie/have a big bowl of chili kind of day!! Life doesn't get much better!!!!

LeAnne (if you go to her blog she is also giving away some blog candy) gave us an Embellishment challenge to use at least 5 buttons and some ribbon (this was for my Bellaholics Anonomous group), so I pulled out my Marge stamp from Stamping Bella and my big ol' tin of buttons from my Great Gramma...and voila! I really love this card! How fun it was to play with those old buttons of Gramma's. There are even some old patterns and Embroidery transfers in there....so cool!! I just love looking at old buttons, and running your fingers through them...if that doesn't make the memories just come gushing through... I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend!

Supplies:
Stamps: Marge (Stamping Bella), Sentiment from One of a Kind set by Stampin Up
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black, Chocolate Chip
Paper: Basic Gray dsp; Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla and Pimpkin Pie cardstocks
Accessories: Gramm's old buttons, Brown satin ribbon from PTI

Happy Birthday to you...

2008-10-04T08:43:00.000-07:00

This Merry Muffin set by Stampendous exclusively for Eclectic Paperie is just the cutest! THis birthday card is for one of my wonderful friends (she loves purple!!). This card was so fun to make!

Supplies:

Stamps: Merry Muffins

Paper: DP is Gridlines by Papertrey Ink, Elegan Eggplant, Whisper White and Pale Plum cs.

Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black

Accessories: Purple Liquid Pearls, Copic Markers, PTI ribbons, scallop circle punch (by Stampin Up), square nestabilities

BCW67 - Love/Anniversary or "Falling for You"

2008-10-03T21:26:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday!!! When I read this week's challenge I was so excited because I had just gotten this sentiment stamp from Stamping Bella and knew just the image I'd use to go with it... this is one of my fav's!!! I LOVE frogs!!!! As if an Elzybells isnt cute enough by herself, throw in a frog and now it's perfect!! :) This was one of those humbling cards that knocks your ego down a few pegs. I had this card in my head since I'd first read what the challenge was (a few days ago). I started working on it and decided I didn't like "this" so I changed it, and then I didn't like "that" so I changed it too, then it just wasn't coming together... in the end, this is NOTHING like my original idea (which I don't even remember now), but I think I like it! Jeanne Streiff has a great tutorial on sponging skies and grass, so I thought I'd try it because I was just too tired to get out all of my airbrush stuff. Her tutorial is awesome, I promise...I just failed at it. If anyone has any tips on sponging and what I maybe did wrong I'd love to hear it. In the mean time I'll be setting up my Airbrush stuff tomorrow to fix this poor little girl!
Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful weekend! Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies:

Stamps: Elzybells Frog Prince, sentiment by Stamping Bella

Paper: Rose Red and Basic Black cardstocks by Stamping Up; cream cardstock from Papertrey Ink & misc DSp

Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black, Copic Markers YG63, YG67, G21, E00, E31, E35, YR17 & R85

Accessories: Blush Blossom Ribbon by Papertrey Ink, Nestabilities Tag, Twine, Slit Punch, White gel pen

Season of Joy Card kit

2008-09-28T23:44:00.000-07:00

These are the cards you will be making with my 'Stampin Up! Season of Joy Christmas Card kit'. With this kit you will be able to make 4 each of the 5 different cards (20 cards total)!! You can add on more supplies to make more cards or buy different kits to make different cards...and you get to keep the stamp sets! These are NOT monthly clubs, but a one time kit purchase. Included will be all the cardstock and embellishments you will need to create 20 cards. Also included will be full color, step-by-step instructions and envelopes.

Available Christmas Card Kits (tax and shipping is included):
Snow Swirled $40 (page 32 of the new Catalog)
Season of Joy $40 (page 34 of the new Catalog)
Add-on: $10 for supplies to make an additional 20 cards (so for $50 you get everything to make 40 cards, and so on.)If you are interested in purchasing either kit, please email me at tccrain@socal.rr.com. Thanks for stopping by!

A lot of WOW, not a lot of work! Snow Swirled Christmas Card kit

2008-09-28T02:10:00.000-07:00

These are the cards you will be making with my 'Stampin Up! Snow Swirled Christmas Card kit'. With this kit you will be able to make 4 each of the 5 different cards (20 cards total)!! You can add on more supplies to make more cards or buy different kits to make different cards...and you get to keep the stamp sets! These are NOT monthly clubs, but a one time kit purchase. Included will be all the cardstock and embellishments you will need to create 20 cards. Also included will be full color, step-by-step instructions.
Available Christmas Card Kits: Supplies to make 20, 4 each of 5 different cards (and you get to keep the stamp set!) includes tax, shipping and envelopes.

Snow Swirled $40 (page 32 of the new Catalog)

Season of Joy $40 (page 34 of the new Catalog)

Add-on: $10 for supplies to make an additional 20 cards (so for $50 you get everything to make 40 cards, and so on.)

If you are interested in purchasing either kit, please email me at tccrain@socal.rr.com. Thanks for stopping by!

Bloggers Challenge #66 - Warhol

2008-09-26T20:07:00.001-07:00

Happy Friday!!! This week's Bloggers Challenge was to make Warhol card. What a fun and super easy card. Thanks Lisa for a fun challenge!! Ypu've gotta check out the rest of my BC Buddies...their stuff is awesome!!! You can click on the button in my sidebar... Have a wonderful weekend!!

Supplies (all supplies are Stampin Up!):

Stamps: Bloomin Beautiful

Paper: Basic Black, Really Rust, Old Olive, Brocade Blue and More Mustard cardstocks, More Mustard Textured cardstock

Ink: Jet Black Stazon

Accessories: Paper Piercer, Mat and Template, Black brads

Thanks for stopping by!

Cammies Heart to Heart, Bloggers Challenge and Sketch Challenge all rolled into one...

2008-09-25T21:34:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have not already participated in Cammie's Heart to Heart campaign, I highly recommend that you do so. This is such an awesome cause and the effort on your part is easy peasy!! Please click on the link above to read all the details on Cammies Blog (you might win some amazing Blog Candy!!). Well, I'm not going to call it "cheating" so much as "Brilliant Time Management Skills" because this card not only combines my last weeks' Bloggers Challenge (Watercolor) with this weeks SCS Sketch Challenge and it is also my card that I will be sending the Alzheimers home that cared for Cammie's Grandmother!! :) The Challenge was "Watercoloring" so I got out my Watercolor pencils and AquaPainter and had some fun. I love watercoloring and should really do it more often, I find it so relaxing!! The "Faux Baubles" on the top of the card were made using Crystal Effects and a Re-Inker. Tomorrow I will post this week's Bloggers Challenge..."Warhol". Thanks for stopping by, don't forget to visit Cammies blog to see how you can participate in this awesome campaign (and enter for a chance for some Blog Candy).

Supplies (all supplies are Stampin Up!)

Stamps: Bloomin Beautiful

Ink: Jet Black Stazon, More Mustard marker, More Mustard Re-inker

Paper: Night of Navy textured cardstock (the main mat), Whisper White (card base), Night of Navy cardstock (mats for each DP & the main image), More Mustard DP (from the Level 1 Hostess set Paper Pack)

Accessories: Crystal Effects, More Mustard 1/4" ribbon, Aquapainter, Watercolor Pencils, Paper Piercing Mat & Template, Chit Chat Rub-ons

Dreams du Jour Diagonal Double Pocket Card

2008-09-23T19:03:00.000-07:00

This is one of the cards in my Stamps by Mail Club. I just love these Double Pocket cards, they are so quick to make and easy to decorate! I just kept the inserts simple and made them Bookmarks. Gotta keep this short so I can get some stamping time in tonight! Have a wonderful week and thanks for stopping by!!

Supplies (all supplies are Stampin Up)

Stamps: Dreams du Jour

Paper: Bella Rose DP, Riding Hood Red and Whisper White cardstock

Ink: Basic Black, Pink Pirouette, Kiwi Kiss and Riding Hood Red homemade markers (check my earlier post for the tutorial)

Accessories: Button Bouquet buttons, twine, Riding Hood Double Stripe Ribbon, Pink Brads, Tabs punch, Curly Label Punch

Birthday Party Invite

2008-09-12T22:59:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe my baby is going to be 9!! Here is his party invitation, this is one of those cards that is so much cuter in person :(. Green is his favorite color, so I had to have green frosting!! I think this card is just adorable, I totally swiped the layout from Florida_scrapper on SCS. The funny thing is that I HATE case-ing cards...I think it is sooooo hard, much harder than doing my own thing! But it's amazing what a head/sinus cold and "these have to be passed out tomorrow" will do to ya...case-ing this baby was a piece of cake, especially since I was totally incapabe of thinking, lol. Super easy and pretty quick (we made 7)!

Supplies (all supplies are Stampin Up!)

Stamps: Big Bold Birthday

Paper: Pumpkin Pie, Brilliant Blue, Wild Wasabi and Whisper White card stock, Wild Wasabi DP from last Catty's Hostess set

Ink: Brilliant Blue, Glorious Green, Pumpkin Pie

Accessories: Green Beads, Dimensionals

Bloggers Challenge #64 - Designer Paper

2008-09-12T22:31:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday!! Woo Hoo it's Blogger's Challenge Day!!What a great challenge!! Who doesn't LOVE playing with designer paper?!? This card is all MFT, the DP is from the Simply Delightful Spooky Collection 2 one and the stamps are from one of Kim's Totally Witchin' Halloween set. Both of her Halloween sets are beyond adorable! I used the spider web stamp on the orange for a little background, I also added some silver glitter pen to the 'steam' for a little dimension. The pot is embossed in black and 'popped up'.

Supplies:

Stamps: Totally Witchin by MFT STamps

Paper: Elegant Eggplant and Only Orange cardstocks by Stampin Up, DP is Simply Delightful Spooky Collection 2 by MFT Stamps

Ink: Versamark, Brilliance Graphite Black

Accessories: Silver Glitter pen (really old by Creative Memories), Black EP, Dimensionals

Ha ha, I made to cards for this week's challenge! This Guidelines Designer paper is from Papertrey Ink...not only does she have great stamps, but wow! Nichole's paper is just beautiful!!! I just can't get enough of her papers. The ribbon is PTI also (one from her Perfect Match collection). The image is from the MFT Presents line, this one is by Annie LaPointe. I colored this image with my Copic markers. I colored another 'set' of flowers, cut them out and popped them up for some dimension. In the middle of the flowers I used a little techinique I saw on Gina's (from Gina K designs) blog...I took my Copic Colorless Blender pen and 'took off' some of the color in the middle...I think I like this idea!! :). The brads are, of course, Build-a-Brads from Stampin Up! Thanks for stopping by, have a wonderful weekend!!

Supplies:

Stamps: Take a Break by Annie La Pointe for MFT Stamps

Paper: Guidelines by Papertrey Ink

Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black

Accessories: Build-a-Brads by SU!, Satin ribbon by PTI, Copic Markers & colorless blender

Season of Joy Christmas Card Kit sample

2008-09-07T17:30:00.000-07:00

Here is a sample from the 'Stampin Up! Season of Joy Christmas Card kit'. With this kit you will be able to make 4 each of 5 different cards (20 cards total)!! You can add on more supplies to make more cards or buy different kits to make different cards...and you get to keep the stamp sets! These are NOT monthly clubs, but a one time kit purchase. Included will be all the cardstock and embellishments you will need to create 20 cards (for the card kits). Also included will be full color, step-by-step instructions.

Available Christmas Card Kits: Supplies to make 20, 4 each of 5 different cards (and you get to keep the stamp set!) includes tax, shipping and envelopes.

Snow Swirled $40 (page 32 of the new Catalog)
Season of Joy $40 (page 34 of the new Catalog)
Add-on: $10 for supplies to make an additional 20 cards (so for $50 you get everything to make 40 cards, and so on.)

In Colors Marker Tutorial

2008-09-06T10:51:00.000-07:00

Using a Stampin Write marker instead of a Blender Pen is not only cheaper, but you also get to take advantage of the awesome dual tips instead of the one in a blender pen (blender pens are $3.31/ea and the markers are $3.25/ea). I chose to use marker colors that closely resembled the In Colors, so that when I looked at cap colors they would be easy to spot, you can start with any colored marker (Black may not work so well, although I have not tried it).

Take your marker completely apart. Take out both nibs. Now when you take the end of the marker off (so that you can access the ink barrel), it is very tough. I recommend taking the brush tip out first and then using a pair of pliers to kind of 'pop' it out. This is what you should have now.

Run the nibs and color barrel under water to get all of the ink out. The barrel will be white when you are done, but the nibs may still be stained. Make sure you 'write' all of the color out too. I just did this in my kitchen sink. I should have showed you with a darker marker, but even when you clean out a red marker all of the ink comes out.

Before refilling the nib with ink I kind of pinched the water out of the ink barrel. Don't pinch it too hard, but you should be able to squeeze out a good bit of water. Now just put the nibs back in and refill the barrel with your new ink color. This one is Pink Pirouette. I started filling the end where the fatter nib goes and filled the barrel most of the way, then added a bit to the other end. I also added a little bit of ink the fat nib its self.

Now just put your marker back together. I will make labels for mine so I can be sure which color is which! Voila! You now have your very own Stampin Up In Colors markers!!

Bloggers Challenge #63

2008-09-05T22:15:00.000-07:00

Finally! Some much needed stamping time!!! Here is my Bloggers Challenge #63. Lisa challenged us to use Riding Hood Red, Tangerine Tango, Kiwi Kiss and Pacific Point. I know I say this every year, but I really love the In Colors this year! I am sure they are my favoritest ever (I know, probably at least until next year, lol). So here is my card, a little basic I know. The coloring was fun...I made markers with my In Colors re-inkers and some SU Markers (I'll post a tutorial tomorrow on how to turn a Stampin Up marker into an In Color marker, easy peasy!!). To make the field a lighter shade than the trees, I used Kiwi Kiss re-inker and water colored with my Aqua Painter.

Supplies (all supplies are Stampin Up!)
Stamps: Harvest Home, Canvas BG
Paper: Pacific Point, Tangerine Tango, Kiwi Kiss & Very Vanilla
Ink: Brown Stazon, Kiwi Kiss re-inker, VersaMark
Accessories: Aqua Painter, Kiwi Kiss/Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon, homemade Stampin Up markers, ticket punch.

Thanks for stopping by! Please stop by tomorrow for the tutorial and some sample cards from my Christmas card & Christmas tag kits (I promise I'll actually post them tomorrow) :)

Awards time!!!

2008-09-04T20:21:00.000-07:00

These awards really are a fun thing... first of all you get that email telling you there's a little something for you on someone's blog (which always puts a huge smile on my face) and then you go to their blog to see your little "somethin' somethin'" and there is this super cute award! Not only that but there are always a few others who've gotten this award too...there is always at least 1 or 2 blogs there that I have never seen before...what a super fun way to scope out some new and awesome talent!! This "I {heart} your blog award is from the super-d-duper talented Amy Caraluzzi (go and check out her wonderful blog), Amy is also one of my uber talented Bloggers Challenge buddies. Thank you Amy!!!!

These are the rules for accepting the "I {Heart} Your Blog" award:
1. The winner can put the logo on their blog.
2. Link the person you received your award from (see the link above)
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs
4. Put links of those blogs on yours
5. Leave a message on the blogs of the people you have nominated.

Well, I cannot even begin to pick my favs to pass these awards on to, so I would like to ask those reading this to visit some of the blogs on my sidebar (either Blogger's Challenge and/or the Rockin Blogs).

And as if 1 award wasn't enough, I also got this award from Lisa Cook. Lisa has a super fun blog with tons of cute creations! Thanks Lisa for the super kind words, for the award and for your awesome creativity!!

Rules for the JAVABLU AWARD:
1. The winner can put the logo on their blog.
2. Link the person you received your award from.
3. Nominate at least 5 other blogs.
4.Before listing the nominees give a brief reason why you chose them.
5. Put links of those blogs on yours.
6. Leave a message on the blogs you have nominated

Work and home life seem to be back somewhat under control, so I plan on have a stampin-full weekend!!!! I hope you come back to visit soon!

My Big Shot Club!!

2008-08-31T02:47:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the Stampin Up Big Shot and all the wonderful dies (and yes, dies exclusive to Stampin Up!!)? I love this machine!! I was so excited to get mine I sat on the floor the day I got it with the wrappers & boxes all over the place, just playing with it...I love this toy (ahem, I mean tool).
Starting September 2nd you can order the Big Shot from me...and here are the perks:

Order any kit from me in September and you will automatically be entered into my Big Shot Club for free!! The club will last for 4 months (October—January) and each month you will receive a “goodie bag” in the mail. This “goodie bag” will include all the supplies you need to complete that month’s project (instructions included, of course).
You will also receive a 10% discount from me on any Big Shot Dies and or accessories until May 2009!!
If you refer a friend to me and she buys a kit, you will both receive a free die set of your choice (value up to $19.95)!
Most kits also qualify for Hostess Benefits!!!

Kit #1 Special Edition Starter Kit $232 (price includes tax & S/H). Kit contains Big Shot Die Cutting Machine, Birds & Blooms Dies, Join In the Cheer Decorative Strip Die, Scallop Envelope Die, Top Note Die, Multipurpose Platform & Standard Cutting pads, Decorative Strip Cutting Pads and Extended Spacer Platform. (With this kit you get $20 in Free Merchandise as well as a Level 1 Hostess set of your choice!).
Kit #2 Special Edition Starter Kit with Bag $308 (price includes tax & S/H). Kit contains everything in Kit #1 Plus an adorable Doctor’s Bag for carrying your Big Shot! (With this kit you get $25 in Free Merchandise as well as a Level 1 Hostess set of your choice!).
Kit #3 Stampin Up Big Shot $119 (price includes tax & S/H). This kit just contains the Stampin Up Big Shot Die Cutting Machine. If you wish to customize this order and add on to you can still qualify for Hostess Benefits (just ordering the Big Shot alone does not qualify you for Hostess Benefits, but it does qualify you for ‘Perks 1—3’).

Please email for a copy of the Big Shot flyer!
Tccrain@socal.rr.com

Stampin Up Ribbons Share

2008-08-31T02:44:00.000-07:00

The response to my ‘New In Colors Ribbon Share’ was so positive and I have had several people ask about shares for other ribbons that I thought I’d just throw them all out there...so here you go. These will not be on going , so sign up now! Spaces are limited! All prices include tax, etc. and shipping to you is free!!

1/4” Grosgrain Ribbon $24 (you will receive 3 yards each of all 20 colors)
1” Double Stitiched Grosgrain Ribbon $14 (you will receive 3 yards each of all 4 colors)
5/8” Grosgrain Ribbon $15 (you will receive 3 yards each of all 8 colors)
5/8” Striped Grosgrain Ribbon $16 (you will receive 3 yards each of all 6 colors)
1/2” Striped Grosgrain Ribbon $10 (you will receive 3 yards each of all 3 colors)
Taffeta and Silk Ribbons $28 (you will receive 3 yards each of all 9 Taffeta colors and 3 yards of the Kiwi Kiss/Very Vanilla Satin Ribbon)

Please email at tccrain@socal.rr.com if you are interested!

2009 Day Planner Class

2008-08-22T22:56:00.001-07:00

2009 Day Planner kit

$40 includes tax and shipping

2 page at-a-glance style for all 12 months (pages printed out for you)

Pockets in each section

Birthdays & Anniversaries section (pages printed for you)

Phone Book section (pages printed out for you)

Your choice of Stampin Up Designer Paper Pack and coordinating cardstock!!

Happy Friday!! Last year I made my own Day Planner and I loved it, so I decided to make another one for 2009 (I also wanted to offer a Stampin Up workshop for one, so I was motivated to get to work on it!)...this is that I came up with, you like? I love this thing...you know when you make something and you just "love" it so you've got to sit and stare at it for a bit? Yup, did that! This was so much fun to make and fairly easy once I got all the inside calendar, etc. pages done.
If you are interested in coming to one of my workshops on this, please go to my Stampin Up website (the link is on the left), if you are interested in a kit, please email me tccrain@socal.rr.com.
Once again, I will be a day late with my Blogger's Challenge...sorry, "life" just beat me up this last week!! I hope you'll come back tomorrow to see my Blogger's Challenge and to see samples of some of the cards in the Christmas Card kits and the Christmas Tags kits! Have a great weekend!

Christmas Card Kits & Christmas Tag Kits

2008-08-16T18:21:00.000-07:00

Christmas Card kits and Christmas Tag kits are available now. All kits come with a stamp set (you choose from my list), card stock, embelishments and step-by-step full color instructions. Card kits are available for $40 for 20 cards (also includes envelopes); Tag kits are available for $35 & $25 for 25 tags. Prices include shipping and tax. Buy more than one kit and get 10% off of both!! Email me for more details and to sign up, tccrain@socal.rr.com. If you click on the Catalog to the left it will take you to Stampin Up's website where you can view/download the current catalog.

BCW60 - A Birthday card...

2008-08-16T15:17:00.000-07:00

This week's bloggers challenge was a Birthday card. It just so happens that one of my favorite people is having a Birthday soon and she looooooves Black & White! SO she was my inspiration for this card. This little Chef Dude is soooo versatile! Gotta love him! Well I roughed up the edges on my white cs (my blade started it so I finished it!). I punched out the Happy Birthday with the Scallop Circle, but wanted it to "pop" some, so I punched a black Scallop circle and layered them off center.

Supplies (all supplies are Stampin Up!):

Stamps: Voila

Paper: Summer Picnic DP, Designer Paper Pack (Summer/Spring 2008 Level 1 Hostess), Basic Black and Real Red Card stock.

Ink: Jet Black Stazon

Accessories: Basic Black brads, markers, Paper Piercer, Dimensionals

Ribbon Share & Stamps by Mail!

2008-08-10T13:11:00.000-07:00

I am taking sign ups for a New Stampin Up In Colors Ribbon Share. If you are interested please email!

You have two choices:
* 1" Double Stitched Ribbon - $14 (free shipping)
You get 3 yards each of all four colors. Colors include: Rose Red, Baja Breeze, Bashful Blue & Chocolate Chip.

* 5/8" Striped Ribbbon - $16 (free shipping)
You get 3 yard each of all six colors. Colors include: Pacific Point, Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Riding Hood Red, Pink Pirouette & Tangerine Tango.

Stamps By Mail Club update:
Because there were so many requests from those wanting to add new Catalog items onto their Stamps by Mail orders we have changed the dates. New dates are as follows, I have also opened a few more spots, so if you are interested, please email me asap as spots are limited. We will be using the Brand New set, Dreams du Jour!!
Sign-up deadline: August 16th
Supply list will be sent to you by: August 18th
Your payment and any list adjustments are due to me by: August 21st

Any questions, orders, etc. please email me at tccrain@socal.rr.com. Thanks for looking and have a wonderful week!!!!

The Same but Different, BCW59

2008-08-09T09:37:00.000-07:00

This weeks Bloggers' Challenge was "The Same but Different", use the same layout but change the stamps, paper, etc. I am soooo in love with these Joy Fold cards, that I just had to do some more. Can I take a second here to just say that if you are not familiar with the Splitcoast Stampers website, I highly recommend that you visit them frequently...talk about a wealth of knowledge and ideas!!!! (I thought I was the last one on the planet to learn about them, but apparently not). Anyway...these cards were so much fun to make! I made a super cute snowman one a few posts back that I am sure will be one of our Christmas cards this year. My first card uses Dreams du Jour a brand new set by Stampin Up! (if you do not have a new Catalog yet, you'd better run and get one...it is awesome!!!!). I also used the new SU In Colors, I love these new In Colors!!!! I used Crystal Effects on the flowers for some dimension. I really wanted to put some pearls (from the Pretties Kit) on here but the white on white didn't work! I also didn't have a circle punch the right size to put a circle of color under each one, but once I decided to "chalk" the edges it made the pearls look fine on there (whew). The butterfly seemed a little 'flat' so I stamped another one, cut it out and glued him on top. I also used blender pens and re inkers of the new In colors to color the image. Later this week, I plan to make some of my own In Color markers, with old SU pens!

Supplies (all supplies are Stampin Up!):

Stamps: Dreams du Jour

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Pink Pirouette, Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze

Paper: Holiday Happenings DP, Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip and Whisper White cardstocks

Accessories: Pearls from the Pretties Kit, Crystal Effects, Blender Pens, Sponge, Scallop Circle punch, circle punches, ticket corner punch, dimensionals

For my 2nd card I used the Bloomin' Beautiful (which I heard a rumor tht it made it into the new Catalog - as you can tell I have not yet received my catalog, but I've seen lots of pictures!). I'll be stalking the UPS guy and the mailman today!!!

Supplies:

Stamps: Bloomin Beautiful (SU)

Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black

Paper: Chocolate Remix (by PTI), Brocade Blue cs (SU), Chocolate Chip cs (SU)

Accessories: Mat Pack, Ribbon (PTI), Black and Clear Spica glitter pens, Copic markers, Scallop Circle punch (SU), circle punches (SU)

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you have a wonderful weekend and if you are one of those priveledged enough to have receieved your catty already, please feel free to come over and share...I'll cook for you!!! lol

Bloggers Challenge #58 and TLC180

2008-08-04T23:24:00.000-07:00

I know, this is horribly late, I am truely sorry!!!! Friday when I was planning on getting this done, I found out that blogger was having "issues" and who knew when they were gonna be resolved. So I decided now was a good time to clean up my craft room, well one thing led to another and well, let's just say that Hubby's area is "no more" (he's such a good hubby!!!!) and now I have the whole entire room 100% to myself!!! Woo Hoo!!!! So what started off as a small hour or two "straightening up" had turned into a 2 1/2 day move out half the furniture, re arrange the rest and move some more in, Spring Cleaning thing!!! I still have some prettying up to do, but boy do I have space (and it's even organized!!!!). So excuses out of the way, let's get down to business! I combined my Bloggers Challenge (that is 3 days late) with todays Technique Challenge on SCS. Bloggers Challenge was to use Pumpkin Pie, Rose Red, Old Olive and So Saffron (I love this color combo!!!!), the Technique Challenge was a Square Spring Card. I heard a "rumor" that the Tart & Tangy set and the Summer Picnic DP made it into the new Catty, so if that is true then consider this a "Happy Homecoming to Tart & Tangy". Happy Monday, hope you all had a wonderful weekend!!!! Thanks for stopping by! Once my room is done, I'll post some pics...

Supplies (all supplies are Stampin Up!):

Stamps: Tart & Tangy

Ink: So Saffron, Rose Red, Old Olive, Pumpkin Pie

Paper: Summer Picnic Dp, Rose Red, So Saffron, Basic Black & Whisper White cs

Accessories: Black 1/4" Grosgrain ribbon, So Saffron Brads, Scallop Circle Punch, Circle Punches, Dimensionals (the stem on the Strawberry and the Cherries are "popped up").

Dreams du Jour Notebook for my Convention Buddy

2008-07-27T21:43:00.000-07:00

This Dreams du Jour stamp set, the New In Colors Ink, the Scallop Edge Punch and the Holiday Happenings Designer Paper are all from the Brand Spankin' new Catalog!!! Available August 11th! I cannot wait to see the rest of the goodies in there! This little notepad and pen is for my Convention Buddy, Tamarra. I don't get to go to Convention this year, but she does...so she is my buddy and she will take pics & notes and send them back to me (can't wait to see!). Anyway, I made her a little goodie box with some snacks & stuff in it. I got this little notepad from Target and decorated it with the new DP and my new stamp set (first time it's seen ink). I also took a little strip of the DP to decorate the pen. Hope she likes them, tune in tomorrow to see the little Pocket Book I made for her to put some of her business cards in :). BTW, this is the set we will be using for this Augusts' Stamps by Mail club (if you haven't already joined, email me asap...time is running out!)

Supplies (all supplies are Stampin Up!):

Stamps: Dreams du Jour

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Pink Pirouette, Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze

Paper: Holiday Happenings DP, Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze & Whisper White cardstocks

Accessories: Blender pen (used with re-inkers to color), RSVP Pen, Scallop Edge Punch, Corner Rounder and Ticket Punch.

An award!!! Woo Hoo!

2008-07-27T20:12:00.000-07:00

Chris Dickinson gave me this award!!!! Woo hoo! I just love Chris, she is part of the Sweet & Sassy Design Team and a fellow Stampin Up Demo in Texas. She also has a really cool Belli Challenge (Embellishment), I highly recommend participating in!! She has given me lots of support and guideance in my effort to try and figure out my "Demo Direction". Thanks for the award, the support and the friendship Chris!! You Rock!!!

My dear friend Katie Skiff sent me this award as well. Thanks Katie. Katie is the owner of Three Little Dreams (a stamp kit club/company), a great "sounding board" and is just always there to listen! Thanks for everything Katie!!!!

It's a special award given to weblogs that somehow catch your eye! The rules for this award:
1. The winner can put the logo on her blog.
2. Link the person you received your award from.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Put links of those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of the girls you've nominated

There are many Blogs that I enjoy reading and drawing inspiration from (just look at my sidebar, lol)...here are a few:
1. Sarah Bevard
2. Jeanne Striffe
3. Jody Morrow
4. Carole Burrage
5. Charmaine
6. Laurie Schmidlin
7. Valerie Stangle

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Christmas in July - BC W57

2008-07-24T23:16:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday!!!!!!! Woo hoo!!!!!!!!!! I know this stuff is retired, but I LOVE Frosty and I LOVE the Wintergreen DP :( The Layout is the Joy Fold Card, what a fun and easy card!! Seriously there is lots of WOW! for the effort here. Here's the inside... This may very well be one of my Christmas card layouts for this year! I hope Stampin Up comes out with an even better Winter DP this coming catalog, though I really can't imagine topping Wintergreen!! I am about to start rambling here (sleep deprivation will do that), so I'd better wrap it up! Thanks so much for stopping by, I hope you like Frosty and you've gotta try this card layout! Look at all those layers...

Supplies (all supplies are Stampin Up!):

Stamps: Frosty

Paper: Wintergreen DP, Basic Gray, Almost Artichoke, Soft Sage and Shimmer cardstock

Ink: Basic Gray, Stazon Black

Accessories: Dimensionals, Rhinestone Brads, circle punch, scallop circle punch, ticket punch

A week late and a dollar short...BC W56

2008-07-24T23:03:00.000-07:00

Holy Snickerdoodles, this was hard!! It's challenges like this that remind me that I still have a LOT to learn!!!! Last weeks Bloggers' Challenge was to use Really Rust, Sahara Sand, Regal Rose, Blue Bayou and Mellow Moss...whew! I sometimes have a hard time with 3 colors let alone 5! I kinda like the card, but not really the flowers at the bottom? Something, it's just not quite right...oh well it's done, and it's not half bad! The image is by Annie LaPointe for MFT Stamps, colored with Copics, and I used just a dab of Liquid Pearls in the flower centers (the colored flowers not the Primas). Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies:

Stamps: Chamomile

Paper: Sahara Sand, Really Rust, Blue Bayou and Whisper White cardstock, Blue Bayou DP

Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black

Accessories: Swiss Dots Cuttlebug folder, Blue Bayou DS Ribbon (by Stampin Up), Prima Flowers, Pearls, Liquid Pearls

THank you Dawn! Hanna Stamps 1:1 Challenge, Ribbon

2008-07-23T21:55:00.000-07:00

Isn't this book just the super cutest?!? Dawn Byrnes made this super cute little book for me. It was part of the 1:1 Challenge on the Hanna Yahoo group. The challenge was ribbons...I love how she "stitched" on the cover with the ribbon!!! Chocolate Chip is one of my fav colors and I just love pearls!!!!!! Those pearl brads are perfect!!!! Thanks sooooo much Dawn!!! Garden Hanna was my first Hanna set! 2 of my friends picked her out for me because they thought I kinda looked like her, hehehe! Thanks again Dawn, the book is wonderful!!!!!!!

My Prince Charming!!!!

2008-07-22T21:01:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this could be the ugliest card ever and it'd still be my favorite, lol!!! But I happen to like this card. The adorable frogs are from Penny Black and a gift from my wonderful friend Lisa. I made this card during my Girls' Stamp weekend for my hubby...aawwwww!

I'm quacking up here...

2008-07-22T20:57:00.000-07:00

Yeah, that was a lame title, sorry :). This duckling from Penny Black is just way too cute!! I colored him with Copics, and then loaded him up with Fun Flock (love that stuff). I used Circle Nesties, ribbon, sentiment and punches from Stampin Up. Sorry, I don't where the DP is from :(. Thanks Miss Tina, for picking up this cute little guy for me!!

Some Elzy's for Shannon

2008-07-22T20:44:00.000-07:00

I have to admit, purple is not one of my fav colors...in fact about the only time I use is if it is a requirement. Well purple is my wonderful friend, Shannon's, favorite color...so of course it was a requirement here, lol! I love this card...I love every purple-y inch of it!!! I may have to rethink this purple issue I have, lol. Anyway, this card is for Shannon. We had a girls' stamping weekend a couple of weekends ago and at the last minute she wasn't able to come, so I wanted to make her a cute little card. I think these papers are just gorgeous, from the Guidelines DP pack from PTI, the ribbon is from PTI also. The brads are Build-A-Brads from Stampin Up!, this is the first time I played with them...I am in love!!! These Elzy's are, of course, colored with copics. BTW, love ya Shanna Banana!!! Here is a pink version of the card (these papers are from the Pink Patterns pack from PTI, I also used Liquid Pearls in the centers of the flowers)...

My Prince Charming...

2008-07-22T20:34:00.000-07:00

Those of you who know me, know that I have a thing for Frogs, so how could I resist this cute Ellzybells stamp? A frog with a crown no less...irresistable (these rank even higher than just frogs in my bok, lol)!!! I colored Miss Elzy and her Frog Prince with copics, using a Spica glitter pen on his crown. The paper is called Meadows Edge by Rubbersoul (available at MFT). The sentiment is from the Starlight Starbright set by Verve Visual; I stamped the background in Versamark then the words in black. Ribbon and cardstock by Stampin' Up!

Last Call for Stampin Up Marker Club

2008-07-15T20:34:00.000-07:00

Last call for this round of my Stampin Up Marker Club! $46/ month for 4 months gets you the entire set of Stampin Up Markers (1 color family per month), the storage case (during your hostess month), 4 color families of card stock (1 color family per month), at least 1 Level 1 Hostess set (during your hostess month), and at least $15 worth of free merchandise (during your hostess month). If you are interested, email me now, tccrain@socal.rr.com!!

Hanna 1:1 Challenge - Ribbons

2008-07-14T20:06:00.000-07:00

This little bucket is for Patti Stigsell, she was my mailing buddie for this round of the Hanna 1:1 challenge. Kristi gave us a ribbon challenge this time around, so I decided to make a "Pail O'Ribbons". A girlfriend (the Brilliant Miss Lisa) suggested I use this cute little pail and punch holes in it for the ribbon to come out of. Of course I had to "one-up" her idea, so I added flowers to the back and made the ribbon come out the holes in the middle of the flowers!! How fun is that?!? You can't tell on the picture, but Mr. Rileys gardening boots are covered with Crystal Effects so they look like rubber boots (an insistance from Lisa, lol). Riley is colored with Copics, and I even added a little monogram tag for her. Hope you like it Patti!

Bloggers Challenge #53 - Resist

2008-06-27T23:32:00.000-07:00

This week's Bloggers Challenge was to use any kind of resist technique. I used Ghosting (tutorial is on SCS). I had never done it before, but it was fun and super easy! If you really look you can see the word "bloom" ghosted (yes that is totally a word, lol). I really like this card and love this set!!! I used my Stampin Up Watercolor Crayons and an Aquapainter to color in the flowers and the pot, then I cut out the flowers and popped them up. Love it!!!

Supplies (all supplies are Stampin Up!):

Stamps: Bloomin Beautiful

Ink: Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Black Stazon, Versamark

Paper: Brocade Blue, Close to Cocoa, White Glossy, Very Vanilla

Accessories: Antique Brads, Watercolor Crayons, Aquapainter, Brocade Blue Ribbon, Very Vanilla Tafetta ribbon, dimensionals & a brayer.

Kerry Donovan...Meese have invaded my house!!!

2008-06-25T20:02:00.000-07:00

Kerry Donovan sent me this darling card and these super wonderful luggage tags!!! These were for the "Something Summer 1:1 Challenge" on the Hanna Stamps Yahoo group. The luggage tags are laminated and have my name and address on the other side. I am surely going to use these when I go on my Girls' Stamping weekend in a couple of weeks...they're gonna be soooo jealous!!! Eat your heart out Shannon, these babies are mine!!!! Kerry, you totally made my day today! The best art of this gift is that I got to email chat with Kerry a bit, she is just the sweetest thing!! Thanks to Kristi Ferrero (of Hanna Stamps) for the great challenge and to thanks again to the very talented Kerry Donovan!!! Hope you are all having a wonderful week!!! Mine just keeps getting better and better!!!

Japanese Stab Binding

2008-06-25T19:56:00.000-07:00

I made this for Sweet & Sassy Stamps, the technique on here is called "Japanese Stab Binding". I just love this technique!! You can make it fun, elegant, old fashioned...whatever the style of your card! I chose very chunky ribbon for this card, which made it much more difficult to do, but I got the look I wanted! Thinner ribbon shows the art of the binding better and is much easier. THe stamp set used here is God's Grace by Sweet & Sassy Stamps. I believe there will be a tutorial on the SnSS blog soon for this technique.

A Graduation gift...

2008-06-25T19:50:00.000-07:00

My wonderful and dear friend, Tina, made this for my daughter, who just graduated from High School. Isn't this cute! The card has DiplomaBella on it and the tin is full of Hershey's Nuggets and Peppermint Patties!! Talk about an exhausting day, but she looked beautiful in her red Cap and Gown and made us proud!! Thanks again Tina and Congrats, Sissy!!!

Stampin Up Fresh Cut card

2008-06-22T18:37:00.000-07:00

I really liked this set when I saw it, my creative juices just started flowing with tons of ideas! This card is for my friend Lisa, who wanted to see something "fabulous" (I think that was the word she used) made with it, I hope this meets your expectations!!! This lovely set will be available in the new Stampin Up Catalog available in August, but we are able to "preorder" this set and some super cute note cards that go with it! I made this for a card swap I was in today, super fun card!!!

Supplies (all supplies are Stampin Up!):

Stamps: Fresh Cuts

Paper: So Saffron DP, So Saffron, Brocade Blue & Soft Sage cardstocks

Ink: Brocade Blue, So Saffron

Accessories: Brocade Blue Ribbon, Brocade Blue brad, Scallop circle punch, circle punches, paper piercer

Priceless Thank You!

2008-06-22T16:21:00.000-07:00

I absolutely LOVE this card!!! I gave it to one of my sons' teachers for the end of the year (we were so blessed with amazing teachers for both of my boys!!)! I cannot, however take credit for this card. We made this card as a Make & Take at an Upline Meeting I went to months ago, with Katie Simeika, which I am pretty sure she got in a card swap. So I apologize for not being able to give credit to the original creator!

Supplies (all supplies are from Stampin Up!):

Stamps: Priceless, Short & Sweet

Paper: Night of Navy, Brocade Blue, Shimmery White

Ink: Night of Navy, Brocade Blue & White Stazon

Accessories: Silver Hodge Podge, Rhinestone brads, Brocade Blue ribbon, Dazzling Diamonds

Stampin' Up Marker Club details...

2008-06-20T17:47:00.000-07:00

I got several email requests to my "1 More Spot Left" post, so I have started another group. I will take as many as are interested, so email me if you want a spot (tccrain@socal.rr.com). The basic concept is this... you are purchasing the full set of SU Markers (in the the case), and 4 packs of cs (1 of each color family). By spreading it out over 4 months with 4 people in the group, you have the benefit of spreading out the expense, and each participant will be the "hostess" once over the 4 months (you will get at least 1 Level 1 Hostess goodie of your choice as well as at least $15 in free merchandise). For exact details, please email me! Happy Sunday and thanks for stopping by!

Bloggers Challenge #52

2008-06-20T17:15:00.000-07:00

This weeks Blogger's Challenge was a "Manly Themed" card. This is the card I made for my Daddy for Father's Day. A pretty quick & simple card! Like the envelope? That is the Monogram Stamper by Justrite, you can go to Taylored Expressions to see/buy the Monogram stamper and all the fun accessories you can get for it. Be sure to check out what the rest of my Blogger's Challenge buddies made (some really great stuff!!!). Click on the button on the side bar. Happy Friday and thanks for stopping by!! Have a wonderful weekend!

Supplies (all supplies except the monogram are by Stampin' Up!):

Stamps: Loads of Love, Monogram Stamper
Paper: Wild Wasabi, River Rock, Blue Bayou and Very Vanilla cs and Blue Bayou DP

Ink: Blue Bayou, Garden Green, Basic Black

Accessories: Hodge Podge hardware, Blue Bayou Double Stitch ribbon, Paper Piercer

Guess who the June Featured Guest Designer is for Sweet & Sassy Stamps???

2008-06-16T13:17:00.000-07:00

Me!!! I was sure Korin had me mistaken for someone else when she asked me to be her Featured Guest Designer for this month, then I got over it and was totally excited!! Her stamps are super cute, but Pond Pals is my favorite (love that frog and dragonfly!!) Anyway, these little pocket books are made using her Pond Pals set. You can go to the Sweet & Sassy blog for the tutorial on making these. In addition to her other super cute sets Korin also has some great scripture sets. You can go here to check them out as well as all the great paper and accessories she carries!! Thanks for stopping by and thanks Korin!! Check back here or on the SNSS blog for more of my samples and tutorials throughout the month of June!

1 spot left in my marker club...

2008-06-13T17:20:00.000-07:00

I have one spot left in my marker club! Club will be starting in August so you can choose from the new Catty's Hostess sets. If you are interested, please email me!

Happy Friday!

Blog candy winners!!!!!!!!

2008-06-12T10:12:00.000-07:00

Yes, I said winner(s), with an S. I wrote all the names on a paper and put them in a hat, then asked one of my boys to draw a name. My other son decided he wanted to draw a name too, so we will just have to have 2 winners!!! The winners are:

Chrissy D said...
Ohhh love the new look too! VERY nice! Thanks for the chance to win! adickinson@wi.rr.com Chris Dickinson

Ida said...
Your new look is wonderful. What a cute little frog. Love the whimsical look and of course your Tangerine color! - Hoping to win as my blog needs spicing up.

Thanks to everyone who left comments!!

Beth Silaika Rocks & Blog candy!

2008-06-11T08:54:00.000-07:00

Look at my new Blog Banner and Signature!!!! I love, love, love my new Banner & Signature!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you Beth!!!! Beth Silaika is a self-taught Blog Banner Artiste!!! She does amazing work and everything she creates is different, so no worries about seeing your banner on someone else's blog!! She is amazing and super sweet! So if you are looking for a new banner and/or signature and/or watermark email her...you won't be sorry!
To celebrate my new look I am giving away blog candy! Just leave a comment on this post by next Wednesday, June 11th and you could win a Watermark Bundle from Freckled Fun designs (Beth)!! Thanks for looking and have a great week!!

Hanna 1:1 Challenge for Kimberlee

2008-06-07T21:38:00.000-07:00

This little box is for Kimberlee. Kristi from Hanna Stamps has started a new challenge on her Yahoo group...it's a 1:1 Challenge. Kristi posts a challenge, we sign up, she assigns us 1 partner and we make them something according to the challenge. Tons of fun!!!! Well this round I got Kimberlee Doktor, who is just the sweetest thing ever!!! The funny thing is that the same day or the day before Kristi gave us our partners, I had gotten the sweetest RAK card and some goodies from Kimberlee! :) Kimberlee, I hope you enjoy your gift as much as I enjoyed making it for you! This is Garden Hanna, isn't she just adorable?! This lid didn't have a handle, and it really needed something up there so I punched a couple of holes (ok, hubby 'drilled' a couple of holes, lol) and I made a ribbon handle. I used Stampin Up! Jumbo eyelets in the holes for the ribbon. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you are all having a great weekend!!

Bloggers Challenge #50

2008-06-06T22:14:00.000-07:00

Black & White was the challenge for this week. Here is my challenge card. I like the simplicity of this card, but it isn't plain. The picture seems kinda horrible, but I am about to fall asleep standing up, so maybe I will try to change it.

Supplies:

Stamps: Pretty Petals by Stampin Up! and God's Grace by Sweet & Sassy Stamps

Ink: Basic Black by Stampin Up

Paper: Basic Black & Whisper White by Stampin Up

Accessories: Basic Black brads by Stampin Up & misc. sheer black ribbon

Graduation Announcements - Tassle Time

2008-06-06T16:19:00.000-07:00

Months ago my daughter decided that she wanted me to make her Grad Announcements instead of ordering them, this is what I came up with. This gate-fold was perfect for what I had in mind, it let me add 2 pictures, but still keep the announcement as the focus. I LOVE the inside, but the outside is growing on me! The embroidery floss tassle really finishes the look! Other than the embroidery floss, yellow cs and my printer, all supplies are Stampin Up!

Supplies:

Stamps - Tassle Time

Paper - Brilliant Blue, Real Red & Whisper White by Stampin Up; Yellow Bling by Bazzill

Ink - Brilliant Blue, printer

Accessories - Embroider Floss, Brilliant Blue Brad, small & large oval punches and ticket punch, Real Red Marker

Gina K Sketch Challenge #1 for May

2008-05-21T21:35:00.000-07:00

Last night was the May Release Party for Gina K Designs over in the SCS Member Forum. It was alot of fun and VERY fast paced! This is my card for Challenge #1 by Julie, her sample is very cute! I LOVE that Ostrich! My image and the sentiment are both from "Just So Hippy" (designed by Melanie Muenchinger, sold at GinakDesigns.com). I don't really know where the DP is from as it was a gift, so was the ribbon! I don't have circle nesties so I used my corner rounder to make the scallops. THanks for stopping by, hope you enjoy the "back half" of your week (hahahaha, I crack myself up!!). :)

Fantastic Friday Challenge

2008-05-18T18:49:00.000-07:00

This is my card for Korin's Fantastic Friday challenge. The sunflower stamp is from Bee Happy by Sweet & Sassy Stamps. I colored the sunflower with Copics and added some fun flock to the center. The rest is pretty basic. Thanks for stopping by, have a great week!

Supplies

Stamps: Bee Happy (Sweet & Sassy Stamps), Garden of Life (Papertrey Ink)

Paper: Not sure DP name, Bashful Blue, Chocolate Chip, Barely Banana & Whisper White cs (all papers by Stampin Up!)

Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black, Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Buttons by SU!, Circle punch (under the buttons), Fun Flock, twine

Bloggers Challenge #47

2008-05-16T20:48:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday!!! This weeks Blogger's Challenge was a sketch challenge using the puppy card on page 21 of the Stampin Up Occassions Mini. The stamp set here is Friendship Blooms, I stamped the flower in Real Red on Very Vanilla cs, then I stamped it again and cut it out. I stamped the flower a 3rd time, but in Wild Wasabi and just cut out the little flower. The Wasabi flower is adhered to the middle of the 2nd Real Red flower and is then popped up on the torn Vanilla piece. There is a Red Rhinestone brad through the middle. The red DP is from the Summer Picnic pack, it's mounted on Basic Black cs. The card base is Wild Wasabi. The ribbons are Wild Wasabi Double Stitched ribbon and 1/4" Basic Black ribbon on the bottom. I stamped the swirls in Wild Wasabi along the side. Everything on this card is from Stampin Up!

This was a fun challenge, and the best part of it was that my 8 year old little guy was stampin' next me!! Here's his creation... He made this for his Big Brother who's birthday is in the winter (thus the snow flakes!). Thanks for stopping by, hope you have an amazing weekend!!

More PTI...Garden of Life & SC175

2008-05-15T18:18:00.000-07:00

I haven't done a weekly challenge from SCS in forever...I really miss doing them! This is Sketch Challenge #175, and I think this is one of my favorite sketches ever!! I really wanted to use some more of my PTI paper & ribbons, I love their Perfect Match papers, etc.! The colors here are Aqua Mist and Spring Moss. The DP is a pack called Everyday Blessings. I also used white eyelets, the Word Window punch, Basic Gray ink and the Short & Sweet set all from Stampin Up! Thanks for stopping by, hope to see you tomorrow for the Friday Bloggers Challenge!

Bloggers Challenge #46

2008-05-08T18:01:00.000-07:00

First of all I want to wish all you Mommy's out there a very, very Happy Mother's Day!!!! This weeks challenge was, what else...make a Mother's Day card...so here's mine. Not only did I get my Challnge card done, but it is EARLY!!! Woo Hoo!! I actually had it done last night! Yeah, Go ME!! Ok enough of that...I love this card, I love these stamps and I love the paper!!!!! The stamp set is Garden of Life from Papertrey Ink. These flowers are so fun, I just love this set! The Design paper is from the Pink Patterns set, card stock colors are Berry Sorbet and Sweet Blush, all from PTI. The pearls are random pearls I had laying around. I used the Dragon Fly stamp from the Pond Pals set by Sweet & Sassy stamps. I stamped him on Vellum (by Stampin' Up!) cut out the wings and then used pearls for the body. Not sure if you can see it, but there are also 3 larger pearls on the right side of the card, to give it a bit of balance. I hope you like my card and thanks for stopping by! Have a great weekend, and again, Happy Mother's Day!!

One Sheet Pocket Book

2008-05-05T21:36:00.000-07:00

Is this the funnest thing or what??? I love this idea! Of course it is not mine, you can go Vicki Hook's blog to see her book and to get instructions. This project alone, makes a Scor-Pal sooooooo worth it!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, I made this one for my upline, thinking maybe she could put business cards in it. But then I got to thinking, how cool would this be as a Mother's Day present...put the grandkids' pictures in the pockets!!! Hmmmmm...
Ok, so here are the deets...

Supplies (everything is Stampin Up!)

Stamps: Heartfelt Thanks

Paper: Afternoon Tea, Chocolate Chip cs

Ink: Groovy Guava, Wild Wasabi

Accessories: Groovy Guava & Wild Wasabi double-stitched ribbon, Very Vanilla Tafetta ribbon, Rhinestone Brad, Scor-Pal, Binding machine

I put a couple of business cards in here just to show the pockets, etc. Thanks for stopping by and looking! Have an amazing week!!!

Bloggers Challenge #45

2008-05-05T18:14:00.000-07:00

Last week's Bloggers Challenge was to make a Graduation card. Well I wasn't going to participate because I didn't have any Graduation stamps yet (yes, I say "yet" because I have to "Graduating" next month!). While cleaning up my "stuff" I found a couple of these DiplomaBella images from an image swap...what the heck! This is a very simple card. I used 2 Primas in place of the bouquet, and used some Spica glitter on the yellow sash & tassle. She is colored, very carefully, with Copics (I say "very carefully" because I am sure the image was stamped with a non-Copic friendly ink since I got it soooooo long ago :). This will not be my daughter's Grad card or announcements (yes, she insisted we make her announcements instead of ordering them :). Thanks for looking and I apologize for the tardiness and simplicity!! have a great week!!!

Papertrey Ink Blog Hop

2008-04-25T16:56:00.000-07:00

Here is my card for the Papertrey Ink Blog Hop Challenge.

Nichole's challenge was to use a sheet of paper that she designed. The paper was basically several square swatches from the "Father Knows Best" paper pack. We could use it in any way we chose. I picked my favorite pieces and used a 1 1/2" sqaure punch and punched out the sqaures and mounted them on Whisper White paper. The flowers are from the Garden of Life set (I LOVE these!!) I stamped them on white and then mounted on Close to Cocoa cs that was cut with my Nesties. The flower piece is popped up with pop dots. I also used the outline of the daisy flower with VersaMark and stamped it on the Close to Cocoa, just so it wasn't too plain. The sentiment is from the same set and I stamped half of it at a time and then used my Word Window punch to punch out both pieces, these are popped up with smaller pop dots. I apologize for the horribly quick post, there was an accident on the freeway and it took me for-ever to get home! If you love this card, I assure it is 100% because Nichole is amazing! (if you don't care for the card, then it is totally the "artists" fault, lol). Happy Friday! Thanks for stopping by!!! You can go here to see the other Bloggers participating in this challenge and to vote for your favorites!! Voting is from 5 pm - 8 pm Pacific Time.

Bloggers Challenge

2008-04-19T23:08:00.000-07:00

Wow, a day late and a dollar short!! Sorry I am a day late! Holy Snickerdoodles...wouldn't ya think the 11 shoebox swaps & 2 make n takes I did earlier today and Stamp Mania would have been enough? Ohhhhhh Nooooooo I just had to come home and make more (well, yeah the fact that I am late on this was a pretty good motivator :) ). This weeks challenge was to use chipboard...I particularly appreciated this challenge because I LOVE chipboard!!!!!!! I just never seem to use it!! This was a quick and simple card, but I kinda like it! I took two postage stamp style pices of Chipboard (from Stampin Up) and painted them white with some Making Memories paints. Those are Primas inside the boxes with Antique Brass brads popped up on Pop Dots. The sentiment is from Stampin Up!

Thanks for visiting, I hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

My doorprize for Stamp Mania...

2008-04-19T22:55:00.000-07:00

This is my door prize for Stamp Mania (which was today). If you are at all able to get down to Southern California for this event next year, I highly recommend it!!!! Jami, Joy & Emily host this SCS event and it is beyond fabulous!!! I had a great time! All the gals there were wonderful, the Shoebox swaps were great...it was an all around perfect day!!!!

So this was the door prize I made. I took a paint can and wrapped some Afternoon Tea Dp around it and then finished the edge with some yummy Stampin Up ribbon. I didn't decorate or stamp on the Dp because I figured whoever won it may want to customize it for whatever they decided to use it for. I tied double stitch ribbon in Wild Wasabi, Groovy Guava and a misc brown on the handle. For the lid I used another piece of Afternoon Tea Dp and mounted it on some Chocolate Chip cs. I added a couple of Prima floweres with some varied brads. The sentiment is from My Favorite Things (I love this set, Twisted Sentiments). I filled my pail with am altered notebook, some clear little stamp sets, and, of course, some chocolates (yummy). I hope the winner of this likes it, I do!!

Thanks for stopping by...

Huggy Bellas for Kim

2008-04-19T22:48:00.000-07:00

I made this card for Kim for keeping me from freaking out about Stamp Mania!! I was so stressed about getting my stuff done...thanks Kim!! This was just a quick flap fold card (my hubby even cut all the paper for this!!). Both stamps are from stamping bella.

Thanks for stopping by!!

Bloggers Challenge #42 - Triangle Box

2008-04-10T21:54:00.000-07:00

This week's Bloggers Challenge was to make a triangle box, you can go here to get the directions for the pattern I used. Ok, so this is not one of my more creative projects, but it will serve a great purpose! When I saw this week's challenge a bunch of ideas came to mind, but when I started putting them together... well let's just say there are several unfinished versions of this box on my table (I will probably make more this weekend). I have been wanting some cute little something to hang on my monitor at work, and how perfect is this?!? For those of you who don't know, one of my favorite things to do, one thing that ALWAYS makes the world better (besides stamping); is to go for a drive, turn my radio up really, really loud...and then sing even louder! I know it sounds dumb, but I'm tellin' ya it can totally cure what ailes ya!! Enough of my ramblings, go and check out the other, much more talented girls in the Bloggers Challenge. There's a link on the left side of my blog. Thanks for stopping by, and Happy Friday!

Happy Birthday Gram'ma!

2008-04-10T18:41:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is Gram'ma's birthday! Every year for my whole life, as far back as I can remember, my Gramma has called me on my Birthday and sang to me...this is one of those memories that puts a huge grin on my face! I will not sing to her tomorrow, and if you've ever heard me sing you know why! Anyway, I got the "You Take the Cake" set from MFT recently, and thought Gramma's card would be perfect to ink it up for the first time!

Happpy Birthday, Gramma! You are amazing and wonderful and I love you to the moon!!! (and back!!)

Thanks for stopping by! Don't forget tomorrow is Bloggers' Challenge day, and after a 3 week flake (I mean break), I am ready to jump in again! Happy Thursday all!

Another Garden Hanna

2008-04-09T17:52:00.000-07:00

This Garden Hanna is just way to o fun to color!!!! I love when you get a stamp set and the ideas just start flowing!! I don't even know what I'm going to do with this card, but I really like it! Quick, simple card!! I used my Copics to color (of course, gotta love those Copics!!), yup, I even used some of the Copics that I won from Hanna (The wonderful Miss Kristi was giving away a Basic set and I won them. She asked for my address and BAM! they were here the next day!!!! She rocks! I highly encourage everyone to participate in her Release Day Challenges (on SCS, in the Member Forum). The 2 3D flowers on the bottom were from a present box I got from Tina Wilson (my awesome Sistah, from a Sistah Swap), thanks Tina!!

Thanks for stopping by & have an amazing rest of the week! Hope you stop by again soon! Comments are always welcom and greatly appreciated!!!

Gardner Hanna

2008-03-29T15:45:00.000-07:00

This is Gardner Hanna, and she is my first Hanna set. She hasn't even been released yet! I'm not sure when she will be released, I got her from a store and Kristi told me that she started selling them to stores but it has not been released yet. Anyway, I love her and she is just too much fun to play with!! By the time I was able to play last night it was 11:00 pm and I was soo tired, so this was just a quick card I "threw" together because I was dieing to kink her up! I hope to be able to play more with her this weekend! Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies:

Gardner Hanna Stamp set

Groovy Guava & Chocolate Chip cardstock, I don't remember who the DP is by.

Brilliance in Graphite Black, Copic markers

Espresso Baubles, Mellow Moss Taffeta ribbon & Buttons (both by Stampin Up!), misc. Twine

So Much...

2008-03-22T21:39:00.000-07:00

Remember this set that SU! gave us at Regionals? I had no idea what to do with this set so I joined a swap on SCS for it! I rather like this card and all the stamped images on it are from Stampin Up's "So Much" set. I stamped the doodle looking circle on Bashful Blue cs in Night of Navy ink as a background design. I stamped the dotted circle with Bashful Blue on Very Vanilla cs, then matted it on Night of Navy cs. I stamped the flowers with White Stazon on Night of Navy cs and cut them out. There is an Antique Brass jumbo eyelet in the middle of the flowers with a piece of Bashful Blue Tafetta ribbon sticking out the middle. I used the photo corner punch with Night of Navy cs, and mounted the smaller piece on the larger piece and then decorated with three Antique Brass brads. "Thanks" is stamped in Night of Navy on Very Vanilla cs then punched with large oval punch and mounted on Night of Navy cs punched withe the Designer label punch. All supplies are Stampin Up! For a set I didn't really care for, I'm so glad now that I have it!!!