Is it Fall yet?

Happy Fall Elzybells

I had this cute idea to make a Fall card using one of my Elzybells stamps. Can you guess which stamp I used?

The pumpkins are punched out of textured cardstock and shaded with Copic markers. (I knew I bought that little pumpkin punch a long time ago for something! LOL) Then I took a black pen and drew the detail lines. I stamped "happy fall" from an Elzybells Clear set called Everyday Greetings. Since there wasn't the word "fall" in the set...I just inked up letters from other words and spelled it out that way.

All the patterned paper pieces are from 1 piece of double sided cardstock. Cool huh!! It's from Heidi Grace Designs called Harvest Row. Beautiful paper!

So have you guessed which Elzybells stamp I used? It's called Birthday Girl -- the one with her holding a present. (click here to see a card with the original stamp)

Recipe:
Stamps - Elzybells Art Stamps Birthday Girl, Everyday Greetings Clear Set

Paper - SU More Mustard, Heidi Grace Designs Harvest Row Cardstock, Bazzill Dark Olive Textured cardstock, DCWV Rust Textured from Fall CS Stack, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White

Ink - Tsukineko Memento Tuxedo Black,

Misc. - Copic Markers, Prismacolor Markers, Staedtler Triplus Fineliner 0.3 mm, SU Small Corner Rounder Punch, SU Word Window Punch, Bazzil Matte Finish Brad, Misc ribbon, SU Dimensionals, SU Glue Dots

I miss you dad!

Thinkin' of Oregon

Michaela and I went to visit my dad and step-mom a few weeks ago. (See pics here and here.) It was the first time I had been to their new place in Oregon. I just don't get to see my dad often enough :( I really wish he lived closer. My dad is so funny! I give him all the credit for my sense of humor. Thanks dad!! My step mom is an awesome crafter. And yes...she is addicted to rubber stamping! The big joke is that dad sold his boat so she could buy more stamps. Wonder what he will need to sell next? Maybe his tractor? (just kiddin' dad!)

I though I would share this card I made using The Saltbox Studio stamps. I'm sending this to my folks because I MISS THEM! Since they have a bunch of cute little farm animals - I think this card totally fits. And the sentiment has that little twist of humor....cause you know I gotta have some humor in there :) hee hee hee

The stamp I used to make the cloud is from A Muse. I bought it up in Oregon. That grass is Spring Meadows Speckles from Judi Kins. Cool stuff huh!

Recipe:

Stamps - The Saltbox Studio Sheep, Sheep Sayings, Fences (all clear stamps), A Muse Art Stamps Scallop Label

Paper - SU Wild Wasabi; Neenah Classic Crest Solar White; Bazzill Brown Textured CS

Ink - Tsukineko Memento Rich Cocoa;

Misc - Copic Markers, Judi Kins Spring Meadows Speckles; Art Institute Designer Dry Clear Glue, Prima Flower, Dimensionals; Misc Brad

Blog Award

Thanks go out to Nancy & Jacquie for the "I love your blog" award. Since I got this award a couple weeks back...click HERE for my list of 7 bloggers :)

Funky Ducks

All Lined Up In A Row

These ducks a so funny! I can totally see that big one in the front giving a look like "Huh? What?" LOL Kills me!!! That double sided cardstock really adds to all the fun!!



I love stamping funny and humorous cards. Back in the days before I started making cards...I would stand in the card isle at the store reading funny cards. Picture this -- just me...all by myself...standing there....laughing out loud....eyes watering cause I'm laughing so hard! You get the picture! I'm a dork fish! ha ha ha ha. Now I do it while looking at all the fun stamps that I could make a card with!

Well...now that I've shared! LOL Here's the scoop on the card. That stamp from a set by MissyB Designs called Funky Ducks. Simple coloring on this one. Copic Markers YR16 Apricot and C1 Cool Gray No. 1. The hat on the duck is a piece cut out from the patterned CS.

The cardbase is SU Kiwi Kiss. Patterned Cardstock is from All My Memories - Birthday Boy Design. I embossed a piece of orange cs with a Cuttlebug embossing border set called Just My Type. Then I punched out a piece of Kiwi Kiss with a Fiskars Border Punch. The sentiment is from a Stampin'UP! set called Older & Wiser. Main image and sentiments are all popped up on dimensionals.

TFL & have a humorous day!

Recipe:
Stamps - MissyB Designs Funky Ducks, SU Older & Wiser
Paper - Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, SU Kiwi Kiss CS, SU Night of Navy CS, Bazzill Smooth Orange CS
Ink - Tsukineko Memento Black Tuxedo, SU Kiwi Kiss Classic
Misc. - Fiskars Threading Water Border Punch, Copic Markers YR16 Apricot, C1 Cool Gray No. 1, A Muse Ribbon, Cuttlebug Embossing Borders Just My Type, SU Dimensionals & Brads

ENABLER ALERT! The Funky Ducks stamp set is on a SUPER SALE right now. The set is only $6.00!!! Lots of other super sale items too. Check 'em out at http://www.missybdesigns.com/

Ink, Water, Paper

Watercolor Fun

Heather's Share Your Spark Friday this time was to use watercoloring. After thinking about it...and looking at some of that new Kiwi Kiss CS from Stampin'UP!...I thought fall leaves & pumpkins. Watercoloring is fun...easy...and "it's OK" to not be perfect!

I stamped the images with SU Basic Brown on Whisper White CS. Using an Aquapainter I pulled ink from the stamp pad lids. 3 ink colors were used - Kiwi Kiss, Always Artichoke & Pumpkin Pie. Sparkle was added (of course!) with a Gold Spica Glitter Pen. I think the pictures tell the rest of the story :)

All stamps are from A Muse except for the Stampin'UP! Linen Background behind the pumpkins. Orange patterned paper from A Muse. Kiwi Kiss CS is one of the new In Colors this year from SU.

Recipe:

Stamps - A Muse Art Stamps Simple Celebrations Clear Set, Simple Wishes Clear Set, Coffee Break Clear Set (thanks sentiment), SU Linen Backgroud Stamp
Paper - A Muse Orange Dot Patterned CS, SU Kiwi Kiss CS, Whisper White CS, Ivory CS
Ink - SU Basic Brown Classic, Kiwi Kiss, Always Artichoke
Misc. - Copic Spica Glitter Pen Gold, SU Dimensionals, SU Edge Distressor, Misc Ribbon

It's time for your Monday Morning Kick Start!

House Mouse & Friends Monday Challenge #2

It's time for a Monday Morning Kick Start with House-Mouse & Friends! I have to tell you something about that HM stamp I have pictured on here with the mouse in the coffee cup. I don't have that stamp! How sad is THAT! I really need to get it ordered - cause it's one I have to have! LOL. And it's really called "Monday Morning Kick Start." Yep..I want that stamp and about 100 others!

Did you see all of last weeks awesome creations? Check

them out HERE.

Now on with HM & Friends Monday Challenge #2:
This weeks challenge -- Lace it up!! Use lace on your project. Any kind of lace - real lace, paper lace, shoe lace, whatever :) Just have fun! Visit the House Mouse & Friends Monday Challenge Blog for all the details and check out the creations from the design team.

For my card I used some real lace. I actually had some in my sewing supplies! I also made a lace looking strip from pink vellum using a Martha Stewart Punch. This House-Mouse stamp is called "Twinkle Toes" and features Amanda. Last week I stamped Amanda too. See that card HERE.

This is such a sweet image. I love her little round belly. I gave her little tutu some sparkle with Stickles. One word to describe her..."Adorable" All the paper I used except for the vellum is from Stampin'UP! Coloring is done with Prismacolor Pencils & Gamsol. Main image layer is popped up on dimensionals.

I hope you find time to play with us! Make sure to post your creations and leave a comment on the HM & Friends Challenge Blog so everyone can see.

Recipe:

Stamps - House-Mouse Designs Twinkle Toes, SU Warm Words
Paper - SU Naturals White CS, Double Sided Designer Paper Pink; Close to Cocoa CS, Pink Vellum

Ink - Tsukineko Versafine Black, SU Close To Cocoa Classic,
Misc. - Martha Stewart Embossed ZigZag Craft Punch, Prismacolor Pencils, Gamsol OMS, Ranger Stickles Cotton Candy & Diamond, SU Dimensionals; Red Sticky Strip, Crystal Effects, Rhinstones, Ribbon, Lace

House Mouse & Friends Monday Challenge Blog HERE.

House-Mouse Designs Official Website HERE.

Tips on how you can easily color the House-Mouse Stamp Images HERE.

Just what the doctor ordered

A Daily Dose of Stamping

I don't know about you...but if someone gave me this "Get Well Soon" card it would make me feel better :) I felt better just making it! LOL

The Boy and Sentiment are from Elzybells. The patterned paper is from Around The Block and it's called Teal Blanket. How perfect for a Get Well card!

I stamped the boy a 2nd time and cut out the sling part. I love paper piecing!! It really adds that extra little touch. If you haven't tried this technique you really need to. It's also a great way to hide a mess-up :) Try stamping on patterned paper too!

Since the patterned paper I used has a white core I was able to sand off the edges of the sentiment to make it stand out better. Both images are popped up on dimensionals.

Well...if anyone reading this post is not feeling well...I hope this brightens your day :) Have a great weekend!

Recipe:
Stamps - Elzybells Art Stamps Boy In Sling, Get Well Soon
Paper - Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Around The Block Teal Blanket, DCWV Rust Textured from Fall CS Stack, Bazzil Teal textured CS, SU White textured CS
Ink - Tsukineko Memento Tuxedo Black
Misc - Copic Markers, Prismacolor Markers, EK Success punch, SU Ticket Corner Punch, CTMH Bitty Brads, Offray Ribbon, SU Paper Piercing template, Red Stick Tape, SU Dimensionals

Challenge-Mania

Doing More Challenges.

I needed to make some Sympathy cards and found a beautiful card and layout over on Nancy's Blog HERE. Nancy used a sketch from Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge #52 HERE. I love how this card turned out. All supplies for this card except ribbon are Stampin'UP!

Then for the Baby card I used a challenge I spotted over at Lorie's blog HERE. This sketch was perfect for the stamp set I wanted to use. As an added bonus I even used my sewing machine! :) All supplies for this card except ribbon and pin are Stampin'UP! Colors are Soft Sky, Blue Bayou and Whisper White.

For the next 2 cards I used Card Sketch Challenge #188 from Splitcoaststampers. Every Wednesday on SCS you will find a new Card Sketch. There is always something going on over at SCS!! I love that place :) All supplies for this card except ribbon are from Stampin'UP! Colors are Blush Blossom, Close to Cocoa and Whisper White.

The last card I actually combined 2 challenges. Sketch Challenge #188 and Color Challenge #180. Tuesday is Color Challenge day at SCS. You have GOT to click this card to zoom in and see all the sparkle!! :)

Main image is from MissyB Designs. Sentiment is from Taylored Artwork. Stampin'UP! Cardstock and Designer paper, EK Success Flower Punch, Misc brad that I altered with embossing glitter. Sentiment on top and bottom are popped up on dimensionals.

As you can see...I've been having lots of stamping fun!! I made more...but that's enough to post for now :) BTW - don't forget to stop back for the next House Mouse & Friends Monday Challenge. Check out all the wonderful cards being created from Challenge #1 HERE. Challenge #2 is only a few days away! Yippee!!!

Halloween Goo

Playing with my Drippy Goo Punch Again.

I made this card for Heather's Share Your Spark Friday. In honor of the week being "sneak peek week" for the new A Muse Halloween images, this week's spark is to make a Halloween card! Check out Heather's Blog for share your spark Friday details - AND check out all her awesome creations!!

I wanted to give my card a rustic sort of look. (Is that what you would call it?) I used Copic & Prismacolor markers and colored all over white CS with green for the grass and gray for the sky. Pumpkin Tree and Fence are stamped direct on top of paper then colored with markers. Grass blades are hand drawn.

For the moon I stamped a circle with white pigment ink. Using Ivory and Gray inks with my cloud stencils - I sponged. With a wedge, I lightly sponged all over the surface with ColorBox Chalk Charcoal ink. Edges are also sponged. For the cardbase I stamped Stampin'UP! Sanded background using Going Gray Classic ink.

The Ghost is stamped on White CS, cut out, then lightly sponged with Charcoal Chalk ink and popped up on dimensional. Drippy Goo top border has Charcoal ink on the edged and swiped on here & there. BOO! is stamped from an SU alpha set.

I think this one turned out really fun! Isn't it amazing what we can create with a couple stamps and markers!

Recipe:

Stamps - A Muse Art Stamps Simple Celebrations Clear Set, Pumpkin Tree, Fence, SU Straight Up Alphabet Set, SU Basic Shapes Set

Paper - SU Certainly Celery, Pumpkin Pie Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Bazzil Black textured CS

Ink - Tsukineko Memento Black Tuxedo, Clearsnap Colorbox Chalk Charcoal, SU Ivory & Going Gray Classic, SU White Craft

Misc. - Martha Stewart Drippy Goo punch, Copic Markers, Prismacolor Markers, Bazzil Matte Finish Carrot Cake Brads, SU Dimensionals, Great Impressions Stamping in the Clouds Stencil Set

Christmas Goo

Goo Gone Wild!

Have you heard about the Martha Stewart Halloween Punches? Well...over at the A Muse Addicts Forum we've all been going crazy with one called Drippy Goo. All it took was 1 person to post a cute card using this Goo punch and the Enabler Light started flashing! LOL!!! NOW WE ALL HAD TO HAVE IT! Michael's coupons in hand...many of us rushed out to buy it. I of course was one of them ;) Everyone over at amuseaddicts.com has been creating tons of awesome Halloween creations using this new punch -- all while waiting for the release of new Fall/Halloween stamps from A Muse. Only 2 more days!!!

I had every intention of making something Halloween with my punch...but I got Christmas on my mind today!



Who would have thought Goo on a Christmas Card! LOL! I think it works great. I did have a little problem while making this card. I spilled my entire jar of SU Dazzlin' Diamonds glitter on the carpet! oops!! The Santa Sack is stamped on SU Red Riding Hood CS and cut out. Then stamped again on white to cut out the bow.

Well...how ya like? Don't worry, I'm still gonna make something Halloween :)

Recipe:
Stamps - A Muse Art Stamps Missy's Holiday Clear Set, Present BL
Paper - SU Riding Hood Red Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White
Ink - Tsukineko Memento Black Tuxedo
Misc. - Martha Stewart Drippy Goo punch, Copic Markers, Copic Spica Glitter Pens, A Muse Ribbon, Glue Pen, SU Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, SU Dimensionals

Today is THE DAY!!

House Mouse & Friends Monday Challenge #1

Hey there all you House-Mouse, Happy Hoppers & Gruffie lovers! Are you ready for your Monday Morning Kick Start?! It's Monday and TODAY IS THE DAY for the 1st Monday Challenge. YIPPEE!!! So grab a cup of something and lets get stamping!!! Waahooo!!

Are you as excited as I am?! I could hardly wait to show you the card I made for this 1st challenge. I'm so happy to be part of this team! Wait till you see all the creations!! WOW! :)

This weeks challenge is all about NEW. Anything new - baby, house, job, friend, recipe, day, school, teacher...you get the idea! When Emma gave the design team this first challenge...I knew right away what I wanted to make....a card to congratulate her for starting this new HM & Friends Challenge Blog!

Congratulations Emma :)

Visit the House Mouse & Friends Monday Challenge Blog for all the details on our 1st Challenge and see all the DT members creations. And guess what!! There's a prize!! FUN FUN FUN! I hope you find time to play with us! Make sure to post your creations and leave a comment on the Challenge Blog so everyone can see :)

Meet Amanda. Amanda is the most well behaved and mature of all the House-Mouse siblings. She has fawn colored fur and her ears are a bit large. Learn more about Amanda & all the other mice on the official House-Mouse website HERE. Get tips on how you can easily color the House-Mouse Stamp Images HERE.

Recipe:

Stamps - House-Mouse Designs Amanda Points, Mouse Feet, Elzybells Art Stamps Everyday Greetings

Paper - SU Naturals Ivory CS, So Saffron CS, Designer Series Paper Spring Showers (retired); Fair Designs Patterned Paper, Horsin' Around Collection, Bazzill brown textured CS

Ink - Tsukineko Versafine Black, Ranger Adirondack Espresso,

Misc. - Prismacolor; Gamsol OMS, SU Dimensionals; Red Sticky Strip, SU Word Window Punch, Misc Brads, American Crafts Premium Ribbon, SU Edge Distressor, Sponge Dauber.

Edge distressing on brown layer behind main image. Sponge Dauber used to ink up paper edges. Stamped image and brown layer behind are popped up on dimensionals

TFL :) Now go get your Monday Morning Kick Start and do some stamping with those HM & Friends stamps!!

Tomorrow's the BIG day...

...for the 1st House Mouse & Friends Monday Challenge!!! August 18th

Get ready for your Monday Morning Kick Start!

Make sure and head over to our first HM & Friends Monday Challenge Blog tomorrow! The Design Team will have their creations ready to show ya and help get those creative juices flowing!! I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with!

Don't have any House Mouse, Happy Hoppers or Gruffies stamps? That's OK....come take a look and let us know you stopped in by leaving a comment. I know all the HM & Friends would LOVE to hear from you :)

The Magic of the Season

Gold Canyon Candles New Holiday Catalog is On-Line!

Wahoo!! Gold Canyon released the new Holiday 2008 catalog to everyone early this year!! It was released TODAY!!!! Guess What!!! We can start ordering from the new catalog RIGHT NOW! No waiting till Sept 1st! PLUS...you can still order from the Summer Catalog until the end of August. This is the first time GC has ever done this.

I love all the fall and holiday scents! Check out the on-line catalog and read the yummy descriptions using the zoom in tool. Look at these 2 Fall candles. Adorable! I love the Candy Corn in the cute jar. And I'm serious...it smells just like Candy Corn!



I'm so excited to see they are coming back with the Pumpkin Pie scent in the Pumpkin Jar. When the candle is done you can fill the jar with candy! One of their new scents I can't wait to try is in the Baking Line called Caramel Ginger Strudel. Yummo! They also have a bunch of new gift sets. Oh...and another new favorite of mine is coming back - it's called Toffee Drizzled Popcorn. I love it from last year.

Don't forget the low $5.95 shipping (see website for shipping details) when you order on-line. Can't beat that! You don't even have to drive:)

Are you taking care of your candles? Read my post for info HERE. Even if you don't have Gold Canyon candles...it's good info on how to take care candles.

Gold Canyon Candles Catalog - Summer 2008 (click on Our Products then click Shop for Our Products. To view online catalog - click Shop by Catalog)

Gold Canyon Candles Catalog - Holidays 2008 (click on View Our Online Catalog)

Candle Care

Picture Perfect

Elzybells Birthday Girl

Yep...I'm playing with another one of my new Elzybells stamps. This one is called Birthday Girl. Isn't she such a Little Lady! I really had to hold back from adding more girly stuff on this card :)



The light pink cardstock is one of Stampin'UP!'s new In Colors - Pink Pirouette. I love how soft this new pink is. I layered it on Bravo Burgundy. The patterned paper is new from A Muse. Isn't it elegant! Her dress is colored with Copic R39. The present is colored a little with Copic Cool Gray 1 and then topped off with Clear Spica Glitter Pen. I stamped the A Muse Present Background in Pink Pirouette. The loopy border on the bottom is stamped with Bravo Burgundy. It's also a clear set from A Muse - Fancy Borders. The sentiment is from a clear set called Simple Wishes. I'm sure using those clear stamps lately!

So, anyone think I should have added more? Maybe a few rhinestones somewhere?

Recipe:
Stamps - Elzybells Art Stamps Birthday Girl; A Muse Art Stamps Present Bl, Fancy Borders Clear Set, Simple Wishes Clear Set
Paper - SU Pink Pirouette Cardstock, SU Bravo Burgendy Cardstock, A Muse patterned paper, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White
Ink - Tsukineko Memento Rich Cocoa, SU Pink Pirouette Classic, SU Bravo Burgundy Pigment,
Copic Markers, Prismacolor Markers, Copic Spica Glitter Pen Clear, SU Word Window Punch, SU Ticket Corner Punch, Misc brads & ribbon.

gold & glitter at the bottom of the sea

Yes...I made another fish card!

When I was making my other little window cut out card (see it here) I was already thinking up this fun layout. Any excuse to use glitter and sparkles...and this time even bright shinny embossing powder. WOOHOO Fun stuff! I even put glitter on the fishes fins! How cool is that Gold Stickles in the treasure chest! BLING BLING!!




I stamped the treasure chest a 2nd time on white cardstock to color and then paper pieced it to the card base where I had stamped it first. (Did that make sense?) The seaweed is also stamped and embossed all the way across the inside of the card. All stamps used are from A Muse. The blue cardstock is a retired In Color from SU called Cool Caribbean. Perfect for my ocean :) BTW - the little pieces I cut for the sentiment - it's supposed to be crooked and funky shaped.

Recipe:
Stamps - A Muse Art Stamps Animal Wishes Clear Set, Treasure Chest, Seaweed, Best Fishes Sentiment
Paper - SU Cool Carribean Cardstock, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Bazzill Black Textured Cardstock
Ink - Tsukineko Memento Black Tuxedo, Tsukineko Versamark
Misc. - CTMH Embossing Powder Key Lime, Copic Markers, Copic Spica Glitter Pens, A Muse Ribbon, Glue Pen, Glitter, Ranger Gold Stickles

I love your blog!

What a Cute Award!

You all know how much I love stamping and crafting...right? But do you know how much I love blogging? Bunches & Bunches! I think because my "former life" was computers ALL DAY LONG it's burned into me that I MUST be on the computer everyday. I admit...I'm probably on the computer WAY more than I should. Sometimes it's hard to pull away because there are so many blogs and things to look at and read...then I click something that takes me to more cool stuff...and it never stops! LOL Next thing ya know it's been hours! On to the Award.

Two ladies gave this to me:

Elizabeth - Thanks Elizabeth! :) In case some of you don't know....Elizabeth is the creator of Elzybells Art Stamp...the sweetest & cutest stamps in the universe! Elzybells are my all time favorite!! When I first saw these adorable stamps I seriously had my biggest "awww...how cute!!" moment EVER! Check out her blog and see for yourself! She has smaller versions of many of her stamps available through A Muse Art Stamps. How cool is that! Stay tuned to Elizabeth's blog for the upcoming release of Christmas stamps! Wahoo! Can't wait!

Janneke - A new blogging friend (thank you!) Janneke is on the HM & Friends Monday Challenge DT. Go check out Janneke's blog. She has some adorable Magnolia cards!

Here's the rules:
1. The winner can put the logo on their 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 you’ve nominated

I nominate the following people:

Diana - Stampin' with Di (She has some awesome stuff to share! Diana & I are...as she put it...SU! cousins.)

Stacey - Shimmerz Paints (Enabler Alert!)

Cambria - Stamp a Little Love Baby! (Everything on her blog makes me smile)

Geeta - CraftyEngineer (I love her A Muse style. She also teaches A Muse classes!)

Danielle - Fat Cat Stamper (I've been drooling all over her blog for a couple years)

Kim - Paper in the Works (I recently discovered Kim's blog. All I can say is GO LOOK!)

Alisha - Too Be Remembered (Alisha is my oldest daughter. She just started up a blog...and she needs help! LOL Go leave her a comment and encourage her to GET WITH IT! ha ha ha)

I hope you enjoy looking at my picks. Have fun blogging!

How about a Friday Challenge!

Addict meets Spark!

I love doing challenges! They're perfect to get ya started on a project. You ever want to make a card...but just don't have a clue where to start? THAT is when you do a challenge. There's challenges all over the place on blogs & forums. Sketches, Color Combos, Special Techniques, etc. Don't forget to come back to my blog on Monday's for the new House Mouse & Friends Challenges.

This card actually covers a couple challenges I wanted to do. I punched out the circle with a hand punch. Stamped the little ghosts and cute them out. Boo is stamped on the inside. When you open the card you can see the rest of the sentiment. I traced over Boo with Clear Spica Glitter Pen for some sparkle.



One is for the "Share Your Spark Fridays" challenge over on Heather's Blog One Little Spark. Her challenge is to create something where a portion of the cardstock you're using has been removed. This is fun! Think of all the possibilities!! See all details on Heathers blog HERE.

Another challenge is Weekly Challenge #55 on the A Muse Addicts Forum. This week's challenge is called *Meeting Inspiration*. The challenge is to find a VMAA (virtual meeting of a muse addicts) card that you love and make your own card based on that one. I picked a card that the awesome Julie made on the VMAA Challenge she hosted HERE. She made a totally cute card (as she always does!) with a cut-out.



Another thing...A Muse is getting ready to release some new Halloween stamps!! WAHOO!!! All us A Muse Addicts can hardly stand the wait!!! So to pass the time we decided to get out our old Halloween stamps and create something. I CAN'T WAIT to see what's new!!!! BRING IT ON! LOL. Like I don't have enough stamps already! ha ha We can NEVER have too many stamps!

Get your stamps out and start creating :)

Recipe:
Stamps - A Muse Art Stamps Simple Celebrations Clear Set, Studio G sentiment
Paper - Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Rusty Pickle DS Paper Adams Family Collection, Bazzill Orange Textured Cardstock
Ink - Tsukineko Memento Black Tuxedo
Misc. - Copic Marker Cool Grey 1, Copic Spica Glitter Pen Clear, EK Success Punch, A Muse Black Stitched Grosgrain ribbon, Misc. Orange Ribbon, Red Stick Tape, Glue Pen, Glitter

House Mouse Monday's

Do you need a Monday Morning Kick Start?

I have exciting news! Get ready for some House Mouse fun!!!

There's a new Challenge Blog for House Mouse Fans and I was asked to be on the design team! Woohoo!! Count me in! I love House Mouse! Emma at Sassy Crafts has started this challenge blog so all us House Mouse, Happy Hoppers, and Gruffies lovers have a place to come together & have fun!

A new challenge will posted every Monday. All you House Mouse lovers are encouraged to join in with the challenges! The first official challenge will be Monday August 18th. Hop on over to the House Mouse & Friends Challenge Monday Blog for all the details.

I can't wait to see everyone’s creations with these adorable images! Even if you don't have any HM stamps, stop by the blog for an "awww...how cute!" moment :) BTW - the image above is a HM Stamp. It's called "Monday Morning Kick Start" How PERFECT is THAT! :) Let the cuteness begin!

Click HERE to visit the official House Mouse website.

Katharina's Blog

Creative Ideas by Katharina - BLOG CANDY ALERT

Katharina has some blog candy up for grabs to celebrate 100,000 hits on her blog!!! The winner of her blog candy gets the complete Whiff of Joy Guardian Angel Collection by Elisabeth Bell for free!!! How COOL is THAT!!! Hurry over to Katharina's blog to enter :)

Something Old - Something New

Making Room for NEW DP!!

I decided I better start using up some of my old stuff to make room for the new. Wait till you see all the new Designer Series Paper coming out in the new SU Catalog!! I don't even need to make a wish list...cause I want it ALL!



Anybody remember this old DP? It's called Spring Showers. I think it was from 2006. The NEW item I used on my card is the sentiment from a new stamp set available in the Stampin'UP! Fall-Winter 2008 Catalog called Heard from the Heart. Ordering out of the new catalog starts on August 11th. That's only in a couple days!! WAHOO!!

I cut out 1" x 1" squares of DP (yes...on my paper cutter...I don't have a 1" square punch. Go figure!) and glued down to So Saffron cardbase (4 1/4" x 5 1/2"). The middle piece of DP is 5 1/4" x 2". Sentiment stamped with Pigment ink and embossed. Flowers stamped and cut out - then cut in half. Sentiment and Flowers popped up on dimensionals. I added Stickles on the flowers for sparkle.

Recipe:
Stamps: SU Heart from the Heart, Looks Like Spring
Paper: SU Designer Paper - Spring Showers, So Saffron, Whisper White
Ink: SU Classic Ink Chocolate Chip, Bashful Blue, So Saffron, Clearsnap Colorbox Chestnut
Misc: Stampendous Chocolate Brown Embossing Powder, SU Spring Flower Bouquet Punch, Dimensionals, Misc Bronze Brads, SU Paper Piercing Template, Ranger Stickles Diamond

Today....I stamp

A Muse Addicts Stamp of the Week #27

Each week on amuseaddicts.com there is a Stamp of the Week Challenge. They list 2 specific stamps to choose from to make a card for the challenge This weeks stamps are the tire swing and lemonade. I have the tire swing stamp so I was able to play along. Yippee!

It's kind of hard to see, but I colored a very light shade of green all around the tree branches. Maybe you can see it better if you click on the pic to open in bigger.

Recipe:

Stamps - A Muse Art Stamps Tire Swing and Sentiment
Paper - Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, SU Barely Banana & Patterned Paper
Ink - Tsukineko Memento Black Tuxedo
Misc. - Copic Markers, Marvy Uchida Punches, SU Corner Rounder Punch, CTMH Bitty Brads, Misc. Ribbon, Dimensionals, Red Stick Tape

Well Gooooooolly!

Brillante Weblog Award

How exciting to get nominated for this award. The following ladies all nominated me:

Kim, Tracy, Rhonda, Rose and Victoria

Please click on each of the links above to visit their blogs ;) Better yet...leave a comment to let them know how Brillante their blogs are. Each of these ladies personally takes time to share with everyone through their blog. I only wish I could meet all my blog friends in person! That would be totally cool huh!! Hugs to you all !!

Here's the details of the award:
1. The winner can put the logo on their 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 those you’ve nominated.

Here are 7 Brilliante Bloggers I nominate for the award - listed in no particular order:

Lorie Ames
Katie Stilwater
Heather Meeson
Nancy Morgan
Debbie Corbari
Nancy Riley
Linsey Rickett

Go check 'em out!

VMAA Challenge C

Rhonda's Challenge

I finally sat down to do the last 30 minute VMAA Challenge on amuseaddicts.com. Challenge #3 was to make a card using one of your favorite A Muse stamps, your favorite ribbon, your favorite color or A muse notecard, your favorite layout, your favorite accessory, your favorite punch, etc. Use as many of your favorites as you can.

This was a hard one! I don't think I have any favorites...love them all! I do love my Coffee Break Clear Set. So that's what I decided on. Then I picked a favorite A Muse cardstock that would go perfect. I love ribbon so I had to have some on there. Clips are another favorite thing I like to use - so I found a spot on the card for one. OH...and I can't forget how much I love those scalloped punches! :) Hummm.....let me think.....I also love those Oval Stamps so I used one.



See how the oval under the cup is a lighter color of black. I inked up the stamp and then stamped off once before stamping under the cup that I had masked off. Main image layers are popped up on dimensionals. Whew! That was a LOT of favorites :) Remember...these are 30 minutes or less to get done. Cool stuff!

*** Hey Rhonda! I got-er-done!! What ya think? ***
Sweet Rhonda (craftyblessings) thought I was doing all the challenges except hers. I just ran out of time that day. She forgave me :)

Recipe:

Stamps - A Muse Art Stamps Coffee Break Clear Set, Mini Oval BL

Paper - A Muse Patterned Paper, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, SU So Saffron & Basic Black Cardstock

Ink - Tsukineko Memento Black Tuxedo

Misc - Copic Markers, Marvy Uchida Punches, CTMH Spiral Clip, Misc. Ribbon, , Dimensionals

Exciting News!

Grand Opening!! TooBeRemembered.com

After months of working on her website, my daughter Alisha has finally opened her on-line store Too Be Remembered. YIPPEE!! Pop on over and take a look around. Remember...she's new to all this on-line store stuff and working hard to make the site look all pretty and perfect (is there such thing as perfect?! LOL) Do expect changes as she works out little things here and there.

What is Too Be Remembered? It's my daughters new online store - offering custom designed birth announcements, invitations, cards, headbands, bracelets & more. Alisha is my oldest daughter. After her first baby was born (almost 8 years ago!) she's been sending out photo greeting cards. You know...the kind you get at Christmas. Frustrated with the fact that you can't customize these mass produced items - like with more than 1 picture on it, she decided it was time to create them herself. Now she is designing her own digital layouts. All you have to do is provide her with the pic's and info -- she does the rest.

Alisha is also our Headband and Bow Queen! She makes the cutest headbands ever. Alisha makes them for all the little girls in our family and for all her friends too. It's that classic "Oh Alisha! You should sell these!" You want to see a girl with TONS of ribbon?! WOW!! Alisha has also started teaching bow classes. E-mail her for more info on classes.



Don't my little grandbabies look so cute :0)

Who makes the bracelets? Me :) More bows will be added that match standard navy blue school uniforms. If you have something in mind that you don't see email her and she will create it for you.

Want a discount? Use the coupon code NC100J to receive a 10% discount good through August 23, 2008.

Alisha also started a BLOG http://www.tooberemembered.blogspot.com/

Now...back to STAMPING! LOL!!

VMAA Challenge E

Yet Another A Muse Addicts Challenge for VMAA

This challenge was to create a humorous friendship card!

What's totally fun about the VMAA Challenges is that we MUST complete the cards in 30 minutes or less. Now THAT is fast! I did all the doodling by hand.

Recipe:
Stamps - A Muse Art Stamps Elzybells, Elzybells Art Stamps Sentiment
Paper - American Crafts Double Sided Paper, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White
Ink - Tsukineko Memento Tuxedo Black
Misc - Copic Markers, Staedtler Triplus Fineliner 0.3 mm, Corner Rounder Punch, Marvy Uchida Punches, EK Success Punches, Dimensionals