A challenge like no other!

A couple of weeks ago, one of my stamping sisters with the SBS 5 - Sue Daly - put a challenge out on her blog. You sign up. She'll send you a bunch of goodies, and you need to come up with something - an altered project, a card, something with what she sent. Well folks.... this is what she sent! Cardstock, some embellishments, and a half finished card.

I have to say... this piece below- was my biggest challenge! While this piece of paper sparkles with a real mica flair and is really pretty- you know this isn't something I often use in my stamping room! Sue even admitted she stuffed this in just to see what I might come up with!! LOL!
This is the other piece that stretched my creativity a bit. This is the front....
And, this is the back! It's actually a pop can that she cut, painted and embossed! Isn't that the coolest thing? I am sure you won't look at a pop can the same way now!! If you want to see what else she did using this technique- click HERE.

I decided to tackle the piece of mica paper first! I actually had to email Sue to ask if I could make multiple creations with her package. She said, "yep!" So... I did!

I took out a stamp I haven't used in probably 5 or 6 years. It's a pear by A Stamp In The Hand that I stamped on a piece of black that Sue sent with Versamark ink and then I painted it with Polished Pigments by Luminarte. I chose a rust, a lime green and a gold. I used the mica paper as a mat and then matted my pear onto a piece of the green Sue sent and the rest of the black was run through the Wizard with my scalloped rectangle Nestabilities die. Add a base card, a strip of paper that was stamped with a "pear" background stamp and some luscious black sheer ribbon and.. DONE! While this is a card that I would probably never have created. I think it really turned out neat! Sue definitely stretched me beyond my typical creative limits!
If you want to see how she made this paper - click HERE. And, THIS is a card Sue created with this background!

Here's a closeup of the pear, showing how I "painted" it with the powders! The powder sticks to the Versamark and the ink acts as a binder so you don't have to seal your work. Pretty cool!
I actually felt kind of guilty about this next creation! This is the half finished card Sue sent. I thought it was such a neat layout that it needed something kind of simple for punch. I didn't want to take away from the paper, the layout and the ribbon! So, I grabbed my Spring Ephemerals set from Flourishes and the set Many Sentiments- also from Flourishes and a black in pad - and that's all I did!!!

Here's Sue's card before...

Here it is after....
The fold is really interesting. Right where the ribbons are, it opens. Very cool!
The last card I created was using the pop can embellishment, and a scroll like embellishment. I looks actually like an iron on. Sue did send a piece of navy cardstock that I used as my base for the card. I used a flourish style stamp (Autumn Leaves) and Versamark ink and stamped it down the side. I used some of the cream paper she sent to punch out a circle and matted this on a slightly larger cirlce that was punched out of pearl paper. Add some fun sheer seafoam ribbon and you're pretty much done! I actually made the navy card smaller and matted it on a tan piece of paper that Sue sent.
Here's a close up of the embellishment. I added a seafoam colored adhesive backed pearl to bling it up a bit!!
Finally, This last card is one that Sue sent with her package! It is really, really, sparkly!! There is such a beautiful range of color. It makes me want to drag out my whole set of Pure Mica powders and Polished Pigments to create! Check out how she did this card HERE.

Here's a close up so you can see this brilliant color!
Thanks Sue for the fun challenge!! It was a blast! Check Sue's blog out HERE. She's one talented stamper!!

Have a great rest of the weekend! I'll be back tomorrow to share a RAK and some news about the Paper Crafts Idol contest!! Stay tuned!

Stamp Simply-- Make mine girly!!

Hi all! Happy Friday and Happy Fourth of July to all my American friends! Our family is headed out for one of American's favorite pastimes-- camping! This will be the first time in roughly 3o some years that I have been out in the wild this way! I was about 4 when I went last -- and you know what happened? I decided to get behind the wheel of the family van to play"driver" and next thing I knew I was rolling down the hill headed for a tree. My dad ran and jumped in the rolling vehicle but not before my mom got hysterical and the van crashed into a tree! Oh, the joys of camping! Guess it scarred me!! :-) I am "pretty sure" my mom can laugh about it now!!

Time for another Stamp Simply challenge. Click HERE to go to Sharon's blog for all the official details for ssnotime42! This one is not red, white, or blue. It's soft and girly! That's always en vogue - right? Well, when I heard that is what the challenge was- I knew just the occassion I would make my card for -- my daughter's birthday! My little diva is going to be five! Well, I wanted the message to be for a "princess," so, I used THIS set from Flourishes, designed for Mardi Gras and changed it up a bit! I used the crown for my little princess and then used the Harlequin set for the lower half of my card front and behind my crown in a light pink. I used my Spellbinders dies for the scalloped oval and oval shapes. I added some black satin ribbon and some bling and that was pretty much it for the front. The pink bling in the Harlequin diamond is actually a pink hot fix nail head. It gives just the right amount of shimmer!

Now, comes the fun part--- the saying! The top part and the flourish line are both a part of the Many Sentiments set also from Flourishes. The bottom part was done with the help of my computer-- Happy Birthday to the Princess In Training! I think she'll like this! I know she'll like the sparkle!! Those are super duper teeny tiny rhinestones that I got at my LSS. I think they are 1 or 2mm.
Here's a close up of the crown! I love this and can see using this for a whole bunch of other uses... Wishing friends birthdays fit for a queen, You're the Queen, Queen for a day, etc!! FUN!
If you need a little more inspiration - check what these ladies cooked up!

Janine
Jennifer
Dee
Tammy
Becky

Have a great weekend! I'll be back Sunday with more fun!

Coffee Anyone???

Oh goodness. I wish you knew how much I LOVE coffee. I started working at a coffee shop when I was still in high school, and haven't stopped sipping since. Has anyone ever tried Jamacan Mountain Blue? It was a coffee that way back in the 80s sold for 40 bucks a pound. Yes, I have even sipped this! Ok, getting off the topic here! My point is - I love coffee and I love stamping and now - I can combine both!!

This set is the Stamp Simply set "Coffee With Friends" from Flourishes. The sayings are perfect! I still had some of the coffee stained paper left from another project-- so I used it as the base of my card. I stamped the large cup on my coffee stained piece of paper using Versamark ink, embossed it with gold detail powder and then paper pieced the cup with some gold accented Penny Black paper. The steam was stamped over top the cup and accented with a light brown marker. I matted this on a piece of medium brown paper and again on the decorative paper. I attached this to the matted card base with foam tape to give my card a kind of "sleeve" for my saying. The sentiment says, "A cup of coffee shared with a friends is happiness tasted & time well spent." I matted this and accented it with three loopy brads along with some sheer brown ribbon (May Arts)

Here's a close up of the sentiment that slides into the back of the mat! Yes, I even used another coffee bean as an embellishment. It makes my card smell like the real thing!! LOL!
Do you have this set? If you do, you should enter the challenge on the Flourishes Forum on Splitcoast. HERE is the link! All you need to do is create a card or project with the Coffee With Friends set as the main focus, upload to SCS and then link it on the thread above. You have until the 10th of July and can enter as many times as you want!! The winner recieves a goody package from Flourishes' Sharon Johnson and will be announced on the thread!

So, cheers to you! You know I'd have you all over for coffee if I could!!

Before I go, I wanted to say a special thanks to Paylin and Jany who both awarded me the Brillante Weblog award. Wow. Thanks so much! You have no idea how you all brighten my day when you stop by and say "hi!" I would pass this one along - but it's so hard. I know that is a cop out but it is sooooo true - too many great blogs out there. If you want to see the ones I visit almost daily - just check out my blog roll. They all deserve this award!!!

BIG news and a challenge!

I'm goin' to Hollywood!!!! Ok, I am laughing pretty hard at that. I found out today that one of my cards is now a finalist in the Paper Crafts Idol contest. WOW -- It is a huge honor. Out of 774 entries, the editorial staff whittled the list down to 20 and I can't even believe I am saying this -- I made it! You can check out the details HERE. You can also check out the other cards there too! The idea is basically like American Idol. The top 20 are chosen in open auditions and then from there - YOU decide! So, I'll need your help in the voting!

Now for the challenge!! It's time for another Impression Obsession Design Team challenge! Kelli Richardson is the Challenge Queen of IO -- her challenge - to make a card that sparkles! Well, I hadn't used my Circle Elements 2 set yet. This set rocks for creating edges around die cut circles plus it has sayings and floral elements! So, that's what I used. I used a 1-1/4" circle punch to create my turquoise base circles, I added a flower from the set on top of that with turquoise ink and then added the star like flowers (also from the set) on top by stamping them in brown and cutting them out. I popped them up a bit with foam tape and gave them the sparkle! Each flower has a hot fix crystal in the center! It just dazzles. Photos really don't show how sparkly! :-( The lower right corner has my sentiment - it's the word circle in the set that says "True Friends." Very mod!

To see what some of the other gals came up with-- here's the links! Be patient - they'll be uploading at different times of the day Tuesday!!

Daniela
Penny
Laura
Deborah

See you tomorrow!

You're Just My Style!

Hi all! H0pe you are all enjoying your weekend! When I laid eyes on these new stamps from Gina K. Designs - I thought funky chic! (The set is called Retro Boutique!)Well, I also thought this stamp set called for a different kind of layout - so I grabbed a plate - yes a plate - and traced around the edge four times to create this curvy box. After I cut the small shape out of the white, I lined it up on my green piece and did this again adding about 1/4" on each side. When I was done, I had this funky layer! The purses were stamped on the white and again on the decorative paper multiple times so each purse could have it's own "look!" I added some silver leafing on the "metal" parts of the purse, added some bling and the sentiment and I was done! I have to admit, the cutting did take some time - but you know me-- love cutting things out!

That reminds me, I had a question a couple of days ago about my Silver Leafing Pen. I use the two way Zig that I got a few years back from Stampin' Up. One side is gold and the other is silver. I love it because it is a fine tip so I can add fun, fine details. If there are any SU demos out there - let me know if you can still buy these through SU!!!

Well, we are off to hike today - mountains here we come! Can't wait to get a whiff of that fresh mountain air!

Enjoy your day!

Stamp Simply --- In 10 minutes or less!

Hi All! It's Friday which means it's time for another Stamp Simply challenge!! This week, it's all about creating with ease! If you like to pump out cards in a hurry, you really need to pay attention to Sharon Johnson's 10 Minute Tuesday posts! That's what she does - cards that can be reproduced in 10 minutes! So, that's what this week's Stamp Simply is all about. You can check out the official details HERE.

You might look at my card and say - there is no way this is a ten minute card! Well, it was. You know why? All of the pieces - the cut paper, the scallops, the circle were cut ahead of time. All of these pieces were rejects from another creation. When I pulled out the lily of the valley stamp (part of the Peony set) from Flourishes, these pieces took on a whole new life! I matted it up, stamped my leaves with Vintage Green Vivid and my flower stalks with Versafine Smoky Grey. The words "lily of the valley was also stamped with Versafine Smoky Gray. I then accented the flowers with a really light blue Tombow marker. Add some ribbon (Seafoam Sheer by May Arts) and some adhesive backed pearls and you're done! So, dig through your paper storage and look for scraps - Take it from me - you never know when yesterday's rejects could be today's ten minute creation!

Need some more inspiration? Check out....

Jennifer
Janine
Tammy
Dee

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

A RAK and some "wild" pictures!

Well, my mail box has been happy lately! Recently, I got this little beauty from Cheryl Moody! Click HERE to check out her fabulous blog. She is a humorous, talented, warm hearted lady who I'm proud to call a bloggin' bud! Don't you just love this card!?! I love how it sparkles. And, the colors are so fun-- just a breath of sunshine!
I don't have any creations of my own to show you today! I was too busy playing with the kiddos! We went to the zoo and saw some fun animals!

We saw a tiger....
A wolf....
A bear....
A pygmy marmoset...
And many more.... But, this was the sweetest picture of them all!
On that note, I bid you adieu! Have a fabulous day!

Lavender Sprig and some happy mail!

Hi all! Just a quick card for you today! I made this with the new Botanical Dreams set from Gina K. Designs. It's basically a 10 minute card. Stamp, chalk, color, stipple on some distress ink, add brads, mat, add ribbon, done! Sometimes, you don't need a lot of "schtuff" on a card to make it pretty! That's why I love these new images drawn by Asela Hopkins. LOVELY!

Here's a close up! I actually stamped the sprig twice masking the mid-section of the sprig so that it wouldn't look too heavy.

Now... on to some happy mail! A while back Denise Gooch sent me a fabulous card she made with a little surprise for my girl. First, this card! She knows how much I am a sucker for white and black cards!!


Isn't this lovely? She used a set from Tim Holtz/Stamper's Anonymous that I had never seen before and LOVE! Thank you so much Denise! Your card completely rocks! I am always humbled when people send me hand made things. Makes me feel special-- ya know!!

The next goodie came for my daughter and is just too sweet for words. Remember her mission to run our Women's Run race screaming "You gotta want it!" all the way? You can see the pics HERE.

Well, this is what Denise came up with!
It's a vellum card that she did all by hand with the exception of the block style letters. The leaves and the calligraphy are all done by hand. You should see the sparkle to the ink she used! It's so beautiful! Underneath the vellum, right by the E and K, Denise wrote Ellie's name. So pretty!

Here's a closeup! Man is it hard to take a picture of vellum AND sparkly ink!! LOL!
Thanks again Denise! You're the best!

Hope you are all enjoying a great start to your week! We're off to the zoo. Our little town has a rather small zoo but they just got a new bear and the kids are anxious to "meet" him!!

Enjoy today!



P.S. HOLY COW! I just noticed my counter went past 100,000! You know what that means -- blog candy will be coming your way. I've got to make this one good too!!

Family Fun Ticket Book!

Hi All!
Friday was the release of some really fun new stamps from Gina K. Designs! If you liked her Kindred Spirits Moms or Kindred Spirits Dads, then you are going to love her new Kindred Spirit Kids line! When I saw all of the images, I immediately thought of a coupon book that I could make and give to my kids - things like having a sleepover, playing in the dirt, going on a hike, or hitting the spray park! These images work PERFECTLY for this!! There are so many I didn't use too! That means YOU could get even more creative than this!!

Here's the cover of my book - Used decorative paper and some fun embellishments - just gingham and grosgrain ribbon and some fun Making Memories epoxy buttons. The whole thing was held together with a ring that splits open - anyone know the name for this??? I couldn't think of it to save my life! It's like the rings that are on a binder - only it's by itself.
Here's the first "ticket/coupon." I colored all the images with the new Koh-i-noor pencils that Gina K. now stocks in her online store. I tell you what - these pencils have been described as "butter" and that description is dead on. They are so soft, they float on your paper. You then can blend them with odorless mineral spirits using paper stumps or tortillions.
Here's Ticket #2-- family bike rides are a family favorite in our house!
Here's Ticket #3-- With the mountains just about 60 miles away - this is a super duper fun get-away for us! I have to admit, I drew in a pony tail on the little girl to look more like my Ellie.
Ticket #4 - Love the "no questions asked" part. I am actually afraid of them asking to use this one!!! LOL!
Ticket #5- Sleepovers! What kid doesn't ask a million times a week for one of those!!

Want to know something funny? Well, the ink wasn't even dry on this baby and the kids already wanted to cash in one of their "tickets!" So, this weekend we hit the spray park in town and here are the pics to prove it!!
You can see Ellie in the back with the light blue bathing suit - yes, she is striking a pose. What this camera didn't pick up is her screaming - Big Bad Fountain HERE I COME! That girl cracks me up! Cal is there in the orange t-shirt trying to ring out his t-shirt. He thought he was too cool to run through the fountains. Well, we got there and he says - I might just walk Ellie around. Next thing we know he's sopping wet - t-shirt and all! Silly kid!

More pics!


p.s. I made a PDF of this ticket book file, so if anyone wants it to make a book like this of their own - just shoot me an email and I will send it along! Happy Monday!

I was TAGGED!

Ok, I'm it!!! LOL!

The fabulous Laura Davis over at A Day In The Life Of The Paper Poppy got me!

The rules of the game: Each player answers the questions themselves. At the end of the post the player then tags 4 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment letting them know that they've been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person who tagged you know when you've posted your answers.

Ten years ago....
I was 27 and a working mom. My son was one and I was the morning anchor at the local TV station. I got up at three in the morning so by noon I could be home with my son! At that point, we both needed nap time!

Five things on today's "to do list"
It was a "girls only" day since my hubby and son were on a father and son day trip to the hot springs (140 miles away) so, we went to the spray park, did our nails, went to dinner, I came home and had to work for a bit proofing the magazine I work for and then settled in to blog for a bit! Not a bad day at all!!!

Snacks I enjoy
Pretzels, popcorn, string cheese, freezie pops, is coffee with fun creamer a snack??? It is for me!!

Things I would do if I was a millionaire
Pay off all my debt, invest for retirement and college for my kids, start a foundation to provide grants for childrens' charities (this has been a dream of my hubby and mine for years and years).

Places I have lived
Royal Oak, Michigan; Beverly Hills, Michigan; Lansing Michigan; Billings, Montana! That's it!!

I am tagging...

Barb
Dee
Jennifer
Linsey

Take care all! :-)

Sketch Challenge Fun!

Well, if you stopped by the Gina K. Forum on SCS tonight, you might be cross-eyed right now. It's lightning speed fun with a bunch of stampin' addicts, tons of samples, challenges and contests - it's enough to make your head spin!!

This was one of the cards I revealed on the forum. It's Gina's new 1 Free with Three set. Buy three stamp sets and you get this baby free! I love the flowers that are a part of this set. So elegant and timeless! This card is rather simple! I stamped it in black and then colored it with Tombow markers. The cracked glass on the vase was outlined with my Copic Spica clear pen to make it look sparkly - like cracked glass! The decorative paper is actually something (gasp) I got at Dollar Tree. It's the Miss Elizabeth's collection. Not too shabby! Do you see the bling on my card? It's some new bling in the Gina K. Designs store! They are self adhesive rhinestones. What is so cool about this is that the set comes with varying sizes and multiple colors!

Now, for the fun part..... do you like the card's layout? Well, here's the actual sketch that you can try - there are even prizes on the line!!!

All you need to do is use my sketch and make a creation by Tuesday night, June 24th at 7 PM central. So grab your Gina K. Design stamps if you own them and put them to use! If you don’t own any (yet) PLEASE play along! The more the merrier! We know that you’ll be addicted to Gina’s stamps sooner or later!Upload your card on SCS using the keyword "JUNEGKDJK" and be sure to link back to the thread on the Gina K. Forum. On Tuesday night, I’ll take all the entries posted and pick a winner out of a hat. The winner will be announced on Wednesday. Guess what you win??? Any Gina K. stamp set valued at $18.95 or less!

So what are you waiting for! Can't wait to see what you cook up!!!

p.s. If you missed the previews I shared on the forum - check back this coming week. I'll have them all here eventually!! :-)