Lakeside Stamping

It's Friday! Let's Hop!

2012-02-10T10:10:00.001-05:00

I have really started looking forward to the Unity Friday Friend's with Flair hop each week. I know I have been a bit scarce lately, so I have to make the most of the posts I do get completed. I first want to apologize to my DD for posting her birthday card early. Sorry kiddo, you can touch the real one on Sunday.

I started with my December 2011 KOM, Filled With Love.

I created the circle sentiment on the bottom with letter stamps from the $1 bin at Mike's and my smallest SU! circle punch.

card stock: Moonlit Fog Pure Luxury, purple textured is Bazzill Basics called Grape Jelly, white

inks: Dusty Concord Distress Ink, Memento London Fog

Copics: V20, C3

embellishments: vintage ric rac, metal flower finding, dusty purple sticky back pearl

I am loving how this came out, and I sure hope she does too. Maybe I will get lucky and she won't peek! Have a fantastic Friday everyone! Time to go to work.

House Mouse is Having a Hop!

2012-02-05T07:55:00.000-05:00

House Mouse Monday has combined their newest challenge, which is #112, with a hop by the design team. The theme for the challenge is "Love" and using at least two hearts. There are so many prizes to be won, that you must just go over to their blog and check it out! There is still a whole week to participate!

For my creation, I decided to use one of my smaller House Mouse stamps called Mudpie Wonders. I think Mudpie is wondering if the card receiver loves them back. LOL!

Card stock: Ivory Pure Luxury
Designer paper: Webster Pages
Stamps: House Mouse, Clear Dollar
Punches: Martha Stewart, Paper Shapers
Dies: grass die by Die-namics MFT (new)
Embossing: Sizzix
Embellishments: Prima (flowers), Pizzazz Aplenty (flatback pearls), MS (chunky glitter)
Inks: Color Box, Copic, VersaFine

That is it for me, right now. Have a wonderful Sunday, and if you are not into the Super Bowl, please be sure to check out the design team Hop at House Mouse Monday. Maybe you will be a lucky winner!

Go Giants!

FWF Friday Hop

2012-02-03T09:16:00.000-05:00

It's Friday, so it is time for Friends with Flair over on the Unity blog! Here is a little something I whipped up, using one of the Unity Store Kits. It is from June 2010 Life Becoming & Quiet Essence. I love this kit because it has lots of florals, and flying things. Please be sure to go check out all of the beautiful creations, and while you are over there, check out the new KOM! They just get better and better. Hurry mailman....bring it to me!

Card stock: Pure Luxury from Gina K. Designs
Designer Paper: Webster Pages Petite Papers Triple Pack
Stamps: Unity (see above)
Coloring: Copics
Embellishments: Dew Drops, colored twine

Have a great morning! I may just be back!

Good Morning

2012-02-02T09:35:00.001-05:00

Heidi Ho, friends! Hope all is well in your little part of the world! I do want to apologize to the folks that still can not comment on my blog. I just don't know why. Glad you figured out that you can do it under reply. They just can't keep a good blogger down!

Today I want to share a card I made for someone who quite suddenly landed in the hospital. I am sure I probably had an appropriate card in my stash, but I wanted something fresh, new, and uplifting!

This flower digi has been on my desk for a week. We used it as a test for my new printer. It has no designer attached. I am so glad that many of the designers now put their name in the file link so we can keep them together or just plain old give them credit.

card stock: Pure Luxury from Gina K.
stamps: Clear Dollar
designer paper: K&Co
ink: Distress Ink in Milled Lavender and Iced Spruce.
coloring: Copic Markers
embellishments: pink gingham ribbon, Stickles

That is it for me this morning. For those of you who also follow my DD's blog, she is on week 2 of working until bedtime. Poor thing just wants to stamp! Don't give up on her, she will return! Time to hit the shower, and get to work!

My Late Rose's Challenge

2012-01-30T16:57:00.002-05:00

I promise I am not going to whine about my sore wrist. That was only part of what kept me from posting Kym's challenge for the Rose's yesterday. I also had all of the kids and their partners home for the weekend. Goodness, time sure does go fast when they are here!

Today I took my time and tried to do something outside of my comfort zone. It is sort of a Double Dutch fold card, but I did it a a wee bit different. We were asked to do a winter creation in blue. I worked in more of a blue green color.

Card stock: 12x12 textured, 81/2x11 regular
Designer papers: My Minds Eye
Stamps: Art Impressions Mill, Whimsy Stamps Valerie's Gift, Gina K by Theresa Momber, The Giving Tree
Punches: Martha Stewart, and SU!
Inks: Tim Holtz Distress Inks in Evergreen Bough, and Iced Spruce
Coloring: Copic Markers
Embellishments: mirrored snowflakes, fun foam glitter snowflakes, button, and bakers twine from my stash

I created the snowdrifts and hazy moon with torn paper and the negative from a circle punch.

Thanks for taking a peek at my project, and if you would like to see more creations by the lovely ladies of the Paper Roses, please use the links on my sidebar! Have a wonderful week.

It's Friday, So It Is Unity Time!

2012-01-27T07:13:00.002-05:00

Here is a quick post for the Unity, Friends with Flair hop. I am still having a blast with my January KOM, Heart and Soul. Love it!

It is a light weight card with not a lot of layers. I white embossed the butterfly from the kit on white card and used VersaMagic ink on a sponge to make my lacy background. The designer paper strip is from K&Co. I stamped the butterfly 2x in the VersaMagic, and fussy cut and popped them. My sentiment is one of my unknown, unmounted stamps. A few pink gems finish off the card.

Our temp is suppose to go up in the 60's today, and that will be heavenly. Any time the heater is not sucking the oil tank dry is a blessing. Thanks for the well wishes on my wrist. I do have a brace to use, it just does not help at work. Enjoy your Friday!

Last Minute Valentines

2012-01-26T11:00:00.000-05:00

Morning, friends! I have not posted since last week, because I have been trying to rest my wrist. Seems I have a bit of the Carpal Tunnel business going on. When I go to work, it aggravates it since I do the repetitive motion thing with hanging clothing. Anyhow, here are a couple of Valentines that I did last week and never got posted. They don't have challenges attached right now but I may peek around afternoon to see what I can find.

My first card uses stamps from a few sources. The flowers are from Stampendous and are called Dandie Trio. The flourishes are from Stampabilities, and called Vintage Flourish03. Sorry to say that the sentiment is from my unmounted stash and I haven't a clue. My papers are white and black onyx Pure Luxury with a layer of Smitten from K&Co. I die cut my image with a Spellbinders Postage die and inked my edges with Festive Berries Distress Ink by Ranger. My bottom strip is formed with a Fiskars border punch. For embellishments, I added a die cut tied with loop edge ribbon, some puffy silver hearts, (both from K&Co), and a tad of sparkle from a Stardust pen.

For my second card, I was inspired by the negative black card stock laying on my desk. I had cut out my Fanciful Flourish die for a previous card. The more I stared at this scrap piece, I just knew I had to back it with patterned paper and create with it. I added a Peony Nestabilities piece, which I stamped with stamps from Flourishes. The sets I used are called Clouds, and Angelic Love. I added Prima flowers, with a MM center. Sparkle was added to the angels wings with Stickles. Coloring was done with pencils and OMS.

Sometimes it is hard to have constant faith in humanity. I would just like to thumb my nose at the person who left one of my loved ones laying on the sidewalk yesterday after they had fallen. I hope you made it to where ever you were going on time, after you stepped over them. Grrrrrrrr! Okay, thanks for letting me get that out!

Duo of Challenges

2012-01-20T08:49:00.000-05:00

Today I would like to share cards I made for two separate challenges. My first card is for the Unity Friends with Flair hop that posts each Friday! I recently received my January KOM which is called Heart and Soul, and had to play with some of the new stamps! Just simple, but I love how all the colors blended.
I also just realized that it matches the Unity Kit of the Month Sketch Challenge, so here goes!

card stock: Pure Luxury White and Moonlit Fog
embossing powder: white detail
designer paper: Vintage Shabby by TH Idea-ology
ink: TH Distress in iced spruce, gathered twigs, and evergreen bough
punch: SU!

My next card is for the House Mouse Monday Challenge #111, and we are asked to create in black and white.

card stock: Pure Luxury Onyx Black
designer paper: Making Memories Black Tie
dies: Spellbinders Fancy Tags Three, Nestabilities Scalloped Heart, Cheery Lynn Fanciful Flourish
ink: Memento Tuxedo Black & Versafine Onyx Black
embossing powder: Detail Clear
embellishments: gems and crochet flowers
stamps: Two part Harmony HMG1006, Music In My Heart CR1058

Sorry for the quick post today, friends. We are expecting snow tonight and I have a million errands to do today. Be safe, be warm, and enjoy your weekend!

Pink, Pink, and More Pink!

2012-01-18T07:36:00.001-05:00

As my title reads, pink is the Challenge #47 over at Art Impressions this week. I am going to do a quick post, in case all of the websites decide to shut down suddenly, as the news is reporting. Ugh, that will make for a not so fun day. Protest or no protest, I need to load my card!

I started with a white card base, and added a layer of Basic Grey, Lemonade designer paper. Next, I stamped my image in VersaFine Black Onyx and heated on clear detail embossing powder. The stamp I used is from Art Impressions and is L-1350. The coloring was done with Copic Markers, and the sponging with SU! , Positively Pink. My image was cut out with a Nestabilities Label Twenty-Two. The little flower cluster in the corner, is a Prima, with A few punches of leaves, including the MS Branch Punch. My sentiment is an unknown and is on an SU! punch that I borrowed from my DD. Two dew drops and some outlining with a Stardust pen for sparkle, and it is a done deal.

I would also like to enter this card at Do You Stack Up # 54 Pink

It is Hump Day, and I hope the beginning of the week was pleasant, but that the end of the week is a sheer delight! Thanks for stopping by.

Love Is In The Air-----A Muse Studio

2012-01-16T11:33:00.000-05:00

I found this new challenge that just posted over at A Muse Studio and thought about my stamp sets from them that needed some love. The theme is Love Is In The Air/ Valentines.

I own both Trees 1 and Trees 2, and found the sweet sentiment about keeping a green tree in your heart. That is all I needed, and I ran with it. I did not have a bird by A Muse Studio, so I had to improvise with one from Darcies.

I started with a white base, added designer paper from Basic Grey's Lime Ricky 6x6 pad, topping it with an embossed solid blue piece that was rubbed down with Color Box, Frost White ink. I edged it with an EK Success border punch called English Ivy. I stamped my images on white using Memento Tuxedo Black and colored with Copics. Each piece was cut with a scalloped heart die from Spellbinders and sponged with Memento inks. A couple of the negative pieces from the border punching were placed as accents, as were blue gems.

This card is perhaps for someone who is still looking for the special love. Maybe they need encouragement on Valentine's Day.

Have a great MLK day, today. Hope to see you again today.

Sweet Stop Sketch 141

2012-01-14T11:32:00.000-05:00

Happy Saturday! This morning my DD and I both woke and decided to find a challenge to do together on speaker phone! It was so fun! We both realized that we talk to ourselves when we are stamping. We decided on the new sketch at The Sweet Stop. Here is what it looks like.

Since I had recently obtained a couple of brand new Sweet 'n Sassy, monthly flowers, I was excited to make the February one, #1099, work in the sketch. I normally work in an A2 size but due to the size of the Iris, I had to create a 5x7 card. My papers are an assortment of older scraps that will remain nameless. I stamped with Versafine Ink and embossed with clear detail powder. Coloring was done with Copics and sponging is with Memento Summer Sky, with the background words done in London Fog. I used an MS border punch for my bottom stripe. I just had to add the little pearls to make the card look finished.

If you are looking for a fun sketch, run on over to The Sweet Stop and check out the details! I'm not going to say that is it for today, since we may look for another challenge to do. Stay warm, and have a fun Saturday!

Love Potion #9

2012-01-13T06:49:00.000-05:00

I broke out an older Unity Store kit to create this Valentine with non traditional colors. I will be entering this over at the Unity Blog for the Friday, Friends with Flair entry. I am also going to enter this at Joan's Gardens, and if you would like to join in that fun challenge, please go here to check out all of the details.

The Unity Store Kit that I used was from October 2009. I just love the little test tubes and the saying, and the flourish I used on the frame was also in this kit. I figured that shades of teal were non traditional colors. I used a new Sizzix embossing folder called Diamond, on my frame. My designer paper is super old 8 1/2 x 11 paper by Current, of all places! I sponged the edges with one of the Winter Limited Edition Distress Inks called Evergreen Bough. The images were highlighted with a Sakura Stardust pen. For my embellishments I used a lace bow, teal pearls, Prima flowers, and some pretty pearl and gem centers.

That's it for me this morning. Waiting to see what this crazy weather is going to do, and then think about heading out to work. TGIF! Hope you have a fun weekend planned.

Timeless Tuesday #151

2012-01-12T11:24:00.002-05:00

Good Morning! It seems that Blogging is behaving now, so I thought I would try doing my post. It has been pouring here since dinner time last night, and I am not sure if that is what prompted this card or not. For Christmas, Santa brought me some new Flourishes sets and I have just had time to start playing with them. This week the Timeless Tuesday Challenge is being hosted by Tammy Hershberger, and is an inspiration photo challenge.

I started with a base of Pumpkin Spice, Pure Luxury card stock, added a layer of Pure White, and for the third layer I used Basic Grey, Green at Heart dp. I cut and embossed a Labels Ten, Nestabilities die. Starting with a Classic Oval Nestie, I stamped raindrops from the April Showers stamp set, using London Fog Memento ink and sponged on Ripe Persimmon Distress Ink. I topped it with my sentiment stamped in Versafine Onyx black.

Now, let me tell you that I finally broke down and bought the Cheery Lynn Fanciful Flourish die that I have admired time and time again, on my friend Olga's blog. Now I see what she means. First off it cuts like butter. I also want say that I do not remember ever having a die that you can move around, cut apart, and embellish in so many ways! Thanks for enabling me, Olga!

Okay, back to my card.... I next stamped the muck boots from the set and colored them with Copics. They were then fussy cut and coated in Crystal Lacquer, and popped over my flourish. I finished off the card with Prima flowers and gems.

That was such fun! Love this set! Especially adore the sentiments. Thanks for stopping by!

Jack-in-the-Box Valentine

2012-01-09T09:13:00.000-05:00

Well here I am again with a shaped Valentine I created over the weekend. I was kind of just having fun, but since I does fit into the Joan's Gardens challenge #1 for this week, I will use it for a second entry there.

I used my Classic Scalloped Heart Nestabilities die (the largest one), cut and embossed the edge. Around the scalloped edge, I used my Picket Fence, Distress Ink dauber. It turned a shade of pink on my red card stock, and I was okay with that. Next I did my focal image with an SU! stamp set called out of the box. It gives you different options as to what you want jumping out at you. Luckily there was a cute heart! As usual, all of the sparkle I added with my stardust pen is not showing up. I did add touches of color with Copics, and then cut out the image with my new Spellbinders, Labels Twenty-Three die and sponged on a bit of London Fog Memento ink. My twine and crochet flower are from Pizzazz Aplenty, and the little open heart charm , plus gunmetal flower center are unknown. My front sentiment is from Studio G, and the inside sentiment is an unmounted from my stash which I can't identify.

Thanks so much for taking a look. If you need to see all of the rules for the Challenge at Joan's Gardens, please see my previous post, or visit Joan and play along. Have a great Monday!

Never Far Apart.....

2012-01-06T07:47:00.000-05:00

This week, for my Unity, Friends with Flair contribution, I used the town scene from the December KOM.
It is so cute! There is also a coordinating sentiment for the inside of the card. Can't make it any easier.

I started with a base of Lipstick red Pure Luxury card stock, added scraps of an argyle pink designer paper, and started building from there. First, I used Spellbinders Piercerabilities Ric Rac die to create my bottom edge. I then pierced in the pattern. A heart was punched and coated with Crystal Lacquer. When it dried, I distressed the edges with Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink. I received the Labels Twenty Three as a Christmas Gift, and I was dying to try it out. I cut one from white, embossed it with a Cuttlebug Paisley folder, and used a combo of Brushed Corduroy and Festive Berries Distress ink to highlight it. There is a layer of paper ribbon, and DewDrops in the corner. I freehand cut the main stamp image, Colored it with Copics, sponged the edges, Stickled the clouds and hearts, and Crystal lacquered the windows. The image was then Pop Dotted.

I would also like to enter this card over at Joan's Gardens, this week.
Here is what you need to do for Joan's Gardens Weekly Challenge #1:

Make a card and/or tag using some kind of hearts
Use any kind of embellishments
Use, pink or red with white
Do some kind of embossing

Okay, that is it for me today. Time to get ready for work! Oh what fun!

Fantastic Blog Candy!

2012-01-04T09:03:00.003-05:00

I was recently visited by a very talented lady named Caroline. Her blog is called Stampings and Inklings. I traced her back through my friend Olga, and saw that she has some amazing blog candy up for grabs. Caroline has been one lucky lady as of late, and she has decided to pay it forward to one of her followers.

When Caroline hits 75 followers, she will choose from among her comments, and a winner will receive some fantastic booty! Please go and pay our fellow stamper a visit, and while you are there, check out her creations and become a follower!

Wowzer! The contest is closed and I actually won this mother load of stamping goodness! Thank you, thank you, Caroline!

House Mouse Monday Challenge #110 "New"

2012-01-03T07:06:00.001-05:00

Here is to a 2012 full of new ideas, new friends, and new dreams! After a little break, the team over at the House Mouse Monday site is back with a new challenge, literally. The theme is "New", and since it sounds like there will be many new babies coming into the world this year, I took this time to start on my stash.

My base is a creamy oak tag layered with sheets of embossed designer papers. The one is a metallic which I have hoarded for years. If I am not mistaken, they are from K&Co, as are the diecut flowers running down the side. I embellished them with pearls. My House Mouse stamp is one that I won with one of the hops. It is called "A Birdie Told Me". So glad I got to use this cutie. I colored with Copics, and added a sentiment to an SU! punch. The sky was created with a scallop cut out and sponging some VersaMagic ink.

That's it for me today. I think I will be going into work! It is suppose to be bitter cold, so I best hit the shower and dry out before I leave. Have a great day!

A New Challenge Site!

2012-01-02T12:50:00.000-05:00

My dear friend, Olga, turned me on to a new blog that is hosting challenges for making scenes. It is called Craft A Scene. Their first challenge is up and it is an anything goes challenge.

Well, I dug out my Stampscape Stamps, which just don't get enough use, and started playing. I used 4: Pines and Rocks -195G, Rocks and Reeds -071E, Ducks in Water Large -026B, and a group of Cattails that have no name. My sentiment is from Clear Dollar Stamps and is from a set called Trendy Tags.

I cut out my scene with a Spellbinder die that was a Christmas gift. It is from Labels Twenty Two. I colored with Copics and did sponging with SU! ink colors So Saffron and Baja Breeze. The card base is Pure White and is layered with Memory Box dp from their Sweetbay collection. My accents are a brown cording and a vintage button that I removed the shank from.

Scenes are always fun to make, in my book, so please go check out this fantastic new challenge and create something!

It's Time for the Rose's!

2012-01-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

Well here we are with 2012 just hours old, and it's time for our very special monthly challenge with the Rose's. Let me first wish you a very Happy New Year. Here is to lots of inspiration, health, and friendship in the coming year!

Our hostess this month is Sue Walsh, and she has come up with a great challenge for us. We were to include: ribbon, lace, glitter, something vintage, and something recycled. Phew! I think I went off the deep end with this one. As far as I know, I have included all of the elements.

I started with a base of Ivory Pure Luxury card stock. Did I happen to mention that my new favorite tool is a Corner Chomper? How did I survive without this thing? Thanks to my DD, I won't have to do that anymore. On top of a layer of Soft Sand PL, I added a piece of vintage collage paper from Paperbilities, and just started building.There is ivory cotton lace, a black loopy edge bow, 2 stick pins with heart heads, and an assortment of colored roses. My vintage item is a stamp that represents an old love letter with the sentiment done with stamps by Flourishes. Coloring was done with Copics and the edges were blended with Rusty Hinge Distress Ink. Glitter was added to the playing card on the collage paper, as well as some shiny puffed hearts from K&Co. There is a brad added to the center of the dart board, and and MS butterfly for dimension. Can you spot my recycled item?

If you guessed the old US Air Mail stamp, you are correct. We found a book of them while cleaning out my FIL's estate, and I snagged them. They have brittle vellum between them in and old booklet. I thought it made a cute addition to my crazy collage. I will probably use this card as a Valentine, but as of yet, there is no inside sentiment.

Please take a few minutes to stop by and visit the other Roses to see what they have designed for you. You can find the list of their bogs on my sidebar.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~>

Unity Friends with Flair!

2011-12-30T07:17:00.000-05:00

Good morning, my dear friends and fellow stampers! I hope everyone had a super holiday, and that we are all ready for 2012 to burst onto the scene.

This morning I would like to share a card I created with my December Kit of the Month, from Unity. I have linked it up on the Unity Blog and the Friends with Flair post. It is a rather simple card, but I am loving how it came out. From the time the kit arrived, I was drawn to these glasses!

My card base is Soft Sand, Pure Luxury card stock, and I inked the background stamp from the kit with the Limited Edition, TH, Winter Distress Inks. They are the best colors, and so glad Santa brought them! The sentiment and glasses were both stamped with Versafine black ink. I cut out the glasses and coated the lenses with Crystal Lacquer, then popped them off the card. A row of coordinating buttons were added.

That is it for me today. Hubby is on vacation, so we will see what we get into. If you have time, please stop over to the Unity Blog and check out all of the creations! It's an awesome place to visit!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T13:59:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to stop by and wish all of my Blogging and Stamping friends a very Merry Christmas. I hope that you are able to spend the day with family and friends. Our family had to celebrate a day early, so we are just enjoying our blessings today.

Please remember that Christmas calories don't count! Hope to be back with a post very soon.

Filled with Love

2011-12-16T08:09:00.000-05:00

The December Unity KOM has arrived, and I just had to play! I need a special card for an upcoming event and I just love how this came out.

Here is a picture of the kit. Isn't it totally dreamy?

I started with a base of Pure Luxury Lovely Lavender, Pure Luxury cards stock. My small print designer paper is from K&Co's Sweet Nectar. My inks are Versamagic, and were used to highlight my heart doily, and my small embossed trim and hearts. I loaded it with romantic pearls that I received as a gift. The mason jar has touches of Copic coloring, and was filled with a tiny heart stamp I had on hand. I used Crystal Lacquer on it's label, and tied on a tiny little mint twine bow. Pop Dots add the dimension! I did add a very light glisten of Stickles to some of the hearts. The card is 5x5.

I am entering this over at the Unity Blog for their Friday Friends with Flair post.

Well, here we are the last weekend before Christmas! I still have tons to do, and my silly boss thinks I should be at work! What is she thinking? Okay, here is my lineup..... bake a little, wrap more, clean extra, and cook lots!

Sock Hopping!

2011-12-14T07:46:00.002-05:00

Well, here we are in mid December! Where has the time gone? I decided to do a second entry for the House Mouse Monday Challenge blog. The theme is still "Fuzzy and Warm", as the challenge is an extended one due to a deserved break by the design team. As I looked at this card, I thought "What can be warmer than 3 mice hopping across a piano wrapped in holiday stockings?'.

I used a black Pure Luxury card base, some green dotted swiss paper from my scrap bin, and a paper panel I designed for my background using a musical background from Nina Brackett. Of course there is my house Mouse stamp which I cut out and half popped off the card to give dimension. Their stockings are glittered with MS mica flake glitter. The sentiment is from Hero Arts and I added holiday ribbon, twine, and a button! Coloring is with Copics, and sponging with Distress Ink.

That's it for me this morning. Lots to do and none of it is fun. Have a great day!

Have You Ever........

2011-12-13T06:51:00.000-05:00

......... received a card in the mail that you knew needed a new life? This little bear was on a card I received a couple years ago from my dear deceased sister-in-law. I took it apart and saved the cute little bear. This year, as I was preparing my cards for the holiday, I gave him a second look, and just knew I had to recycle him!

I used a base of white, and then added card stock and designer paper from DCWV. I punched a border with the MS, Bangle Chain Trim punch. My ticket is a digi. The crystal snowflakes are ones that I picked up at Target.

My friend Carol taught me a new trick, and this is definitely a card that I used it on. Since the little bear had so much going on, I flipped the card inside out to protect the front before I tucked him in the envelope. Here is hoping that he arrived in one piece to his new home! That trick really made for a much smoother card. A few of my cards came this year with the embellishments poking through and damage stickers from the P.O.. Try this out, it might help! Have a super Tuesday!

All Together

2011-12-11T18:37:00.001-05:00

I finally got to sit and play with the November Unity Kit of the Month! It has some of the best images! The kit is called "Take Your Time". It has a combination of holiday, winter, and friendship stamps. Be sure to look it up!

My card stock is all Pure Luxury from Gina K. Designs. My inks are from Stampin Up!, and the rest is colored with Copic Markers. I layered a couple of Spellbinder dies and did some sponging. The twine, snowflake punches, and aqua pearls, are my accent pieces. The froth on my cocoa was coated with Crystal Lacquer and then sprinkled with Polar White, Flower Soft. A light coat of Stickles give the hearts a shimmer.

Their are a couple things that I just love about the Unity kits. You can't deny the deep etched red rubber that gives good clean images. Next, Their sentiments are always exciting in a variety of fonts. Lastly, I love how they try to include a new background stamp in each kit. Those are things you grab, time and time again! This was soooo much fun!

DH and I did some running today, to try and get on the fast track of our holiday prep. We also stopped at a hospital to see a dear friend who had surgery last Thursday night, only to find she had been discharged 40 minutes earlier. Glad she is home, but sheesh, that was fast!

Hope all is well on you little piece of the planet. Thanks for popping by.

Joy!

2011-12-10T08:20:00.000-05:00

Good morning, friends! Today I would like to share a card I made to finish up my card list. The "JOY" stamp is one that I have had for many years. I have no clue who made it, as it was an unmounted from a show, back in the day. Papers are from My Minds Eye (Merry Days of Christmas), and I did use some lipstick red card stock, which I Cuttlebugged in the dotted swiss folder. I used a Sakura pen for shimmer on the tiny hearts. A Prima poinsettia and MS branch punches were attached, along with some red crinkled ribbon and Dew Drops. The coloring was done with colored pencils and OMS for a change of pace, but shadowing is in Copic. I added some free hand dots around little Stamps by Judith starbursts, and rounded things out with a bit of sponged ink by Colorbox.

I would like to enter this in the weekly challenge over at Joan's Garden's.

That's it for me today. I have been missing work due to medical issues, so I am going to make up some time today. Hope your holiday is perking along! Bless you all, and thanks for stopping by.

November Rose's Challenge

2011-11-27T07:42:00.000-05:00

This month, I am the hostesss for our beautiful bouquet of roses. I decided on a theme of "Birthday, Buttons, and Bling".

My card base is Pure Luxury Lipstick Red, with a scrap of snowflake paper from my bin. I layered that on white. There are different layers of lace and trim, with a tulle bow. The button in the center of the bow is antique milk glass with a silver luster. I added MS snowflake punches with big clear gems for sparkle. As for the sentiment, I combined 2 stamps. The Merry and Bright is from Unity and the birthday part is from Making Memories.

I have a friend who has a Christmas Eve birthday and I thought it would be a festive card for her.

Please be sure to check out what the rest of the Rose's have come up with. Links to their blogs can be found on my sidebar.~~~~~~~~~>

Sorry for the short post, but I have been down with the virus my hubby had last week. This is the first I have been able to lift my head. Worst birthday gift my DH has ever given me! Ha ha!

I would also like to thank all of the friends who sent birthday cards and wishes. You are all so sweet and talented!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T07:45:00.000-05:00

It is a beautiful, crisp morning in Pennsylvania, and I did not want this day to go by without wishing all of my friends, family and followers, a blessed Thanksgiving. It truly has been a year of joys and sorrows for our family, with each event making us stronger and closer.

May God bless each and every one of you as you feast, travel, and share special moments with those you love.

Mary Anne

Love These Mousies!

2011-11-21T13:23:00.000-05:00

The new challenge was posted for House Mouse Monday Challenge and the topic is Warm Fuzzies. I bought this new House Mouse stamp on my last trip to Ephrata along with a cute saying that I will use at a later date. So, I started thinking fuzzy. I use to have a pair of socks that had an angora band. Hence I colored the shared sock like them, and added some white Fun Flock for the fuzzy part. I found the perfect green velvet ribbon and a round fuzzy, sticky dot to finish off my snow flake. Here is a close up to show the texture.

Over at Art Impressions, the challenge is to use red, green and metallic. I think I covered that as well, with the silver backing snowflake. I have also used Dew Drops, Stickles, and my Copic markers to create this card.

These have been my two favorite challenges lately, and I am so glad I was able to get them done!

So far, the week has not started out on a good note. Hubby came down with a virus yesterday afternoon, right as were were being taken out to dinner by our best friends as a birthday celebration. He got as far as ordering his food and then when it came, begged them to box it and take it away. We rushed through our food, did not order dessert and got him home. He is still laying around today, and the pup is so confused, because daddy just does not do this!

I am staying in a different part of the house to try and avoid catching it. Have a great day. Hee Hee!

Quick and Simple

2011-11-19T04:18:00.000-05:00

Here is an easy card I created with my Unity Kit Of The Month for November. I just love their stamps, and I finally took the leap! They always give you such an assortment. I have other KOM sets that I have gotten second hand, and I love each one.

This months kit is called "Take Your Time", and that is exactly what I am doing in regards to Christmas. I started with a base of kraft and a layer of black card stock. My designer paper is from My Minds Eye, Signature Christmas pad. My sentiment and birds with holly are both from the kit. I really like the distressed look of both stamps. My sentiment was stamped in Versafine, and the birds were done with the marker direct to stamp technique. I think the next time I use them, I will try the thumping technique. I added a couple wraps of green and white bakers twine and a simple red button. I lightly touched the berries with a bit of sparkle.

I would love for you to give the kit a look! Hope you have a fantastic Saturday!

Celebrate the Season

2011-11-16T11:27:00.000-05:00

I have this thing about starting to make Christmas cards before Halloween. Call me crazy, but it just does not work for me. This week I had to make two separate trips to different Michael's stores for silly supplies, and this little Nativity set from Recollections jumped out at me both times. That and the fact that it was 50% off, sealed the deal. I am not sure if I will ever use the little children that are dressed as animals, but the Holy Family, star, and cute angel in the set are so adorable. Oh, and there is a cute Shepard that might look good with the star...... hmmmmm!

I struggled with creating a setting for my little figures, and had this brain storm to use quilling strips to make a stick figure manger! I love it! I also used my new MS, Pine Needles punch, which was an early birthday gift from my DS. I used kraft and navy card stock with scraps of designer papers from my bin. My sentiment is from Hero Arts. There are Stickles on the popped star, and blue gems for sparkle on my vine.

I have been a wee bit under the weather, so have to craft when the urge hits me. Thanks for visiting, and you have a wonderful day!

Art Impressions Challenge # 39 Fun and Funky Folds

2011-11-09T07:58:00.001-05:00

Today is my new son-in-law's birthday and I wanted to make him a fun card. Not only is it his birthday, it is his 30th birthday! When I saw that Art Impressions had their challenge using a special fold, I began planning.

I saw my sentiment first, and started building on that! The inside sentiment is a digital by Marlene, over at Disguised As A Grown-up. She creates the funniest things! The fish images are unknown. They are called Funky Fish and Funky Fish 2. I used an old designer paper of an ocean scene and white card stock for my base, with panel layers of Grass Green PL. The fishes are colored with Copics and my inside fish is popped so he can fold. There are tons of Stickles for sparkle and Crystal Lacquer on eyes and teeth to make them look meaner.

So by now, you have figured that my fun fold is a gatefold. I used a Velcro half circle to keep things closed, since the card came out on the thick side. Oh, and please ignore the sun sticker I digitally applied to cover where I signed the card before I remembered to photograph it! Duh!

He will not be coming to visit until this weekend, but I know he does not visit my blog. I am very anxious for them to arrive, as I will get my own copy of the wedding photos to play with! Woo Hoo!

House Mouse Challenge # 108 Give Thanks

2011-11-07T15:37:00.001-05:00

If you take a little side trip over to House Mouse and Friends Monday Challenge, you will see some amazing works. With it being November and with Thanksgiving coming, I thought all of the cards would take on that theme. I was wrong. The design Team went in all kinds of thankful directions!

I too went in a different direction. I started with a base of Pure Luxury card stock in Onyx Black. My designer paper is a real oldie from Frances Meyers. It's been around for so long, that it is a sheet of 81/2x 11. Have not bought that size in years! My house Mouse stamp is called "Dragonfly-ing". The circle sentiment is from Unity. I stamped it with Versafine ink and sprinkled it with Clear Detail EP. Coloring was done with Copics, and sponging is with VersaMagic ink. The glittery gem flowers are from Jolee's, and the pearl swirls were a gift from a friend for my last birthday. They are made by Zva Creative. The dragonfly has Stickles on his wing, but it is not showing today. My inside saying is "you raise me up".

Thanks for stopping around. Sounds like our temperatures are going to be a bit milder this week, here in PA. Still have a wee bit of yard work to complete before winter. Please, no more surprise snow storms for a little while!

New Home

2011-11-05T15:10:00.001-04:00

Hello friends! Just wanted to share a card I made for my DS and his beloved, to celebrate them buying their first house. So glad they are able to get out of the rental scene, even if they have to struggle for a bit. When they rented their apartment last December, that was exciting for them. When the nice weather hit, all the unsavory characters came out to play and show them what the place was really like. Too many times of calling the police, to suit me!

So my card is created with a base of Pure Luxury card stock, and one of my very favorite designer papers from Memory Box. I used a sheet of Pure White and stamped my images and sentiment. My house with balloon is from Unity's April 2011 KOM called "small things Matter Most". I decided to use my Art Impressions cloud stamp and cut a few and pop them. Coloring is done with Copics, sponging is done with VersaMagic, and Stickles were added for a touch of glimmer.

That is it for now! Since hubby and I both worked today, I am hoping he feels bad and wants to go out to dinner. See you soon!

Art Impressions Challenge #38 For A Young Boy

2011-10-31T16:09:00.000-04:00

I have really missed playing with my Art Impressions stamps the last few weeks! I had to think long and hard on this one. Swing by the Art Impressions blog to check out all the details!

The Art Impression stamps I used on this card are:

P-1499 fence

U-1695 boy front

Q-1704 dog front

C-1048 raccoon
E-1025 clouds

I did my coloring with Copic Markers. The card base is Pure White with a layer of designer paper which is unknown. I used Pop Dots for dimension, and Diamond Stickles to make my snow sparkle. The sentiment is an unmounted and unknown.

I consider us very lucky from the weekend storm, however our neighbors to the north were not so lucky. Many are without power, and will be for days yet. They just said on the news, that there is more damage now then with Hurricane Irene, and I believe it. Sending up prayers for safety and warmth.

October Rose's Challenge ......Fall Theme

2011-10-30T05:30:00.006-04:00

This month, the Rose's Challenge is hosted by Patti Sue Rose. She chose for us to do a Fall card. I was having such a blast, that I ended up doing three cards using the same set. All are different, but quite Autumn-esque!

Card #1

Card #2

Card #3

All 3 cards use Pure Luxury card stock from Gina K. Designs, as well as paper from Memory Box Blackbird Collection. There is an assortment of lace, buttons, Dew Drops, cording and die cuts. All are colored with Copic Markers, and sponged with VersaMagic inks. Card #3 uses a triple circle stamp from Just For Fun stamps.

I also wanted to share the set of stamps that were my inspiration. They are from Clear Dollar Stamps, and the set is called Pumpkin Patch. The stamps are so adorable! It is possible that it is retired, as I could not find it.

Thanks for taking a peek, and please stop by and see what the other Rose's have created for you this month. I will be hosting for the month of November, so I will be thinking up a good one!

Patti Sue
Olga
Betty She is on vacation, but may have a post scheduled.
Sue
Kez
Kym
Connie Not sure if Connie will be posting, as she has been MIA for a bit. We miss you, Connie!

Quick Share

2011-10-29T10:35:00.001-04:00

Hey, everyone! It is snowing here in PA! It was not suppose to start until late afternoon, but it started coming down at 8:40 a.m.. It is heavy, wet snow, which they are saying may lead to power outages since the leaves are still on the trees. I think I am going to do a bit of baking to warm up the house.

I wanted to share a funny Halloween card I made for the newlyweds. I used papers from the Memory Box, Blackbird collection, and a fun die cut from K&Co. When Frankie and his bride fell out of the package, I just knew I had to use them. My sentiment is computer generated.

Well, it sure does not feel like Halloween is 2 days away! Feels more like New Years! Have a crafty Saturday, and I will see you soon.

Just Peachy

2011-10-28T07:47:00.000-04:00

Good Morning! I wanted to share a card I created just for fun. I used a digi image from Create with TLC. Don't you just love peaches when they are in season? My latest addiction is Peach Mango Salsa....yum!

I started with a sheet of Just Peachy card stock from Gina K. Designs, (a real cowinkydink) layered on a sheet of K&Co dp, then layered on a 5" square paper doily. I cut my image with a Spellbinders Classic Circle die and layered it on a Blossoms Three cut out of the designer paper. I ran a strip of card through the Cuttlebug with the plaid EF and sent peach velvet ribbon across the bottom for more texture. Punched leaves, Prima's, and Dew Drops make up my corner cluster. A little bit of Diamond Stickles was added for sparkle.

After coloring my image with Copics, I added my sentiment, which is from Unity. It still needed something, so I glazed my peaches and applied Fun Flock to make them fuzzy! Love how that worked out!

My inside sentiment is also from Create with TLC. Phew, that was quite an assortment of supplies, but I am on a quest to use things! Have a great Friday! We have the bad old "S" word in our forecast for the weekend. It is not the norm for it to do that before Halloween. There may be more stamping in my future.

Yes, it's me!

2011-10-27T09:52:00.001-04:00

Not exactly sure why, but I am having a hard time getting back into the swing of things. I keep telling myself that tomorrow will be a productive day, but it does not happen. I do try to visit you all when I can.

I created a few cute things for Dee's shower that I was saving to share with you all, but the computer has plum eaten the photos. One was a fancy tag that had the "Something old, Something new" saying. and the other was a shower card which used Webster Pages. Oh well, I'll keep looking.

Today I would like to share the wedding card I made for the happy couple. I used Heartfelt Creations stamps and dies. I tried to use more Fall colors to match the harvest theme. After finding a long, sappy poem for the inside, it was complete. I was sure to ask Olga for her approval, as she is a champ with Heartfelt Creations stamps.

Well now, that was short and sweet! Hope all is well in your little part of the world. I want to remind everyone the the Roses will be posting their monthly challenge this Sunday, and I am sure they will be amazing!

The Happy Couple

2011-10-18T03:46:00.002-04:00

I did not want to bore you with too many photos, so I was waiting until I got a few prime shots from guests who attended. Thanks so much for your loving wishes for the bride and groom, and your support over the last months. It will be a few weeks until the professional shots are available.

Denise and Shaun will be leaving on their honeymoon, shortly, and I hope they have a fabulous time full of life long memories.

Poor daddy was a wreck worrying about speeches and dances, but he did an excellent job of turning over his baby girl to the man of her dreams.

Everyone had an amazing time, and I have never seen Denise and Shaun happier! Thanks for stopping by.

It's Wedding Day!

2011-10-15T08:05:00.000-04:00

After much planning, the day has arrived for my DD to take her new name. I plan on enjoying this day to the fullest! Everything is ready and the day is cool and crisp. The leaves are at their peak and although we expect wind today, they promised to stay on the trees until the ceremony! The Daley and Kelemen families will be forever joined. What a blessing!

I wanted to share this photo with you, so you could see the affection in their eyes. This is the look of 10 years of love and friendship.

Thank you all for your well wishes, and for listening to us rave on about the prep! I hope to be back to crafting next week.

Getting Ready for Halloween

2011-09-29T17:33:00.000-04:00

The Challenge over that Art Impressions #34, is sparked by lots of fun inspiration! I normally only make a few Halloween cards each year, thus I do not own any AI stamps for this holiday. I still wanted to participate, so I used a combo of stamps and digis.

Again I used Pure Luxury card stock from Gina K. Designs for my base. The digital kit I used was from Liz-quis Scraps. These pieces printed out really nice and were easy to size. My huge spiderweb is from Rubbernecker Stamps, and I outlined it with Diamond Stickles. I added orange gems as my accents.

On the inside, I also used digi parts but added spiders from Sticko, a sentiment from Impression Obsessions, and a fall flower gem from Jolee's.

I am thinking it came out kinda cute! If you want to see this weeks House Mouse entry from earlier today, please click here.

House Mouse #105 Christmas Sparkle

2011-09-29T10:51:00.001-04:00

This week, the challenge at House Mouse and Friends Monday Challenge, is Christmas Sparkle. After much scrounging around, I found this holiday stamp which I got in a lot, and someone had unmounted it. Soooooo, I don't have a name for it. If anyone knows, please let me know so I can mark it.

My card is Ocean Mist, Fresh Avocado, and Pure White card stock from Gina K. Designs. My dp is a scrap. I ran my diecut oval through the Cuttlebug, using the 5x7 Holly Stripe EF. The coloring was done with Copics, and the sponging is with VersaMagic ink. I used a sentiment from Hero Arts. I added my favorite Stickles (Diamond), to the holly leaves and flakes, and Crystal Effects to the berries. Glad I was able to get the sparkle to show this time, cause we all know how stubborn the photos can be with that.

Thanks for stopping by, and I may be back with another entry, since I have the day to myself!

September Challenge for the Roses

2011-09-25T12:25:00.002-04:00

Good Morning! I must admit that this creation just happened this morning. Since I have been in frantic mode lately, I looked at the date for this challenge that was posted on the Rose's web site, and all I saw was the 30th. What I neglected to realize was that the 30th is a Friday, and we do the Rose's Challenge on the last Sunday of the month. My bad!

This month Betty Rose was in charge of choosing what we had to create. She chose for us to use ribbon in some way. I was able to combine my creation with a challenge over at Stamp TV, where we had to case a member of the design team. This time it was Deb Felts and here is the link to what I cased. http://stamptv.ning.com/photo/seasonstags-1?context=user . I hope she is not insulted by my attempt.

Since Friday was the first day of Fall, I decided to do just one of Debs season tags. Her tags are just gorgeous!!!!

I started with a large tag and using all stamps from Gina K. Designs, started to make my scene. The stamp sets used are Farm Life and The Giving Tree, by Theresa Momber. I also used a set designed by Gina called Elegant Elements. Coloring was done with a combo of colored pencils and Copics. Sponging was achieved with Versa Magic and Memento inks. My beautiful fall ribbon is from Really Reasonable Ribbon, and is topped with a textured button tied with twine.

Please be sure to visit the other Rose's in our bouquet:

Speedy the Cat's Friends Challenge #74 Things with Wings

2011-09-24T10:01:00.000-04:00

I had a few extra minutes this morning to play, and when I saw the challenge over at the Speedy the Cat blog, I knew I had to play along. My challenge entering has been to a minimum lately, due to the wedding planning, sorry. Here is my take on the "Things with Wings" challenge.

I created a matchbook style card in monochromatic tones. The colors are pure white and rich razzleberry. The Mark's Finest set that I used for my bird is called Tropical Vacation. I just love this set and all of its sayings! I cut out my bird using one of the Spellbinders, Fancy Tags Three dies. The leaves and sentiment are popped, and purple pearls are added as accents.

I may just be able to add slip this into the bride and grooms suitcase, before they whisk away on their tropical honeymoon!

Have a wonderful Saturday, everyone!

Join the Celebration at House Mouse Monday!

2011-09-23T10:26:00.000-04:00

Well, my friends, it is time for a really big celebration, with tons of prizes and gorgeous inspiration! It is the 3rd Birthday Celebration over at the House Mouse Monday Challenge site! Go check it out! Make sure to read all of the rules. You still have some time to join in the hop, and make a creation for the prizes!

For my entry, I chose to use an adorable House Mouse stamp called "A Gouda Birthday". My coloring was done with Copic markers and I used Antique Linen Distress Ink to blend my edges. My sentiment was computer generated, as I did not have the one that went with my mouse. There is sparkle added (sorry it just won't show) to the cheese wrapper, candle, and air wisps. My card stock is Pure Luxury from GKD, and the designer paper is digital. I added a Prima with some die cut leaves as my flower accent.

Thanks for taking a look, and Happy 3rd Birthday to one of my very favorite challenge sites!

Art Impressions #32 Favorite Stamp

2011-09-22T18:43:00.000-04:00

Hi, friends! This week, on the Art Impressions Challenge Blog, the design team has asked us to use our favorite AI stamp. That was one of the hardest choices I have had to make. I thought and thought, and decided that this super get well stamp has seen a lot of ink since I have owned it. It is just perfect for those men that land in the hospital unexpectedly. It always seems to give them a chuckle The stamp is # U-2394.

After paper piecing the chair, I used Copic markers to color the rest of this fellows clothing and skin. I cut out my pieces, and popped them up for dimension. My papers are a digital set from Lindsay J., and was a freebie from one of the National Scrapbook Day celebrations. I used Distress Inks to blend my edges, and added buttons with bakers twine knots. No matter how I create with him, he always comes out great!

Thanks for stopping by. We are expecting more flooding rains starting tonight, and I pray for those who are just getting life back to normal. The ground just can't hold anymore, and with another 3+ inches, it has no where to go but up. Be careful out there!

Check the Shower Off the List!

2011-09-19T08:33:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to stop in and share a few photos from Dee's shower. A grand time was had by all, with lots of good food and warm wishes for the bride to be.

She was so surprised! They got her to the hall on the pretense that she was helping to decorate for her Maid of Honor's Mom's 50th birthday.

I am sure I will receive more photos from other cameras, but these were ones her godmother got to me yesterday.

From left to right, let me introduce the bridal party. Christina, Kristy (maid of honor), Dee, Laura, and Danielle (Shaun's sister).

These ladies did a wonderful job!

Thanks for taking a peek, and I hope to decompress today and get back in the swing as the week progresses!

Little Details

2011-09-13T07:37:00.000-04:00

I was given permission by the bride to share one of the projects we have been working on. We had spent the previous weekend trying to come up with a design, but nothing suited. When I knew she was coming home again this past weekend, I started trying to come up with something, so we could get them completed. She got excited when she saw this design. Phew!

I can't wait until I can share the whole table design with you! Carol and Olga, you will be very proud of me. I dusted off the Cricut to make the numbers! It still worked!

Table numbers are now checked off the "to do" list! Have a marvelous day!

Art Impressions Challenge # 31 Back To School

2011-09-12T16:21:00.000-04:00

All I could think of when I saw this weeks challenge, is the Staples commercial where they sing the back to school jingle. Ha Ha, I truly do not miss getting the kiddies ready with all of their goodies, but the worst was the first night they came home with all the forms. Forms, forms, forms, in triplicate! That is when I thought of my AI, Sylvia stamp, 3 J-1550. She is a frazzled mess, like most moms.

Here is a link to this fun challenge on the Art Impressions blog. I used Pure Luxury card stock in Tanned Leather, Ripe Avocado, and Sweet Corn. The designer paper is a digital, and cut some of the images out and made them raised. Copic markers were used to color Sylvia, and Rusty Hinge Distress Ink was used around the edges. My ribbon is from Michaels and the brad says Home Work in the shape of a copy book. My sentiment is computer generated.

I have gone and done something painful to my right wrist, and this could not have come at a worse time. So, inbetween using a wrist brace and lots of Advil, I try to get some little things done. I miss posting daily, but it won't be long til I am back at it. I was a very productive weekend, and we were able to cross many wedding chores off the list. Have a wonderful day, and thanks for stopping around!

I Received an Award!

2011-09-08T19:01:00.002-04:00

I was so surprised when I visited Payne Holler Cards, and saw that Linda had gifted me with this wonderful badge! She is such a sweetie. As with most of these, there are questions, and a list to regift to. Here we go!

Q1) Name your favorite colour? blue
Q2) Name your favorite song? Amazing Grace
Q3) Name your favorite dessert? a good homemade cookie
Q4) What annoys you at the moment? Dr.'s that don't listen to you
Q5) Your favorite pet? our current dog, Jessie Girl
Q6) Black or White? LOL, I choose white...thinking about the icing on my DD's wedding cake
Q7) Your biggest fear? driving in bad traffic
Q8) Best Feature? Do I have one?
Q9) Everyday attitude? Happily frazzled!
Q10) What is perfection? a happy marriage of 34 years
Q11) Guilty Pleasure? I can't resist pretty designer papers
Q12) When you're upset you? Cry

Well there you have it, what all inquiring minds want to know! Now I must pass this beauty on, so here goes!
Carol
Wendy
Janice
Colleen
Sue
Kerrie
Betty B.
Theresa P.
Rebekka
Patti J.

Thanks a zillion, Linda!
Praying for all the families and friends in the flooding areas. Hang in there.

It's That Time Again!

2011-09-06T08:19:00.000-04:00

It's time for this weeks Art Impressions Challenge! It is called Lots of Dots, and it was such fun to create! I was fortunate enough to have my DD come home this weekend and bring me all of her Art Impression stamps to use. Woo Hoo, now I have more to choose from!

The AI stamps I used are:

E-2824
D-2820
I-2821

I did a narrow card and it will be a thank you for some friends we dined with the other night! The base is soft suede from SU!, with white card stock and a perfectly matched polka dot scrap I found hiding in my stash. The images were stamped in tuxedo black, Memento ink, and colored with Copic Markers. Sponging was created with VersaMagic inks, and images were cut out and layered with Spellbinders Big Scalloped Ovals dies. Some shimmer was added with a Sakura clear star pen. For accents, I used twine and a red button to coordinate with my cheese, and add a pop of color.

It is raining with a chance of flooding again. Mother Nature is sure not happy this summer! It was another weekend of wedding chores. Time is moving so quickly! I am just happy to be able to squeak in the couple challenges I am trying to be faithful to. Thanks for stopping by, and all the notes of encouragement I have been receiving!

No Cookin' Recipe Card Challenge # 103

2011-08-31T15:12:00.000-04:00

Well it's time for another House Mouse Challenge and we are asked to create a card and incorporate a recipe. I drug out all my mousy stamps and since I used the apple on last time, I decided on the corn. The stamps is called "Juggling Corn", and it is from 1998.

I use a base of Pure Luxury Pure White card stock. My designer papers are from K&Co. I printed and distressed my cornbread recipe. My stamp was colored with Copic markers and the corn was glazed with 3D Crystal Lacquer. My gemstone flowers are also from K&Co.

What a fun challenge this was, Mary! I never would have thought of it.

This Week At Art Impressions......

2011-08-29T19:43:00.000-04:00

The theme for AI's challenge #29, is Summertime. I created a background scene and then used 3 of my Art Impression stamp.

I-1240 Norm

BB-1486 Buzzin Fly

E-2619 I'm retired

All of the papers are from a paper pack by Marcella called Clove. It works well for masculine cards. Coloring is done with Copic Markers. Sponging was done with VersaMagic inks.

How can you not smile at these stamps! Hope you are having a great start to your week.

Olga's August Rose's Challenge

2011-08-28T09:15:00.000-04:00

I was on the phone with Olga Rose when she realized it was her month to choose the challenge. In my head I kept saying please, please, please, make her pick anything but flowers. Well, my anguish became a reality when she said " Maybe we should do 3D flowers!". Ugh, my heart sank. Anyone who knows me, knows that this is not my speciality. I gave it a go.

I further challenged myself by using shades of purple. I just never get the right shades. Most of my card is all the usual stuff. White base, scrap dp, MS border punch, and a Fancy Tag 3 Spellbinder for my sentiment. I used some Prima leaves and a small spray of mauve and grey posies as my back ground. Now, as for my 3D flowers that I made, I made roses from spirals that I cut out with pinked edge scissors. I rolled them up, inked the edges, and used ZipDry glue to secure Hematite beads in the centers. I am pleased, and think the card came away with a very Victorian feel.

     Please stop by to visit the other Roses in our bouquet: Unsure who is posting today, as some have been MIA. Give them a try!

Olga
Sue
Kerrie
Betty
Patti
Connie
Kym

     As for Hurricane Irene, she is still causing flooding and high winds, here in my little part of PA. God is good and we have only some tree damage and we lost power briefly. Nothing that the chain saw won't fix. We were however, under tornado warning all night and chose to sleep in the basement next to our wall that is underground. Boy, was our doggie confused! It is so crazy that we may actually see sun this afternoon.

     Hope all is well with you and those you love. Please stay safe.

Art Impressions Challenge #28 Anything Goes

2011-08-19T09:02:00.002-04:00

Wowzer! Here I am with back to back AI Challenge posts. That just goes to show you how late I almost was with my last entry. This week it is "Anything Goes". I had fun creating this card for many reasons.

1. I did not even know I owned this stamp. Found this Art Impressions, Little Dress-Up Girl in my bags of unmounteds and she is #H940. I colored her in Copics and added some sparkle pen to accent.

2. I always love when I can use up things from my stash. My chipboard letters and the Prima flower w/pearls are both from when I did nothing but scrapbooking, and QVC sold us things in bulk. LOL!

3. My plaid background was made using the reinkers on a baby wipe, drug across glossy card stock. I love the results and you can customize to fit your needs.

4. I have really been trying to decorate the insides of my cards more, and I was able to use an Art Impression sentiment there. It is # G941.

My card stocks are Fresh Asparagus and Pure white from Gina K. Designs. My inside has a bit of Melon Mambo from SU!. Pearls and punched leaves are used for embellishments.

Thanks for stopping by and a happy TGIF! Kids are coming in to do some wedding stuff, so I am sure it will be busy around here.

Art Impressions Challenge #27 Favorite Technique

2011-08-17T06:38:00.040-04:00

My absolute favorite technique is to use multiple stamps from my collection to "Create A Scene". So glad I was able to use it for the currnent challenge over at the Art Impressions Blog. When you start having a stamp to cover most any request, it becomes fun to combine and see what you can come up with. I used 3 different Art Impression stamps to create this one. My clouds are E-1025, The little girl is a front T1519 and my fence is P1499. Coloring is done with Copic markers. I used a small weed, and sentiment from different companies. Stickles, pearls, tiny Prima's and PopDots were used to embellish. The card base is Tanned Leather and Pure White Pure Luxury cs with a layer of DCWV designer paper from the Nana's Kitchen collection.

Hope you have a wonderful Wednesday! I wish you sunny days.

House Mouse Monday Challenge #102

2011-08-16T12:43:00.001-04:00

I have been AWOL for a few days, and I do apologize sincerely. I have been working on wedding type things that I can not post. Life is getting in the way again, but I just hate to miss my favorite challenges, so here goes!

The newest House Mouse Monday Challenge is #102 and is called Let's Get Fruity! My choice of House Mouse stamps with fruit is a party of one. My stamp is called "Spitting Apple Seeds". I used Copic Markers to color my images and added 3D Crystal Lacquer to areas for a shiny effect. I stamped and colored the apple 2x so I could cut it out and pop dot it. My scene was cut out using the largest size of Labels Fourteen, Spellbinder die. Sponging was done with Taken with Teal ink from SU!, and Memento Rich Cocoa. I used a cranberry card stock for my card base and a scrap of an apple graphic paper from my stash. A little red and white bakers twine and a button/leaf embellishment was added to the corner. My sentiment is from A-Muse.

Thanks for taking a peek, and I hope your weeks is off to a good start.

Just Had To Share

2011-08-11T14:23:00.000-04:00

Many of my followers had prayed for my dear niece, and her son Flynn Patrick, this past spring, when Flynn came into the world 9 weeks early, weighing just 2.9 lbs. I finally got to meet him in person in July, when we attended his Christening Party. He is just the sweetest!

The other day, I received a thank you card and this is the photo that was on it. Ahoy there, Master Flynn! This was too cute not to share. May he always have sweet dreams.

Thanks for stopping by!

One For The Boys!

2011-08-09T09:41:00.000-04:00

It's time for the Art Impressions Challenge for this week, and it is #27. Time to create one just for the boys. I have used Harv and an AI sentiment, G1446. I just found this fun guy in my unmounted stash the other day. Didn't know I had him, and was thinking of buying him after I saw an adorable card by one of the DT members at AI. Phew!

I have an ivory background of Pure Luxury cs, with a striped layer from Basic Grey Granola. The Spellbinders Sprockets have been laying on my desk cut out for months. (Thanks Carol!) I knew I would find just the right card to use them on. My image was colored in Copics and I popped up some places and then added silver drops to make it look like machinery. I did put the large open sprocket on the inside as a frame for my greeting. I am sure it will be either a Happy Birthday, or a Happy Retirement.

Thanks for stopping by, and I am so glad I did not miss this weeks entry!

Heartfelt X 200

2011-08-07T19:04:00.001-04:00

Sorry I have not been around to visit every one's blog this weekend, but my DD was home and we had major wedding stuff to get done. It just so happens my Gina K. Designs order arrived on Friday, and when I saw Theresa Momber's new set called Heartfelt, my wheels started turning. Well Theresa, you saved the day. Not only did we use the new set 200 times, we were able to use a sentiment from one of your older sets to create the tags for my Daughters wedding favors. Sharon Harnest did a tag that was very similar and that was our main inspiration.

They will be tied onto jars of yummy goodness, using jute twine, and placed at each place setting. My hands are cramping so bad, I can barely type this, but we are both so excited about how they came out, that we could not wait. We are thrilled with the results!

My daughter loves quotes so she opted for that on the backs rather than the typical bride, groom, and date. The 4 colors of Distress Ink used are Peeled Paint, Tea Dye, Rusted Hinge, and Walnut. The Clear Detail Embossing is from Stampendous.

Thanks so much for letting me share, and I hope to be back to challenges and commenting tomorrow. Gotta go scrub my inky fingers!!!! Hope you had a fun weekend.

Winner!

2011-08-05T05:53:00.000-04:00

Good morning! After everyone's name went into the hat, the winner of my Blogoversary prize, as drawn by my DH, is Kathy and Lucky. Kathy, please email me your mailing address to ma54k@comcast.net, so I can get your prize to the P.O. tomorrow. Congrats!

I want to thank each one of my followers for making year #2 so special for me. I really enjoy sharing a little part of myself with you. I consider each one of you a blessing.

I hope you will stick around for year #3. I think we will have lots to share!

Hugs,
Mary Anne

Stamping the day away!

2011-08-04T10:20:00.000-04:00

Today I would like to share a card that I made to utilize some stashed items. We all have them, don't we? It just makes me so happy when I can use something that has been tucked in a drawer for ages.

My card base is Pumpkin Spice PL card stock. There is a layer of white PL and then a layer of Basic Grey from the Life of the Party collection. I added leaves from the newer Spellbinders set called Foliage. Next came my stash items, which are this adorable felt rounds, that I decided to use as flowers. They were something that Target sold a few years ago. My sentiment is from my unmounted stash of unknowns. There are pretty green DewDrops added to the corners.

Speaking of my stash of unmounted, unknown stamps......... please don't laugh. Here is a photo of the part of my life that I can't get a handle on. I do have many, many, that are neatly in CD cases, but this is the overwhelming overflow. I know it is not good for them to be in these bags, but it is what it is right now. If I had one wish, it would be to use each one at least once, to make something beautiful. Stop laughing! Most of this was one Ebay win for $27.00. I would go to the poor house if I tried to do binder boxes! All but a few have been remounted onto cling.

On to other things. Today, I have been blogging for 2 years. If you leave a comment here before midnight tonight, I will choose a winner for a little surprise. You must be a follower and reside in the USA. (sorry, but shipping is a killer)

House Mouse #101

2011-08-02T07:38:00.000-04:00

Here is a quick little ATC that I created for the House Mouse Challenge # 101. I happen to have a couple packs of pre-cut ATC's that I bought from a show vendor, so that gave me my base very quickly. I added in a scrap of one of my favorite papers from my bin. The HM stamp I used is Jumping For Joy, which I colored with Copics, cut out, and pop dotted. My sentiment is from the dollar bin at Michael's. For an embellishment, I used a gem flower from K&Co and felt leaves. I used a stubby stamp from Judith to add a little interest above my mouse.

I do own a stamp for the back of ATC's so I hunted that up. That was also purchased at a show, and for the life of me, I can't remember the vendor. This was easy peasy, and I appreciate you taking a peek.

Christmas in July with the Rose's

2011-07-31T06:00:00.072-04:00

Here we are at the last Sunday of July, and that means it's time for our Roses to strut their stuff. This month Connie Rose has asked us to create a Christmas project that is anything but a card. I have noticed that many blogs are in full swing with Christmas projects, already. Here at Lakeside Stamping, we are easing in to it slowly. Maybe it is the heat?

Anyway, I tried to give it a good go. I started with some nice Lipstick Red Pure Luxury card stock and my Inky Antics treat box stamp X3-10189-X. You must stamp 2 to complete the box and I did this with Frost White pigment ink from ColorBox. I then cut out both pieces, scored on the lines, folded and taped the box together with Scor-Tape.

I stamped the box with a small starburst stick stamp from Judith using the Frost White. I had purchased some adhesive holiday borders today from the Queen & Co booth at a local convention. I decided to use the pine trees to edge things out. There are 2 layers of classic oval Nestabilities on the front and back. These were cut from a deep green and a mottled dp form DCWV. I found some holiday chipboards in my stash and after adding a large pearl to my closer, the handle was decorated with some red Tulle and a felt snowflake.

See what a good girl I have been to actually produce uneaten Christmas chocolate! This box will be great for candy, money, or even a special piece of jewelry!

Please remember to visit the other sweet roses in our bouquet!

Patti Sue

Kerrie

Sue

Olga
Connie
Betty
Kym

Have a marvelous Sunday!

Inspiration from Nature

2011-07-29T10:03:00.000-04:00

Hello, friends! This week, the challenge #26, at Art Impressions, is to be inspired by nature. After going through my AI stamps, I was drawn to this beautiful butterfly (I-2223).

I started with a piece of glossy card stock, clear embossed some Queen Anne's Lace (Judith) on the edge. I used Distress Inks in Faded Jeans, Peeled Paint, and Tea Dye, to create my background. I buffed the flowers to get them white, and carefully colored the stems with Copic. I stamped my butterfly in Memento, Tuxedo Black, and colored with Copics. I added my sentiment (A Muse) directly to the scene.

My stamped panel was then matted with black and then placed on a base card of Pumpkin Spice PL card stock. I created my own brad heads with a punch and Crystal Effects.

It is Friday! Woo Hoo! Hope you all have a fun weekend planned!

Baby Wipe Technique

2011-07-26T08:34:00.001-04:00

Good Morning! It was so great to finally get a little rain yesterday. Never thought I would be so happy for a gloomy day. It was a great day to watch stamping videos and get inspired. I came across the baby wipe technique video at Splitcoast, and although I have done this over at Stamp TV before, it was only to create a plaid. The Splitcoast version used silhouette stamps. I just loved it. It works great on glossy card stock!

I used SU! reinkers in Kiwi Kiss, Baja Breeze, and Rich Razzleberry. My first card is my very favorite. It has a gingham card base, my stamped layer with tiny Prima's and pearls added, and a stitched dog, which is also from Prima, popped in the center. The sentiment is from Heidi Grace Stamps.

I would like to enter this first card in:
Creative Card Crew Challenge: Animal Antics

My Time To Craft #150: Delightful Dogs

My second card has layers of card stock in pink and Rich Razzleberry. I popped a few leaves and added tendrils out of cloth covered wire. My sentiment is from Art Impressions. This time I added the tiny Prima's and clear gem centers.

Here are the stamps and supplies I used. My grape vine is from JRL Design and the butterfly is from Magenta This is the kind of project that makes you keep wanting to make more and more. I hope you will give it a try. Have a great day!

A Glimmer of Creativity!

2011-07-25T07:15:00.000-04:00

I had an urge to create something pretty, and this is what resulted. There was this gorgeous scrap of Webster Pages dp laying on my desk, so I unrolled some crochet lace and gave it a go. The card stocks used are Pure Luxury from Gina K. Designs. That beautiful flower, is a Prima that I received for Mother's Day from my DD. It came with the pretty button, but I added the floss bow and pearl, to match the other pearls I used. I guess they make this by burning the edges. I just love it! The leaves are cut from Spellbinders dies from their Foliage set. The sentiment is from Making Memories, and my punched butterfly is from Martha.

Sometimes it is just fun to play. I have not found a challenge to squeeze this into. I really appreciate my friends in blog land, and I thank you for taking time to stop by or leave a comment. Have a Happy Monday!

Cat-a-tude!

2011-07-23T15:37:00.000-04:00

This week the #25 challenge over that Art Impressions is to use stitching, whether it be faux or real. My stitching came in the way of an area rug created from felt, sewing, and cut fringe.

I started with a base of Pure Luxury card stock, and a double sided scrap from my bin. The Art Impression stamps used are H 697 Fat Cat, and T 1347 Living Room. My sofa and chair are paper pieced. I drew in a horizon line to form my room and dabbed in some Distress inks in Peeled Paint and Tea Dye. The rest of my images were colored with Copics and a Sakura Gelly Roll pen was used to add a bit of sparkle. The sentiment is computer generated. Fat Cat was popped up and cranberry pearls were added.

Hope this horrible heat is over soon, and that we can all get back to normal activities. Be safe out there!

House Mouse & Friends Blog Hop & Challenge #100 Celebration!

2011-07-19T10:22:00.000-04:00

The House Mouse Challenge site is celebrating their 100th challenge, and the theme is "Buttons, Bows, and Bling". How fun is that? You must go check out their site and play along. There is a blog hop and so many prizes! Even some of the DT members have added extra prizes! A fun time will be had by all.

We are just sweltering here in PA. Most flowers are having a hard time looking perky, but I did notice the places with Sunflowers seemed to be doing well. When I opened my HM drawer, this stamp called "Sunny Side Up" jumped out at me. I colored it with Copics, cut it out and popped it on top of some designer paper from Frances Meyer, that I think gave us some dimension. My sentiment is from the dollar bin at Michaels. I added gingham ribbon and a bow topped with a green button w/gem. Down the side I did 2 rows of tiny bling in shades of amber.

Wow, that was such fun! Please be sure to pass on this info to all of your House Mouse fans!

Panda-Monium

2011-07-16T11:59:00.001-04:00

When Create with TLC gave away this adorable sentiment earlier in the week, it inspired me to rout through my unmounted stamps and make this card. Seems like everyone in my circle of friends is having a busy, crazy summer. Thought the card would come in handy.

I started with a base of soft sand Pure Luxury card stock. Used scraps of black and white PL for my layers, after printing out my sentiment. I masked off the sentiment, and used brush markers on an Inkadinkado oriental stamp set called Asian Influences. I used Tea Dye Distress ink on my edges and then sponged them again with Spanish Olive VersaMagic ink. My panda is an unknown unmounted. My accents are hemp twine, and MS butterfly, and a vintage bamboo button which I attached with a jump ring. Not sure about that butterfly, so I might change it out. My inside sentiment is from Mail Expressions.

Hope you weekend is perking along nicely!

Art Impressions Challenge #24

2011-07-15T08:12:00.001-04:00

Good morning! This week the Art Impressions Challenge is called Show Me The Bird! After going through all of my stamps, not one A.I. bird was to be found. I even tried bidding on one on Ebay, hoping to get it here before the deadline, but I lost. I decided to do a card anyway, using some of my unmounted stamps. I had a blast making this, and it will be for our best friend John, who had a stroke. He was released from rehab yesterday and will begin out-patient therapy next week. He is working so hard, and we are proud of him.

I started with a white base card, and started building layers. My DP is from DCWV. Coloring was done with Copics. My puffy clouds in the back are an Art Impression stamp. The rooster and feed sack are from Rubberneckers Stamps. The sun with clouds is an unknown. My sentiment is from Mark's Finest.

Okay, I am off to work. Please have a good day!

House Mouse & Friends Challenge #99 Make A Splash

2011-07-13T16:50:00.000-04:00

I saw this challenge over at House Mouse & Friends, and decided to look through my stash of HM stamps to see which had water. I found this HUGE stamp called Pool Party # 229 and dated 1998. Since the challenge is called "Make A Splash", I thought I would give it a whirl.

I really could not add many embellishments due to it's size, but I did my best. My coloring was done with Copic markers. I added Diamond Stickles to the water and bubbles for sparkle. Ribbon was too wide, so I went with silver cording for my bow. Some turquoise DewDrops finish it off. I used kraft card stock with a turquoise dp. My sentiment is from Clear Dollar.

That is it for now! Have a crafty, inky day!

A Couple of Challenges

2011-07-11T16:32:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone! Finally got to do a little stamping today and wanted to get in my couple of challenges I have been doing weekly. The first is my Art Impression Challenge #23, where we were asked to use something from our stash.

I started with ivory and added a layer of designer paper from DCWV. It is from their Crafty Pad. I used the Old Barn stamp (Q1228) from Art Impressions, and stamped it in Memento, Rich Cocoa. I added a sentiment from Amuse, and sponged my edges while it was still in my Spellbinders die, from the Labels Seventeen set. As accents, I added twine and an antique button that depicts a horse and rider, jumping over the same kind of fence as is in the stamped image. That is my stash item.

My second card is for the Less Is More challenge week #23, where we needed to make a one layer card, and use something with legs. How fun is that! This week, I hope I left enough white space. My stamps are from Gina K. Designs. The set was created by Rupa Shevde, and is called Cute As A Bug. I colored my images with OMS and colored pencils. The ric rac stamp is not marked. I also used this card for a weekly challenge over at Stamp TV, where we needed to make a kids birthday card.

It is sweltering hot at 98 degrees, and they are saying index of 105 tomorrow. The grass is all dying and mowing has halted. I fought off a virus last week, and I am finally starting to find some energy. Hope all is well in your neck of the woods.

Less Is More

2011-07-07T13:14:00.003-04:00

The Less Is More Challenge is a new one to me. It is week 22, and it is a colour challenge called "Shades of Blue".

I used a white base card, printed out 3 assorted blue patterned digital papers from Piggy Scrap Design, cut pieces to size and began assembling. I added 3 shell punches from my jumbo Paper Shaper punch. My sentiment is from Create with TLC, and was punched out with an EK Success punch. I inked the edges with VersaMagic ink in Night Sky. That is it, short and sweet. I am sure not use to this CAS look, but maybe that is what I need to get me kick started.

Hope everyone is staying cool. It is a real stinker here! Thanks for stopping by, and happy stamping!

Art Impressions Challenge #22 Distressing

2011-07-05T11:25:00.002-04:00

Hope everyone had a fabulous 4th of July! The hubby is on vacation this week and we are tackling some big projects around this old house. I wanted to make sure to get my Art Impressions card finished for this week, so I stole a little time to myself. It is for Challenge #22, distressing.

My card started with a base of Kraft and my distressed designer papers are from My Mind's Eye. To get the scissors to work better during distressing edges, I always spritz with a bit of water to dampen them. The rest I did by tearing. My Art Impressions stamps used are M1500 Country Window Front and Q1704 Scrappie Front. I did not have a sentiment that would work for me here, so I had to go with a 1$ one from Michaels. I used a white gel pen to highlight his eyes and collar after coloring everything with Copics. My only embellishments are some green DewDrops.

Next, I would like to thank my dear friend Linda Payne, for awarding me this awesome badge. Doesn't it look luscious? Since she has awarded it to many of the people I would have, I am kind of at a loss here to come up with 8 people! Here goes, my sweet blogging friends!

Now I am suppose to tell you 7 things about myself.....hmmmmmm!

1. I have never flown on a commercial plane.

2. I was married before.

3. I love to cook, but now I am not allowed to eat most of it.

4. I miss my stamping buddy, Denise. She promises to return after her wedding.

5. It is very weird having my DH around in the evenings since he quit his PT job.

6. I love antiques

7. I am too nervous to try out for a DT.

Okay, that is it. Ladies, please enjoy your badge! Have a super day!

Keeping with the Theme!

2011-07-02T11:38:00.000-04:00

Here is another project that I got into this morning! This half dozen is to take to our best friend John this afternoon. After suffering a stroke on June 13th, he has done amazingly well. We were told that his damage was as severe as that of Gabby Giffords, except no bullet. He just got moved to rehab near us and we are so excited that he can begin his hard road to recovery. Thank God, for we are truly blessed ! If you could please offer up a prayer for him, it would mean the world to me! Again, let me wish you a Happy 4th!

Happy 4th of July Weekend!

2011-07-02T07:58:00.001-04:00

I had so much fun playing with this photo of my DD, in my editing program, that I thought it would be fun to share! It is from a couple years ago, but it is one of my favorite holiday photos.

Hope everyone has a safe, fun-filled, holiday! No matter how you celebrate, do it with style!

A I Challenge #21

2011-06-28T16:45:00.002-04:00

Hello my friends! Hope you have had a great start to your week. I have not been posting as often, but trust me, I am still here. I just had to get a card in for the Art Impressions Challenge, this week! Challenge #21 asks us to use a handmade flower/flowers. This is another great challenge and I had such a good time doing it.

My Art Impression stamp is called Country Lamp Post, L-1210. I colored with Copic Markers and adder Crystal Effects to the lamp lenses. The sky was created by sponging with VersaMagic inks. My designer paper is from DCWV. I added a couple wraps of bakers twin, tied in a bow. My flower is constructed with 3 sizes of daisy punch, with a fringed paper center. The petals and tips were inked with VersaMagic ink and felt leaves were added. I thought it needed a little more texture, so I cut 2 swirls from Sizzix Sizzlets, inked and added them.

Well, that is it for now. I joined Facebook yesterday and I have not a clue what I am doing. I have mostly been lost in games. Love my games! Take care, and I will see you soon!

Rose Challenge for June

2011-06-26T05:59:00.002-04:00

It's the last Sunday of the month and that means it is time for the Rose's Challenge. This month Kerrie Rose has challenged us to make anything but a card. I am not the best at 3D items, but I gave it a shot.

I remember seeing storage cubes created with chipboard coasters, and thought this might be useful for storage on my stamp table. I took inspiration from one of my very favorite paper collections from K&Co. It is called Maison, and is from Brenda Walton. It has that Shabby Chic/ French look. I have hoarded all of the paper and elements for years.

I started with 5, 5 inch chipboard squares (4 sides and the bottom). I pierced holes so that the parts could be laced into shape with twine on the bottoms. To hold the top in shape, I used tape and then covered the inside and outside with coordinating DP. I took strips of the inside paper and created a lacy border with an MS border punch. All of the seams and chipboard edges were then coated with Fiber Scrap, Walnut Ink Tintz in a Tea Stain color. The embellishments were also Maison, and they are all Grand Adhesions.

I thought this to be a useful project, and I can't wait to see what the rest of our lovely Rose's have created for us. Please be sure to visit our bouquet...... Olga, Sue, Kym, Betty, Kerrie, Connie, and Patti. They are sure to give great inspiration! Sorry Connie and Patti, Blogger will not let me link the two of you. Their blogs can be found on my sidebar.

Thanks for stopping by, and I wish you a wonderful Sunday!

Buttons, Bows, or Both?

2011-06-20T13:46:00.002-04:00

This week the Art Impressions blog has challenge #20 up for us. Gosh, there is just so much talent over there! I am back for my second week of fun. I'm just so glad I found this place to play with my crazy collection of stamps. The challenge is as my title reads, Buttons, Bows, or Both.

I started with an ivory card base, and layered on DP from DCWV. My Art Impressions image is from 1996 and is #L-1350. Isn't this cake sweeter than sugar? Can you believe I have never inked it?

My coloring was done with Copic Markers, and I decided to use both, bows and buttons. I accented in spots with Stickles for added sparkle.

My win last week netted me a $10.00 gift certificate, which I happily just spent! I wish I had every stamp they make! They just make me smile! Thanks for taking a peek!

I would also like to enter this in :

Speedy the Cat's Friends Challenge #60 - use buttons

Father's Day 2011

2011-06-18T10:22:00.000-04:00

I was very bad and made my DH open his card early so I can post it! After his exciting fishing adventure 2 weeks ago, this is what I came up with!

I had the cap template in my stash for years. I never used it, and it gives no clue as to who created it. I folded an 8 1/2 x 11 piece of white in half, placed the top of the template on the fold, and cut my shape. There was a printed line on the template to divide the brim and top, so I cut on that line to make 2 tracing pieces. My tan and striped papers are from the scrap bin.

Next I had to figure how I was going to accent and decorate this. I added stitching and a small oval for the button top. I decided to use Tea Dye Distress Ink for shading inside and out. My caps have a logo or sentiment, so I computer generated one, cut it out with a Classic Oval Spellbinder die, and added some mini hardware. The edge was outlined with a Sharpie gold pen. It still looked a Little plain, so I used a shadow stamp of a school of fish over my sentiment. To finish the front, I added a couple fishing lures that I colored with Copics, cut out, glazed and Stickled. My inside sentiment is from Inkadinkadoo.

I would like to enter this card in a few challenges I saw on a friends blog.

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge #115 - Dad's or Grad's
Party Time Tuesdays PTT#20 - Father's Day
Little Red Wagon #85 - For Dad

Thanks for stopping by, and to all of the great Dad's out there, have a wonderful day!

Tuesday Trigger

2011-06-15T17:18:00.000-04:00

This week's Tuesday Trigger at Moxie Fab World is called Rainbow Bright. Here is the inspiration photo.

When I saw the trigger, all I could think of was the flutter of butterflies that I stamped a few times at our Spring stamp outing. Again, it was a stamp with no markings. My sentiments are from Our Daily Bread. The card layers, I kept white and with colored edges. I used the scalloped edge Spellbinders hearts for my shape, and the big dots EF for texture. Coloring was done with Copics. I added a few gems as accents.

I will also enter this over at Stamp TV for this weeks "Wear Your White" challenge.

Have a super day!

Sow's Everything?

2011-06-14T00:00:00.038-04:00

While I was surfing the many blogs I have saved, I cam across a challenge on the Art Impression blog. It is #19 Monochromatic/ shades of the same color. I decided to play with some of my AI stamps. Since I had a piece of Just Peachy, Pure Luxury card stock laying right in front of me, I went with the peachy/beige tones.

Next came my AI Sow stamp and it's saying. I colored this little cutie with shades of Copics and added some white gel accents and Sakura glaze touches. Cut her out with my Spellbinders Labels Ten die and did a little sponging. Ain't she cute? My dp is from the Basic Grey collection called Green At Heart. I added a stacked Prima and pearls to the center for an accent. I kept it simple.

Art Impression stamps are one of the first brands I purchased back in the 90's. I even have my catalog from back then, and love adding to my collection. No one was happier than I, to see new stamps being released. They always make people smile. Hope you smiled too!

Update 6/16: This little piggie won the challenge! I am thrilled!

They Grow Too Fast!

2011-06-13T10:48:00.000-04:00

I must have been living under a rock! There are a couple of graduations I needed to honor this year and I totally forgot! Never fear, I am only 2 days late with both, so I won't look so late! I have not needed Grad cards in a couple years.

I created this card with a combo of stamps. The framed owl image is from Mark's Finest Papers set called "Owl Be There" from 2010. It is colored with Copics and sponged with Memento. The sentiment, diploma, and cap are from Studio G. My card base is Chocolate Kiss from Gina K. Designs, and my designer paper is DCWV from their Nana's Kitchen collection. I added pearls, Stickles, and dimensionals to make it happen.

It was another hectic weekend here, with kids home, a memorial service, wedding stuff, time with friends, and dodging storms. I picked my first zucchini and banana pepper from the garden. The zucchini leaves are so big, they look like elephant ears! Thanks for taking a peak! Hugs!

Little Things

2011-06-09T16:26:00.000-04:00

I was coloring images last night and I started playing with these chickens. The stamp is from Lasting Impressions. Isn't it cute?

I started with a 5 1/4 inch square base (Yes Olga, I said square) of Pure Luxury card stock in Sweet Corn. My designer papers are from two different pads by DCWV. The one paper I decided to use the MS fence punch on to make it a little more country looking. After using a Spellbinders die to cut out my image, I went around the embossed edge with a gold Sharpie marker. Coloring is done with Copics and sponging is done with VersaMagic ink. For accents I used flowers from the bridal dept. at Michaels with pearl accent centers. My sentiment is from one of my very favorite digi sites called Create with TLC.

I could not find a challenge that this fit into, but its okay. I had so much fun coloring it that I didn't want to wait. Please keep cool, and I will see you again soon!

Moxie Fab Trigger

2011-06-08T18:56:00.001-04:00

I created an A2 card for the Moxie Fab, Cosmopolitan Neapolitan challenge this week. Look at this yummy Trigger!

My card uses a stamp that has no maker name on it. I fell in love with the up and down layout and stamped a few at our last Eastern PA Stampers meeting. Our meeting room has a whole wall of stamps that we get to use for our fee. I even tried Google but no luck. It is amazing the stamps I have been able to locate on there!

The papers are from my scrap bin and they are another no-name. I used Memento, Tuxedo black to stamp. Copics were used to color in the letters. My single embellishment is from K&Co and is a tiny heart from their Smitten collection.

Glad I had to stay in and cool today. I believe we beat a heat record with the promise of worse temps tomorrow. Don't exert!

Back to Creating

2011-06-07T10:32:00.001-04:00

I should be a to work right now, but I knew if I did not get a post up, it was not going to happen. I decided to do the CPS #221 challenge. Here is the sketch.

I used Pure Luxury card stock in White, and In The Navy. My designer papers are from Webster Pages, and DCWV. My images and sentiments are from Theresa Momber's new set called By The Sea available at GKD. Ink is from SU! and is Night of Navy. Red pearls and a vintage anchor button that is threaded with floss, are my accents.

I will also be entering this over at Stamp TV for the Make A Scene Challenge due on Friday. Have a cool Tuesday, and I will see you soon!

What a Whopper!

2011-06-05T12:11:00.001-04:00

Hi friends! Sorry I have not posted a card for a week or so, but life has been getting in the way. On Tuesday we lost a dear neighbor, and that sort of took the wind out of our sails.

We have had many meetings for my DD's upcoming wedding and are tying up loose ends. Yesterday we met with the florist and today we sealed the deal on the perfect wedding cake. Last evening I finally found the shoes to go with my gown. We went from nothing to do because it was too early, to a huge list of "Need To Do Now" items.

I wanted to share a couple of photos of my DH, who went fishing in the local river last night. This is the huge Flathead that he caught. He and his brother have been doing Catfish Tournaments every other weekend for fun. This was NOT a prize money weekend. Boo, Hiss. I'm so proud of him!

Anyhow, I promise to get back to paper play real soon. Thanks for stopping by!

Swim and Shampoo

2011-05-30T15:48:00.000-04:00

It is an extremely warm day here in PA, and we are all doing different things. My pooch, Jessie was begging for her pool to come out so she could battle the hose monster.

After a good long swim, it was time for a frothy shampoo with Boysenberry Black Pearl, a towel dry and a good combing to get out the winter clumps. She smells so yummy! What a good girl. I am not going to tell you how cold that well water was. Brrrrrrrr! Just have to remember to do walkies every 20 minutes until she gets rid of all the pool water she drank!

Thanks for letting me share! Enjoy what is left of this holiday.

Kym's Rose Challenge

2011-05-29T08:24:00.001-04:00

Sorry I have been AWOL for a bit. The wedding planning is starting to get crazy, and with doing two weddings, even crazier! Yesterday was our Eastern PA Stampers get-together and many could not attend due to the holiday weekend, but we had a blast. If I get sent a photo, I will share. I did get to meet Wendy from Wee Bee Stampin 4 Fun, and got to give her a hug. What a sweetie! Wendy and her family moved from PA to Joplin, with the hopes of moving back to PA by the end of 2011. Thank goodness they were here in PA when the tornados hit. Their house was spared, but if you check out her blog, she has posted photos of places she visits daily and they are gone. She is very nervous about going back next week. Praying for everyone in Joplin.

Okay, on to Kym's challenge for the Roses group this month. We were asked to create a Get Well, Tissue Box Card. I was not sure about this one, but once I got into it, I want to make more! Maybe for the desks of the girls in my DD's office. A couple for visiting folks in the hospital? Cute, cute!

The little tissue packs just fit right on in there!

My base is a cranberry card stock, and my focal image is created using Marvy Markers on watercolor paper. This is my first time trying this technique and I need a little practice, but I am pleased. The stamps used for the flowers are all from Stamps by Judith. I also added designer papers from the Basic Grey paper collection called Green At Heart. The get well sentiment is from one of Theresa Mombers, GKD sets. The sentiment on the front panel is from Rubber Cottage, and I was so glad I got to use it! As accents, I used organza ribbon, pearls, and some MS border punches. There is a video of this project that can be found here.

Please take a minute and visit the other talented ladies in the Roses group, to see what they have designed! They are...... Olga, Patti Sue, Kerrie, Kym, Sue, Betty, and Connie.

Thanks for stopping by!

In The Garden.....

2011-05-21T13:26:00.000-04:00

While visiting a friends blog, I came across a challenge that looked interesting. It is for Cupcake Craft Challenge # 142 and it is called "In The Garden". How cool is it that I was randomly creating a card with a garden scene?

This is one of those cards that just sort of evolves. I recently purchased an older stamp set from Gina K. Designs, called Lawn and Garden by Rupa Shevde. It has the best stamps for my lifestyle, because it seems we are always doing some kind of yard work. I used a base of Fresh Asparagas, Pure Luxury card stock. My designer papers are from K&Co, as is the decorative border. I punched small butterflies from MS and gave them pearl bodies. Coloring was done with Copics and sponging was added with Memento ink.

Hubby is still mowing, so I will have more time to play. We also added an heirloom tomato and a bush cucumber to the garden. I have teeny tiny cherry tomatoes starting, and I am looking forward to popping them in my mouth. We are still trying to hunt down a yellow squash plant. They are so good on the grill, brushed with olive oil and a bit of garlic!

Rock On!

2011-05-21T08:48:00.000-04:00

The sun has finally made an appearance in Eastern PA! What a soggy week. It will take quite some time for everything to dry enough to mow and weed. They even think we might hit 90 by the end on next week!

Today I would like to share a card I made for a special friend. He is more than special, he was our Best Man! Johnny is such a crazy guy, that I struggle each year to come up with an idea for his cards.

The other day, I downloaded an image from Angie W., that they were giving away at Free Digital Stamps. I decided to pair this guy with a stamp set I have from Gina K. Designs, called Live Life Loud. It has all the grungy rocker elements. Then I used another set called Stars to add the pop-ups. Both sets were designed by Tami Mayberry. Coloring was done with Copic markers and sponging with Memento ink. I added Stickles and a few black pearls as accents. Card stock is Pure Luxury.

Well, that's it for now, but I am feeling a little stamping energy, so you never know! I may return.

Sharing A Duo.....

2011-05-19T08:43:00.000-04:00

Morning, my dear friends! I have had a couple of cards sitting on my desk, and since it is so dreary here in PA, I figured I would post instead of create!

My first card has been hanging out for quite awhile. It has a Kraft base and a layer stamped with a new background stamp from Stamp Camp. The background was stamped in Memento Rich Cocoa and then the leaves were chalked in assorted colors. I spritzed the background with Sheer Shimmer Spritz from Tsukineko called Sparkle. I added a punched MS strip, and then placed flowers from the Heartfelt Creation, Posy Patch Dies. The flowers were accented with Copic Marker, Stickles, and Crystal Effects. Two skeleton leaves were tucked behind for texture.

I would like to enter this in:
Stamp Something- Anything Goes

The second card, I just made a few days ago. I won 2 sets of Amuse clear stamps on Ebay. They are called Trees One and Trees Two. I used a white card base and three different patterns of Basic Grey, Granola papers. I stamped my images and sentiment in Memento, Rich Cocoa and back stamped the trees with Spanish Olive from VersaMagic. The olive was also used for sponging. The little bird is a stamp from Theresa Momber's, The Giving Tree. I used Spellbinders, Labels Fourteen, to cut out everything and then popped them up. My only accent is a twine bow with a gem center.

My entry is for:

Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge- Anything Goes

That is it for now, folks! Have a good day!

What A Fun Morning!

2011-05-16T11:02:00.000-04:00

My DH has another vacation day today, and since we knew it was going to be rainy, he had a shopping list for Home Depot that we needed to get. Today's project is to install a new Ultra Violet System on our water lines and a new filtration system also. Well, as we pulled into the parking lot, I saw a cart of new plants being pushed inside. I went chasing the guy because something caught my eye.

Let me first say, that on Christmas 2009, My dear friend Sue, bought me an Orchid. I thought she was nutso because me and house plants just don't jive. Here we are 2 seasons later and I have successfully had my Orchid re-bloom! Woo Hoo! The blooms last for months so I just love it! It is very happy on my dining room table.

Well, remember the guy I chased this morning? He had blue Orchids on that cart. Yes I said blue! DH saw the sparkle in my eye and insisted I have one. I am so excited, and my goodness, it is full of buds and sooooooo tall!

Here is a close up of the blooms. They are so blue that I know that it can not be natural, and I am sure that when this plant blooms again, blue may not be seen. Look at the months of gorgeous flowers I will have until then!!!

Thanks for letting me share. If this one goes well, I will keep adding to my collection! Love them! Have a super dooper day!

OTWC #53 and My Garden

2011-05-15T09:36:00.000-04:00

Here is a card that I created for challenge #53, over at Off The Wall Craftiness. I have not gotten to do Kim's challenge for quite some time, but the colors in her inspiration pic just moved me this week! I have been a bit stuck on these colors lately.

Here is her inspiration photo.

I would also like to include her color swatches for you, just in case you have time to play along. You can find the details here.

My card is a base of Soft Sand, Pure Luxury cs from Gina K. Designs. The designer papers are from Diecuts With A View. I have these stitched paper pieces that are from Prima. They were a gift. I layered a turquoise Prima in the center, and added a K&Co Grand Adhesion to the center. My sentiment is from Theresa Momber's latest stamp set called Follow Your Dreams. I stamped it on an label punch from SU!. Buttons in soft blue and green were used as my embellishments. I thought this made a pretty Graduation card.

Next, I would like to share with you a photo of my veggie garden. As you can see, we are loaded with leafy lettuce right now. As long as it stays cool, we can keep cutting and it will keep coming. Get too hot and it will go to seed. We do have a few flowers on the tomatoes, but everything else is still small. Remember, May 15 is the first safe date for planting delicate plants here in PA, so we actually cheated a wee bit by planting on Mother's Day

Have a wonderful Sunday, and happy stamping!

A Couple to Share

2011-05-14T11:52:00.001-04:00

My first card is for the Moxie Fab Chevron Chic Challenge which asks us to use a chevron pattern on our card.

I pulled the components from all corners of my stamp room, including my computer! My base is Wild Dandelion Pure Luxury from Gina K. Designs. My chevron paper is from my stash. I had to find a vintage four leaf clover image to couple with my sentiment. The open work border is an MS punch called Bangle Chain Trim. My clover was topped off with a faceted gem for sparkle.

Card #2 is a sympathy card that I created using my new Heartfelt Creations, Decorative Window Scene Die. I coupled it with two Gina K. Designs stamps sets called Garden Silhouettes, and Stenciled Spring. My card base is Pumpkin Spice PL and my designer paper is from KaiserCraft, Secret Bird Society. My focal image was created by coloring the stamp with Marvy Brush Markers. My sentiment was cut out with a Fancy Tag Die from Spellbinders, and an MS butterfly was punched and added to my bouquet. Sponging was done with VersaMagic chalk ink and cocoa pearls and bow were added as accents. I will be entering this card over at Crafty Creations for their Anything Goes Challenge.

Thanks for spending a little bit of your day with me. Have a great weekend!

Be Like A Duck.......

2011-05-12T07:18:00.000-04:00

Good Morning! It is another glorious day here in PA, and I am loving every minute of it! They are promising 5 days of rain starting on the weekend, and if I remember from last year, that is what rotted out my zucchini plants in the garden. I think I will buy a couple extras just in case I have to replant.

I would like to share a card I have been working on for a few days. I purchased this sentiment a couple months ago at a local stamp show. I thought it fit so many of life's little situations. When I came home, I could not believe I did not have one duck to use with it. Not a digi, not a stamp to be found in this whole stamp room. Then I remembered my stash of Stampscape Stamps! Ah ha!

My card base is Soft Sand cs from GKD, with a layer of DCWV designer paper from their Doodlin' Around stack. The sentiment stamp is from the Rubber Cottage. My scene is made from 3 different Stampscape Stamps. My coloring is done with Copics and inking was done with Versamagic Ink.

I needed something for the side and decided to create a cattail to match the scene. I cut out the leaves with Spellbinders dies from the Donna Salazar, Carnation Creations die set. The head of the plant was cut out by hand and run through the Cuttlebug using the Diamonds EF from Sizzix. I then rubbed the embossing with copper metallic paste. Accents are Stickles to make the water shimmer, Dewdrops, and a couple of MS branch punches.

I have a dear neighbor who has been battling illness since last fall, and I think this will be perfect for him.

I will be entering this in a couple of challenges:

Catch The Bug - Anything Goes

Crafty Catz - quote/sentiment

Update: Baby Flynn came home from the hospital last Thursday, and is growing like a weed. He is eating like crazy and gaining a couple ounces a day. He still has a monitor due to Apnea before he came home, but his mommy says it is just a precaution. He is ready to burst out of his preemie clothing! God is good! My niece is feeling better, also. Her bp is finally under control. Now they can enjoy being a family.

Catching My Breath

2011-05-09T12:10:00.001-04:00

Happy Monday morning, friends! I sure hope you had a great weekend, and for all of the lovely mothers out there, I hope you're children blessed you with some kind of contact. I was fortunate to have both of my children with me this weekend, and they made it a fantastic Mother's Day. Saturday, we walked 4 huge garden markets and purchased plants for my beds and veggie garden. Sunday they hooked up with my DH and made short work of all the weeding and planting for the season. Everyone ended up exhausted. I miss helping since I have gotten so allergic to bees and wasps. Oh well. They gave me a Mother's Day that made me happy beyond belief!

My card today is just a note. It was stamped during our stamp outing to L&L Rubber Stamps. For the life of me I can not remember the designer, but if I had to guess, I would say PSX. My card base is Creme De Menthe Pure Luxury, from Gina K. Designs. The funny story behind this simple card is that my DD started coloring it and just hated it. I retrieved it from her trash pile and finished it with Copics. Then I took my copy that I had stamped and cut and colored extra leaves so I could pop them up. Anyway, it has been sitting on my desk for ages, and I thought it needed posting. It deserved more than a dive into the trash bin!

If you have a minute, please pop over to Joan's Gardens and give me a vote for my tag entry. There are only 6 entries this week and they are all lovely! I believe you have until tonight. Thanks, and I am so glad you popped by!

Tag Challenge at Joan's Gardens JGT0503

2011-05-05T15:52:00.000-04:00

Just a quick post to get my tag entered in this weeks tag challenge over at Joan's Gardens. There is always such a great bunch of talented artists entering their creations!

I used one of my newer stamp sets from Gina K. Designs, called Stenciled Spring. They are great solid stamps and I got to playing with Marvy brush markers to add colors. The papers are K&Co.. My ribbon is from Really Reasonable Ribbon. A Prima with button and purple pearls are my accents.

I learned with my last tag, I entered, that if you add a bamboo skewer to the back, and cover with a layer of matching paper, you can make a great plant poke for a gift. Maybe something for Mother's Day?

Thanks for taking a look see! Enjoy the rest of your day!