A New Camera!!

THIS is what my husband bought me for my birthday! No, my birthday is not today, but next week. He just couldn't keep the secret any longer! I have been so excited, and just couldn't wait to share the news! Here is one of the pictures I took of my son at his practice tonight. He couldn't stand still, so I got him running off. I can honestly say that I am THOROUGHLY impressed with this camera! Look at that handsome boy!

Post #2: Another Clear Dollar Stamps Digi!

It's my second post of the day, and I told you I had another Clear Dollar Stamps digital image to show you! If you didn't check out my digi post yesterday, then here's the scoop: CDS is entering the digi world, with new releases on the 15th of every month! Exciting new huh?! The digi I showed you yesterday will be available tomorrow, but the one I'm showing today will be available on April 3rd as a freebie. From here on out look for more on the 15th!

This sneak uses an adorable and versatile digi called Flower Basket designed by Laurie. You can see more sneaks of this and other digis throughout the rest of the DT's blogs (their links are on my sidebar).

CDS Image: Flower Basket

Ink: Bashful Blue

Paper: Bashful Blue, SU dp, Neenah Solar White, Rich Razzleberry

Accessories: Copics, Labels 9 & Dalhia Nestabilities, sponge, white taffeta ribbon, dimensional glaze, lattice punch

Clear Dollar Stamps Sneak Peek Day 4

It's the final day of the Clear Dollar Stamps Sneak Peeks for April, so you know what that means. . .you can buy your list of CDS goodies starting tomorrow! Today's sneak for you is from the April Stamp of the Month, or the SOM! This is the set you earn for spending $50 over at CDS! This month's SOM is called Topped With Class. It's such a fun set and it coordinates with a couple of the individual stamps that were previewed a few days ago.

CDS Stamps: Topped With Class (April SOM)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper: Neenah Solar White, Pumpkin Pie, Lime Rickey Basic Grey dp

Copics: Y00, Y06, C-1, B39, R46

Accessories: Navy marker, blue brads

CDS Stamps: Topped with Class (April SOM)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink

Paper: buttercream, SU dp, Certainly Celery

Copics: G21, R32, E47, YR20

Accessories: Fancy Tags Trio & Circle Nestabilities, half back pearls, dimensionals, sponge, brown satin ribbon, Victoria embossing folder

Now that you've seen what I have to show, head on over to Lori's blog for the full sets. After that stop by the rest of the DT's blogs for more sneaky peekys: Trudy, Nancy, Stacy, Laurie, Angela,Katie, Linda A., Tricia, Tori, Candy, Linda B. & Sarah

It will all be available at Clear Dollar Stamps starting TOMORROW! I will have one more post to show you. . .a DIGI post! So, stay tuned ;D

Post #2: Clear Dollar Stamps has added Digis!

As if Clear Dollar Stamps adding their own paper and ribbon to mix weren't enough, they've decided to add Digital Images to the store! That's right, starting April 1st and then the 15th of every month after that new digis will start popping up in the store. This Little Frog digi was designed by Laurie Wilson. That gal is just so darn talented! I printed it on 90lb watercolor paper twice and popped one of the images up on dimensionals. Yes, that crocheted flower is my handy work. I like to take swatches of paper into the craft store and match my papers to the floss, hehe.

So, what do you think? Pretty exciting that CDS has branched over to the digi world, huh? Be sure to come back tomorrow to see what else I've got to show. I'll even have another digi to show ;D

CDS Images: Little Frog digi

Ink: Old Olive, Tangerine Tango, Certainly Celery, Pacific Point, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa

Paper: white cs, Creamy Caramel, Pacific Point dp, Old Olive dp, watercolor

Accessories: Labels 8 Nestabilities, aquapainter, crocheted flower, Tangerine Tango ribbon, felt leaf, Nook & Pantry button from Basic Grey, dimensionals, Forest Branches embossing folder

Clear Dollar Stamps Sneak Peek Day 3

It's Day 3 of the best time of the month. . .Clear Dollar Stamps Sneak Peeks! Once again, there is lots to show you so here we go. . .

My first sneak is from a set designed by Shawne, called Fabulous Fruitstand. It's a set of 7 for only $7.99. Isn't this a great image?! And it's so fun to color!

CDS Stamps: Fabulous Fruitstand

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Baja Breeze, Mellow Moss, Chocolate Chip

Paper: Cosmo Cricket Early Bird, buttercream, Chocolate Chip

Copics: C-1, E00, E02, E33, E29, E37, Y15, Y23, Y26, YR14, G21, G05, G94, R29, BG72, BG75

Accessories: green glitter pen, Sakura gelly roll pen, Curly Label punch, circle punch, rhinestones, sponges, corner rounder, dimensionals, Swiss Dots embossing folder

My next sneak is from a super fun set designed by Laurie called On the Road Again. It's a set of 10 for only $7.99. It's a must for campers and travelers alike! I had fun coloring the images to match my new Cosmo Cricket Joy Ride paper (that you can get at CDS too!).

CDS Stamps: On the Road Again

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Tea Dye distress ink

Paper: Cosmo Cricket Joy Ride, Basic Black, buttercream, Crushed Curry, Bermuda Bay

Copics: C-1, C-3, C-5, C-7, Y26, YG95, BG09, R17, V06

Accessories: Bermuda Bay ribbon, dimensionals, dimensional glaze, sponge, Arrow punch, white gel pen

My final sneak of the day comes from a single stamp called Cupcake Muffin. I sprinkled mine with some of the new Ultra Fine Flower Soft Sand (that you can get at CDS too!) to make it look like a crumb muffin. Mmmmmm.

CDS Stamps: Cupcake Muffin, Sweet Scoops

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Soft Suede, Bermuda Bay

Paper: textured Bermuda Bay, Melon Mambo, Soft Suede, Neenah Solar White

Copics: E33, E47, BG49

Accessories: Peony Nestabilities, dimensionals, white taffeta ribbon, sponge, Sand Fine Flower Soft, Sakura gelly roll pen

That's it from me today, but head over to Lori's blog for the full sets and then to the rest of the DT for more inspiration: Trudy, Nancy, Stacy, Laurie, Angela, Katie, Kim, Linda A., Linda B., Tricia, Tori, Candy, Wendy & her DT & Sarah

Tomorrow is the last day of sneaks, so come on back. Then, April 1st. . .it will all be available to buy at Clear Dollar Stamps ;D

Taylor Made Sketch

Good evening! We've had a fun filled evening at the ballfield, but I really wanted to participate in Taylor's Taylored Expression Sketch Challenge. It's such a great sketch, and I dearly love little Cuppie. There are so many Cuppie sets I want, but budget only allows for them every so often. This one is from the set Crafty Cuppie, from Taylored Expressions. I had to have it as soon as I saw it! The Cosmo Cricket Material Girl dp just works perfectly with Cuppie's sewing machine, hehe. It also qualifies for the Stamp Something challenge, which was to doodle something.

Stamps: Crafty Cuppie (TE)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper: buttercream, Cosmo Cricket Material Girl

Accessories: Copics, buttons (TE), thread, cream ribbon, Maya Road heart stick pins (TE), Labels 5 & Circle Nestabilities, oval punch, black marker

Clear Dollar Stamps Sneak Peek Day 2

It's Day 2 of the Clear Dollar Stamps Sneak Peeks, and there lot to show you once again! I can't believe all the great stuff that CDS comes out with each month. It always knocks my socks off, hehe.

My first sneak is from a set designed by Kim, called Bless my Bloomers. I just love that name and I love all the stamps in the set. There are 22 stamps in this set for only $14.99! I had so much fun making this sneak, because there was so much to mix and match. I used my dimensional glaze to give my hearts some added shine.

CDS Stamps: Bless my Bloomers

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Basic Gray

Paper: Basic Gray, Shimmery White, Almost Amethyst, Sugar Rush Basic Grey

Copics: C-1, C-3, C-5, R29, R35

Accessories: Scallop Nestabilities, White ruffle ribbon (CDS), dimensionals, dimensional glaze, oval punch, buttons & thread, sponge

I couldn't help but grin from ear to ear when I saw this adorable Charlie Bee Happy set that Laurie designed. It's a set of 6 for only $4.99. My kids call my sister 'Aunt B' even though her name is Melanie. . .I know, funny right?! I just had to make her a bookmark with this fun set. I added some fun bee charms from CDS too. I didn't showcase Charlie in this sneak, but the rest of the DT did, so you will HAVE TO go check them out!

CDS Stamps: Charlie Bee Happy

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Glorious Green

Paper: Sugar Rush Basic Grey, Neenah Solar White, Basic Black, Intense Kiwi (Prism)

Copics: B00, BG01, C-7, YR21, Y38, YR14, E37, G05, G17

Accessories: Birds & Swirls embossing folder, Circle, Labels 5 & 1, Nestabilities, oval punch, silver brads, leaf punch, Bee Charms & rings (CDS), black twine, 1/4" circle punch, silver eyelet

My next sneak is from Proverbs 3:5-6. I NEED this verse so much of the time. . .it's definitely a staple for my little mind. I did a lot of sponging here on this one. . .I just love the vintagey look you can get from sponging the right colors on.

CDS Stamps: Proverbs 3:5-6

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Tea Dye & Vintage Photo distress inks, Taken with Teal

Paper: Deja View dp, Taken with Teal, Basic Black, buttercream

Accessories: sponges, cream hodgepodge, Pretties kit, Ornamental embossing folder

My last sneak of the day is a single stamp called Vintage Hat. I paired it up with the Material Girl dp and the single stamp called Happy Mother's Day. Once again, lots of sponging for a vintagey look.

CDS Stamps: Vintage Hat, Happy Mother's Day

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Vintage Photo distress ink

Paper: Cosmo Cricket Material Girl, vanilla

Accessories: Prismacolor pencils & gamsol, brown stitched ribbon, Swiss Dots & Argyle embossing folders, Scallop Edge punch, Labels 9 Nestabilities, sponge, half back pearls, dimensionals

Whew! There is still more to see over at Lori's blog and the rest of the amazing DT: Trudy, Nancy, Stacy, Laurie, Angela, Katie, Kim, Linda A., Linda B., Tricia, Tori, Candy, & Sarah

This will all be available at Clear Dollar Stamps on April 1st. . .not too far away. Head back here tomorrow, because YES I will have more to show you ;D

Clear Dollar Stamps Sneak Peek Day 1

It's my favorite time of the month, because it's Clear Dollar Stamps Sneak Peek time! There is a ton to see from all of the fabulous DT, so grab your coffee and take a seat! I have a ton of things to show you today, so let's get started!

My first sneak is done with some individual stamps just in time for graduation season. I'm showing you the Graduation Hat, Open Scroll, and the Graduation Sentiment. You get to pick and choose. . .I LOVE it!

CDS stamps: Graduation Hat, Open Scroll, Graduation Sentiment

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Sahara Sand, Versamark

Paper: Gold Cardstock (CDS), Handsome Hunter, vanilla, Neenah Solar White

Copics: C-1, E33, G28, Y28

Accessories: Maya Mini Scrolls, clear embossing powder, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, window punch, gold brads, dimensionals, gold pen

My next sneak is from a wonderfully versatile set designed by Laurie, called Heartfelt Sentiments. It's a set of 28 for only $12.99, and you'll find yourself grabbing it A LOT! I just love that little worm to pieces. . .he's just so darn cute!

CDS stamps: Heartfelt Sentiments

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper: Lovely Lilac, Neenah Solar White, Kaliedscope dp

Copics: BV00, YG11, YG06, R20, R32

Accessories: Large Square Scallops Nestabilities, buttons, Pink/Green Iridescent Pinstripe ribbon (CDS), paper piercer, Maya Roads Heart pin, dimensionals

My next sneak is from a fun little set designed by Kim, called Doodlebug. I love it, because my mom always calls my son 'Doodlebug'. It's a set of 4 for only $3.99. I decided to try something a little different with this guy. I stamped him in white on black cardstock to give him a chalkboard feeling, and then I colored him in with Prismacolor pencils. I really like how he turned out.

CDS stamps: Doodlebug

Ink: Craft White

Paper: Basic Black, Lime Rickey Basic Grey dp

Accessories: Prismacolor Pencils, red ribbon, red brads (CDS), heat tool

My final sneak of the day comes from an awesome set designed by Lori, called Blooming with Blessings. It's a set of 22 for only $14.99. Oh I love, love, love it! There are so many possibilities with this set!

CDS stamps: Blooming with Blessings

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Versamark

Paper: Pumpkin Pie, K&Co Berry Sweet dp

Accessories: pink paper flower, Pink Striped ribbon (CDS), Saffron stitched ribbon, green button, corner rounder

Now, I know I've shown you a lot, but there is still a lot more to see! The DT has some great stuff to show off, and as always you must head over to Lori's blog to see the full sets: Trudy, Nancy, Stacy, Laurie, Angela, Katie, Kim, Linda A., Linda B., Tricia, Tori, Candy, Wendy & her DT & Sarah

You only have to wait until the first of April for all of this stamping goodness to be available to purchase at Clear Dollar Stamps, so get those lists ready! Be sure to come back tomorrow, because you know I'll have more to share ;D

There are some NEW Goodies being added over at Clear Dollar Stamps!

Clear Dollar Stamps is at it again! They are adding their own line of papers and ribbons called the Clearly Coordinating Collection, and let me tell you. . .THEY ARE GORGEOUS! And YES, they all match! The first line being introduced is called Summer Fun! If you want more details check out Lori's Blog, ClearlyiStamp, and you can even check out some samples over at Katie's blog, My Paper Haven! Isn't this soooo exciting?!

Clearly Inspired Challenge #10

It's Friday, and it's time for the Clearly Inspired Challenge going on over at ClearlyiStamp! This week's challenge is a sketch challenge. I just love sketch challenges! I used some new papers I received last week along with my Tangy Trio set from Clear Dollar Stamps. I had this awesome chipboard piece sitting in my stash just begging to be used, so I covered it in paper and distressed it a bit. I tried the Rock n' Roll technique on my card, but it's not very easily seen in the picture. I don't think the colors I chose were different enough. The pears in my circles were covered with a dimensional glaze to give them some shine. Fun sketch, huh?

CDS Stamps: Tangy Trio

Ink: Certainly Celery, Mellow Moss, Chocolate Chip

Paper: Crate Paper Brook dp, unknown cardstock, Neenah Solar White

Accessories: Curly Label punch, half back pearls, sponge, dimensional glaze, chocolate ribbon

Here are the general rules of the challenge:

These challenges will occur every other Friday

You have until the following Thursday to link your project using Mr. Linky

Challenges will vary each and every time

Your work is important so there will be 5 Inspirational Cards/Projects chosen to be featured here

Use CDstamps if you have them... IF NOT PLEASE PLAY ANYWAY... use what you have!

A PRIZE (your choice of stamp set) will be awarded to a randomly chosen winner

If you upload to Splitcoast Stampers or another online gallery please use CIC10 as one of your keywords

Now let's see what you've got!

A Color Dare with a Sweet Sketch

Good morning everyone! I told you I'd have some more springy colors to show you, hehe. These are the colors we were asked to use for the Color Dare: Pretty in Pink, Green Galore, and Basic Black. So, I coupled it with the Sweet Sketch Wednesday challenge. I never seem to have enough baby cards, so right now I'm trying to replenish my stock. My Patchpal Skunk from Clear Dollar Stamps was just perfect for these colors! I topped her off with a crocheted flower made by my friend Leah. She did a stunning job. . .I haven't mastered those yet.

CDS stamps: Patchpal Skunk

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Pretty in Pink, Green Galore

Paper: Pretty in Pink, Neenah Solar White, Green Galore, black dp

Accessories: Copics, sponge, corner rounder, Scallop Circle Nestabilities, green apple ribbon, Leah's flower, button & thread

A My Favorite Things challenge

I just noticed that I've kind of been using a lot of earthy tones lately. I blame in on the March Key Ingredients Kits from Taylored Expressions. I've been having a bit of fun making stuff with this month's kit, hehe. Don't worry, though. . .tomorrow, I have a couple of springy type cards to show you. You'll just have to come back to see them!

I made this card for the My Favorite Things Blog challenge. Kim challenged us to:

1) created a custom embellishment using glitter

2) feature some hand snipped grass

3) follow her layout

I did all 3 and this is what I came up with! I used Flower Girl from the Pure Innocence line over at MFT. I just think she's adorable, don't you?! This card also qualifies for the Stampin' Royalty challenge #12 of 'glitter happy'.

Stamps: Flower Girl

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Certainly Celery

Paper: March KI from TE, Neenah Solar White, Certainly Celery

Accessories: sticker sheet, red Stickles, Espresso liquid pearls, Labels 4 Nestabilties, ribbon, heart stick pin, Copics, brown marker

A Pink Elephant & Color Throwdown

It's been a crazy week once again in this household, but I won't bore you with details. I'll just get right to the card ;) I made this for a couple of challenges. The sketch comes from the Pink Elephant and the colors come from the Color Throwdown. I thought it was such an interesting sketch that I just had to play along. The colors from the Throwdown were Garden Green, Certainly Celery, Baja Breeze, and an optional cream. I'm going to be honest. . .I wasn't sure about the colors, and I'm still not convinced on my card but the DT did some awesome stuff with the colors.

My main image is from a set called Beautiful Butterflies from Clear Dollar Stamps. I sponged some clouds onto a cream piece of cardstock and then stamped my butterfly with Garden Green. I then adhered some sticky tape all over the image and covered it with microbeads. It's just such a cool look.

CDS Stamps: Beautiful Butterflies

Ink: Garden Green, Baja Breeze, Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper: Certainly Celery, Garden Green, Baja Breeze, vanilla

Accessories: cloud template, circle punch, Circle Nestabilities, Swiss Dots and D'vine Swirls embossing folders, microbeads, Baja Breeze ribbon, corner rounder, sponge

Woohoo! I made the TOP 3!!

I just thought I would share, because I was super stoked! I made the Top 3 over at the Color Dare, and that same card was a favorite over at MFT blog! Can you tell how giddy I am?!?!?

A Great Tutorial at ClearlyiStamp

Head on over to ClearlyiStamp for a great card tutorial from Katie! I'm definitely going to try one of those ;D

Taylored Expressions Sketch

I seriously am on a roll! My husband has our son at baseball practice, so my daughter and I are playing in my craft cave. . .too fun! While she's in coloring a different Cuppie image, I'm out here posting. It's so cute, because she's 8 and telling me which Copics she likes best, haha.

Ok, ok, I made this for the Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge. I always want to play along, but just don't seem to get the chance. There are supposed to be some dew drops in the upper right corner, but you really can't see them in the light I used. I've been wanting to make my husband one of these cards for ages. He's an uber comic book fan. . .so I'm sure he'll love this.

Stamps: Trick or Sweet II (TE)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Craft White

Paper: Basic Black, Neenah Solar White, February KI kit papers

Accessories: Copics, white taffeta ribbon, dew drops, red button

Easter Basket

Good morning all! My kids are doing a writing assignment, so I thought I would post an Easter basket I made with a newly released Clear Dollar Stamp set called Barnyard Mischief, designed by Shawne. It fits the challenge they are having over at Stampin' for the Weekend, which is an Easter theme. I made the basket using my Octagon Nestabilities. I had planned to have a tutorial to go along with it, but time just did not allow.

Basically I used my Nestabiltie as a template to make the outside of the basket, and then I used the Scalloped Octagon Nestabilitie to make the bottom. I bunched the corners and taped them together to give it the grass edge. I'm sure that doesn't make any sense, and I should have actually taken pictures all along the way. I just wasn't sure it was going to work. Haha, live and learn right?!

CDS Stamps: Barnyard Mischief

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper: Pixie Pink, Certainly Celery, Neenah Solar White

Accessories: Copics, sponge, Octagon & Scalloped Octagon Nestabilities, pink ribbon, brads, paper crimper, Cadbury eggs, Scor-pal, Flower Soft

Thanks for stopping by today!

Go Green with MFT

The kids have been working on Math and Reading, so I got to play. Oh, I love it when that happens ;) I decided to play along with the My Favorite Things (MFT) blog challenge to use recycled items and the color green. What a fun challenge! My recycled items are my cardboard panel and the green raffia ribbon. I grabbed the cardboard from a box in the garage, and the ribbon came from a little bag of candy my mom had gotten for Christmas. I chose to use my Cool Yule set from MFT, and just mask two of the phrases to come up with the 'Think Happy' sentiment. Naturally his scarf is paper pieced. . .which is so fun to do with all MFT sets!

Stamps: Cool Yule (MFT)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper: Scallop Fossil (MFT), Neenah Solar White (CDS), Basic Grey Sugar Rush & Origins, cardboard

Accessories: Copics, White Sparkly Fluff, dimensionals, green raffia ribbon

Thanks for stopping by today! I seem to be on a roll with posting. . .hopefully that will last ;D

Truly Scrumptious Color Dare

Yay! I've finally gotten a chance to play along with a Color Dare. My bff, Christi, is on the DT over there and they always have some challenging colors to play with. With other monthly obligations, I just haven't been able to participate in much. The colors we were to use were; Real Red, Tempting Turquoise, More Mustard, and Gable Green. I combined this color challenge with the Truly Scrumptious sketch challenge, because I just love to do that ;)

I used the set called Cupcake Flopsey from MFT. Hehe, Flopsey makes me giggle. I may just have to add to my Flopsey collection one of these days. When I say 'collection' I mean I only have one at this point. . .sigh. . .I need to pace myself. I paper pieced his cupcake and sprinkled some Red Sparkly Fluff on for the frosting. . .mmmm.

Stamps: Cupcake Flopsey (MFT)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Gable Green, More Mustard

Paper: More Mustard, Tempting Turquoise, buttercream, Real Red, Cosmo Cricket Early Bird

Accessories: Copics, oval punch, black marker, Basic Grey half back pearls, sponge, cream brad, crocheted flower, Red Sparkly Fluff

I'm so glad you stopped by day! Your comments always put a smile on my face ;D

Color Throwdown

We've decided to take the day off of school today. It's really because I just needed some time to think after the morning I had. My poor neighbor called me at 6 this morning, because her daughter (they live together) had fallen. I headed over there, and ended up calling 911 within minutes. Let's just say I was not cut out to be a nurse. My poor neighbor had broken all of her front teeth because she fell with one of her dizzy spells. With my kids and home asleep, there was nothing more I could do but wait for the EMT's. So needless to say, I just needed to take my mind off of stuff. What better way to do than to combine a couple of challenges?!

This card uses the sketch over at Splitcoaststampers and the color combo from the Color Throwdown. The colors are: Soft Sky, Tangerine Tango, Basic Black, & Taken with Teal. Isn't it a great combo? I used my Bitty Botanicals set from Clear Dollar Stamps, and the sentiment is from a set called Card Categories, which is CDS as well.

CDS Stamps: Bitty Botanicals, Card Categories

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Tangerine Tango, Taken with Teal

Paper: Basic Black, vanilla, Taken with Teal, Soft Sky dp, Tangerine Tango

Accessories: sponges, mini black brads (CDS), Circle Nestabilities, Forest Branches & Victoria embossing folders

Thanks for stopping by today. I have a card for today's Color Dare as well, but I may just post tomorrow ;)

When life gives you lemons. . .

I feel like it's been forever since I posted a card, but with all of my monthly obligations just about done I was able to play. Here's a card I made with the brand new Clear Dollar Stamps Stamp of the Month (SOM) called Terrific Little Tree. It's yours free with a purchase of $50 over at CDS. I'm putting it in for 4, yes 4 challenges this week!

Fab 'n' Funky -- we were challenged to use something new, and my 'new' is my stamp!

For Fun -- a scenery or nature card

Little Red Wagon -- use Copics

The Pixie Cottage -- use green

Whew! That may be a new record for me, haha!

CDS Stamps: Terrific Little Tree March SOM

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Crushed Curry

Paper: SU dp, Neenah Solar White

Accessories: Copics, dew drops, circle cutter, dimensionals, red ribbon

Thanks for stopping by to see what I made ;D

Pixie Cottage Blog Candy

Over at the Pixie Cottage Blog they are offering some yummy candy. Go check it out!

CDS Summer DT Call

Hey everyone! If you want a chance to be on the DT for the summer head on over to ClearlyiStamp for all the details. You don't want to miss out ;D

Clearly Inspired Green Challenge

Good Friday morning everyone! It's a busy day here in our house. Not only do we have school, but we have baseball and softball pictures, Opening Night, and a game! Whew! I'm pretty excited about today's challenge over at Clearly Inspired Challenges. It's a green challenge, which means using mostly green all over your project.

CDS Stamps: Bitty Botanicals, Fear Not

Ink: Certainly Celery, Mellow Moss, Old Olive, Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper: Neenah Solar White, Prism Green (don't know the name for sure), black dp

Accessories: green buttons, window punch, sponge

Here are some general guidelines of the challenge:

• These challenges will occur every other Friday
• You have until the following Thursday to link your project using Mr. Linky (below)
• Challenges will vary each and every time
• Your work is important so there will be 5 Inspirational Cards/Projects chosen to be featured here
• Use CDstamps if you have them... IF NOT PLEASE PLAY ANYWAY... use what you have!
• A PRIZE (your choice of stamp set) will be awarded to a randomly chosen winner
• If you upload to Splitcoast Stampers or another online gallery please use CIC9 as one of your keywords

Remember you have until March 18th... late, late to link up your project.

With all that in mind, I would LOVE to see what you come up with! Come on over and join us ;D

A very Wet Wednesday

. . .I say that because, it has been raining all day here in Columbus. Thankfully, that's given us an opportunity to really focus on school and get a few things done around the house. My mom lives with us, but had to leave today to spend some time with my Grandpa. I told you he had surgery recently, but he hasn't been doing as well as they had hoped. To keep my mind off of that, I have a couple of cards to show you today.

My first card was made with my bff, Christi, in mind. Even though thousands of miles separate us, we still manage to communicate everyday. This was made with a new Clear Dollar Stamps release called Sassy & Fabulous. I used the faux leather techniqe, and then hand stitched around the outside. It was very time consuming, but very worth it. I love the way it looks, and I know Christi won't just throw it away after she's read it, hehe ;)

CDS Stamps: Sassy & Fabulous

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Sahara Sand, Versamark

Paper: Neenah Solar White, Riding Hood Red

Accessories: Copics, Labels 1 Nestabilities, dimensionals, sponge, buckle, Tiny Mosaics embossing folder, Clear Embossing powder, heat tool, black ribbon, thread

After making my little card from yesterday with Laurie's adorable little digi called Happy Bird, I had to go buy these little Branch Birds! Aren't they just adorable?! The image reminds me of my son. He is definitely his own person, and I love that about him. I had so much fun coloring this image and embellishing it. I used some new Fine Strawberry & Fine Sage Flower Soft from Clear Dollar Stamps. I love that stuff! It works beautifully! I'm entering it in the Digital Tuesday Challenge, because the challenge is Piercing.

Digital Image: Branch Birds (Clearly Delightful Designs)

Ink: Baja Breeze

Paper: Basic Grey Nook & Pantry, Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze, Neenah Solar White

Accessories: Copics, circle punch, red buttons, red gingham ribbon, Labels 6 Nestabilities, sponge, clear embossing powder, Dazzling Diamonds glitter (SU), dimensionals, Fine Strawberry & Fine Sage Flower Soft, paper piercer

Thanks for stopping by today! I always love reading your comments ;D

Clearly Delightful Sketch Challenge

Let me start off by saying that I love this image from Laurie Wilson's line of digital images called Clearly Delightful Designs. This image is called Happy Bird, and isn't it darling?! I'm still not great with digital, but it's all a process. As I said, I love the image, but I am not thrilled with my card. I made it for Laurie's Clearly Delightful Challenge, which was a sketch challenge.

Digital Image: Happy Bird

Ink: Melon Mambo, Bermuda Bay, Crushed Curry

Paper: TE Key Ingredients kit, watercolor paper

Accessories: circle cutter, Pinking Circle Nestabilities, slit punch, sponge, TE Key Ingredients ribbon & flower

I hope you're having a wonderful Tuesday. Be sure to come back throughout the week, as I'm sure to have more to show you ;D

A Truly Scrumptious Color Throwdown

I'm up once again trying to post a card in the evening. I just had to get in there in create something with all of the cleaning I've been doing. I made this for 3 challenges. . .woohoo for me! I followed the sketch and theme over at Truly Scrumptious, which was to make something 'good enough to eat'. Over at the Color Throwdown, they are challenging us to make cards using Not Quite Navy, Ruby Red, and Old Olive. Over at Get Sketchy, there is no sketch just simply a springy theme.

I'm ashamed to admit that this is a set from Clear Dollar Stamps that I have had for a while, but never inked up until tonight. . .shame on me! I LOVED it when I saw it and just HAD to have it. I still love it, and now I seem to be brimming with ideas for it so maybe you'll see more of it in the near future ;)

CDS Stamps: Tangy Trio

Ink: Ruby Red, Not Quite Navy, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip

Paper: Early Bird Cosmo Cricket dp, buttercream, Not Quite Navy

Accessories: sponge, olive ribbon, olive buttons, Crystal Effects

MFT Guest Designer Card

I am getting this in a by the hair of my chinny chin chin. . .only an hour to spare! This was made for the MFT Guest Designer challenge for March. I used a Pure Innocence stamp from MFT called Flower Girl. Isn't she cute?!

Stamps: Flower Girl (MFT)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Tea Dye Distress Ink, Baja Breeze

Paper: Report Card October Afternoon, Real Red, Buttercream (TE)

Accessories: Copics, red buttons, unknown green ribbon, Maya Road Heart Stick pin, sponge, Oval & Labels 4 Nestabilities

A Card for Grandpa

Good morning everyone! Nothing too exciting today, other than this fun card I made for my grandpa. He is 87 years old and had to have surgery last week. Thankfully, he'll be headed home today. My grandpa loves a good joke, so I thought I would try to make him smile with this image. If you asked him how he was doing, I'd be 98% sure he would say he was 'pooped'. So naturally I had to make a card that would reflect that, hehe. I'm sure it will bring a smile to his face, which is really all I want to do.

He was an accountant at the Stockyards in Omaha back in the day, and when I was little I would go to work with him on occasion. I was a fairly shy kid, so he would stick crackers on the edge of his desk, and I would come and swipe them when I thought he wasn't looking. He's the reason I wanted to go into accounting. Having kids and staying home to home school them has curbed that dream, but I still admire my grandpa.

The stamps come from a set called Cat-tastic from Clear Dollar Stamps.

CDS stamps: Cat-tastic

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Baja Breeze, Going Gray, Chocolate Chip

Paper: Nook & Pantry Basic Grey dp, Chocolate Chip, watercolor paper, Prism yellow (not sure of the name)

Accessories: aquapainter, Labels 1 Nestabilities, sponge, corner rounder, green satin ribbon, dimensionals, Argyle embossing folder