Living in the Wild Wild West

Here is my final post of the day, and it was for the final challenge for VSN over at Splitcoaststampers.  The challenge was to be inspired by that song from the 80's called Living in the Wild Wild West.  The twist was to use gingham somewhere on the card.  I chose to use the verse '47 heartbeats beating like a drum'.  I used 2 different Paper Smooches sets to achieve this card.  I am so pleased with the results.  

I obviously took the nut from Falling For You and cut off the nut part to make the drums.  The drum sticks and squirrel came from Hang Ups.  The sketch came from Deconstructed Sketch.

 Here is a peek at the inside.

Stamps:  Falling For You, Hang Ups

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper:  CC Odds & Ends, CDS Cottonball White

Accessories:  Copics & airbrush, CDS mini sparkle pearls, Labels 17 Nestabilities, green gingham ribbon, dimensionals, red Spica pen

Thanks for stopping by!

Bring on the Clowns

I'm not a clown fan, but the clowns at a rodeo obviously serve a purpose.  This is my 3rd card for the VSN over at Splitcoaststampers.  The theme for this VSN was the Rodeo, and this particular challenge was Bring on the Clowns.  Now, you didn't have to have a clown.  You simply had to use 4 bright colors and something that pops up.  I decided to get creative and come up with a clown of my own, hehe.

I used 3 different Paper Smooches sets to acquire this darling little clown card.  The main image is the monster from Falling For You.  I simply cut off one of his horns and then painted his lips red.  His puffy hair came from the set Spiffy Scooters.  That is one of the things I love most about Paper Smooches. . .all of the sets combine so well :)  The sentiment is from the Sentiment Sampler set.

Stamps:  Falling For You, Spiffy Scooters, Sentiment Sampler

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, SU Ridinghood Red

Paper:  CDS Cottonball White, BG Lime Rickey

Accessories:  Copics & airbrush, Scalloped Pennants & Circle Nestabilities, blue button, yellow Baker's Twine, sponge, dimensionals, black pen, yellow ribbon

Thanks for stopping by!

In the Clouds

Here is my second post of the day for the VSN challenges over at Splitcoaststampers.  I used one of my new Taylored Expressions sets called In the Clouds.  The challenge was called The Queen's Wave, and you were to use something that can wave.  My 'something' was the banner behind the blimp.  I also used the Paper Sundaes challenge of Clouds and Skies.

Stamps:  In the Clouds

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Baja Breeze, Crumb Cake

Paper:  July TE KI Kit, CDS Cottonball White

Accessories:  Copics, TE Clouds dies & plate, MFT Grass Die-namics, Lime Twist Baker's Twine, Atyou Spica pens, Peacock Liquid Pearls

Thanks for stopping in!

Happy Birthday Banner

This weekend was a fun one for stamping.  Although we've been extremely busy, my husband was so sweet to let me craft 'til my little heart was content!  This is the first of a few cards I'll post today, because this weekend marked a Splitcoaststampers Mini VSN (Virtual Stamp Night).  I love those!  

This card was for the first VSN challenge called The Grand Entry.  We were to use pennants or flags on our card, and my new CDS stamp called Birthday Party was perfect!  I also used the sketch from Clean and Simple :)

Stamps:  Birthday Party

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Vintage Photo distress ink

Paper:  June TE KI kit, parchment

Copics:  R02, R05, YG03, RV11

Accessories:  sponge, cream brads

There are more posts to come!

You Lift Me Up!

Yay, it's Friday!  I'm not sure why I'm so excited about the weekend, but I am.  The kids have been doing school all week, which means that we are back to the usual grind around here.  I don't mind. . .in fact, I'm pretty excited about this school year.  Each year since we've started, we've developed new routines, and we begin feeling more confident with each passing school year.  

The card I made today was made using the Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge.  You have until Thursday, August 11th to play so why not join the fun?!  Taylor offers a great prize incentive :D

My bff, Christi, sent me this fun set in the mail. . .one I've wanted for quite a while.  We like to send each other our gently used sets to spread the love around. . .it's a total win-win.  This set is called Cuppie Love Scenes.  I combined it with my July TE Key Ingredients Kit.

Stamps:  Cuppie Love Scenes

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Vintage Photo Distress Ink

Paper:  July TE KI Kit, CDS Cottonball White

Accessories:  Copics & airbrush, MFT Grass Die-namics, Circle Nestabilities, TE Cloud Duo Die, dimensionals, brown thread, sponge, Lime Twist Baker's Twine

Thanks for stopping by today!

Birthday Fishes

I figured I had a bit of time yesterday while my husband relaxed (it was his birthday), so I was inspired to make another birthday card.  I decided to whip out one of my Paper Smooches sets called Birthday Buddies to join in the Sparks Challenge again.  There is still time for you to take part too!  The challenge was to use one of the July Cool Shades combos or the July Designer Drafts to make your card.  I followed one of the sketches.

Stamps:  Birthday Buddies

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper:  SU Sahara Sand, MME Gertie, MME Mabel, parchment

Accessories:  white & peacock Liquid Pearls, dimensionals, black marker

Right now Paper Smooches is having a blog hop for their new releases!  So head HERE to join in the fun!  Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Birthday to my Man!

Today is my husband's birthday, and there is a lot to do today!  I have to get ready for the day, make a homemade carrot cake, then prepare to bring Chik-fil-a to my man for lunch.  I used a couple of different challenges to make this card that I am giving him.  I know it isn't exactly a birthday card, but he'll get the point.

The sketch is from Taylored Expressions, and the color combo is from the Colour Q.  I didn't have the exact colors, but I came as close as I could (Early Espresso, Calypso Coral, Pool Party, Island Indigo, & White).  The stamp is from the uber adorable set called Boob Tubes from Paper Smooches.

Stamps:  Boob Tubes

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, SU Soft Suede, SU Cameo Coral

Paper:  SU Taken With Teal, CDS Cottonball White, SU Cameo Coral, BG Hopscotch dp

Accessories:  Copics, Soft Suede ribbon, Retro Circles embossing folder, Circle Nestabilities, dimensionals, Espresso dimensional pearls

Thanks for stopping by!

Teacher Treat

Today is Tuesday Tutorial day over at Clearly iStamp, and our regular tutorial maker isn't feeling so well.  I was asked to fill in for her while she gets better, so I humbly said sure.  It is my opinion that Lisa is a tutorial master, so bear with me while I try to fill her big shoes for the day. 

We started school this week in the our house, and since school is just around the corner for public and private schools, I thought a Teacher Treat would be in order.  Head on over to Clearly iStamp if you would like to see how I made this Teacher Treat :)

Gel-a-tins: Witchy Poo

There are going to be some new sets coming out from Gel-a-tins just in time for Halloween!  I'm showing you a couple of samples from the new set Witchy Poo.  The set isn't quite available yet, but these should wet your appetite.

My first card is all black and white with some distressing.  I love how this new set has so many cute images. . .you could really go crazy making your dp if you wanted.  

 Stamps:  Witchy Poo

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Memento London Fog, Versafine Onyx Black

Paper:  SU dp, CDS Cottonball White

Accessories:  black embossing powder, CDS Designer Label Die, silver brads

The next one is a fun haunted scene.  I airbrushed the moon and sky using masking, and then stamped that amazing haunted house over the top.

Stamps:  Witchy Poo

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper:  CDS Worn Parchment, CDS Cottonball White

Copics:  B95, B97, YR31, YR21

Accessories:  Square Nestabilities, airbrush, circle punch, yellow ribbon, Halloween button, navy wire, TE Woodgrain Impression plate

There is always lots to see. . .every day over at the Gel-a-tins blog.  Stop by and see what the DT has been up to.  You'll get lots of great ideas and you'll see all that Gel-a-tins has to offer!

Love You Bunches

I had a customer request the other day, and I always love the challenge.  The disappointment comes, when they aren't as fond of it as you are.  She has asked for 4 leaf clovers and the sentiment to read 'Love you Bunches'.  I had a clover from this Clear Dollar Stamps set called Year Round Bitties, and the 'Love you' sentiment came from a set called Lovely Women.  Obviously the 'bunches' was made from fabric stickers.  I had used my May TE KI Kit from Taylored Expressions to make this one.  In the end the customer was happy to take it, but she didn't like all the purple :(

Stamps:  Year Round Bitties, Lovely Women

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper:  May TE KI Kit, Cottonball White

Accessories:  Copics (RV63, RV66, YG03, YG07), May TE KI Kit, dimensionals

Thanks for stopping by today!

And the winners are...

Our winners are...

From Lori's blog, Clearly iStamp - Kelly from Scrapbooking, Card Making, Altering Items and Having Fun!

From Jerusha's blog, I Love Paper Crafting - Nikki from Graphix and Designs.

Taylored Expressions July Blog Hop

It's Taylored Expressions Blog Hop time!  I love this time of month. . .an opportunity to gather with fellow TE lovers and share some TE goodness!  This month the theme is:

Sending You Sunshine

I had some fun with this theme as I broke out my Beach Bum Cuppie set from Taylored Expressions!

Stamps:  Beach Bum

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, SU Crumb Cake, CDS Fresh Papaya, CDS Tempting Turquoise, CDS Deep Sea, CDS Spring Leaf, CDS Wild Ginger

Paper:  CDS Worn Parchment, unknown blue & yellow, OA Fly a Kite

Accessories:  Copics, sponge, buttons, Double Ended Tag Nestabilities, circle cutter, MFT Wave Die-namics

As you can see, I had some fun giving Cuppie a beach scene to play in.  I actually ended up making the sunrays from the palm tree leaves.  Oh, to be on the beach. . .

Well, there is a lot more to see, so you may want to make your way through the hop!

CDS Blog Hop: Summertime

Welcome to the Clear Dollar Stamps Monthly Blog Hop!  This month's theme is 

Summertime

You should have made your way here from Lorie's blog.  If not, why not start at the beginning, which is Lori's blog: Clearly iStamp.  You're sure to be inspired by all of the wonderful projects that the CDS Design Team (both stamp and digi) have made for this fun hop!

For the summertime theme all I could think of was ice cream, hehe.  Of course, I love ice cream any time of year, but it is always summer that makes me think of being a kid at the pool and walking across the street at breaks to my hometown's ice cream shop, The Cone Corner.  It's no longer there, but I sure did love that place.  I used a couple of new releases from CDS for my card: Ice Cream Cone, and Happy Birthday (both are single stamps). 

Stamps:  Ice Cream Cone & Happy Birthday

Paper:  CDS Worn Parchment, CDS Cottonball White

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories:  Copics, black marker, red brads, dimensionals

I also made this card for the CAS-ual Friday challenge, which was to use sweets or treats!

These monthly hops that CDS does every 3rd Sunday are great, because as you hop and leave comments, you increase your chances at winning some prizes.  Who doesn't love prizes?!  Now hop on over to sweet Barb's blog for some more summertime inspiration!

Clearly Inspired Challenge #32

It's color challenge time over at Clearly iStamp for the Clearly Inspired Challenges!  

These are the Clear Dollar Stamps colors, but you don't have to use those exact colors.  We just ask that you use similar colors :)  I used a new release called Numbers 6:24-26 along with an oldie but goodie called Bold Bouquets.  I just love how it turned out!

Stamps:  Numbers 6:24-26, Bold Bouquet

Ink:  CDS Hot Cocoa, CDS Tempting Turquoise, CDS Wild Ginger, CDS Lime Juice

Paper:  CDS Mud Pie, CDS Lime Juice, CDS Cottonball White, CDS Wild Ginger

Accessories:  CDS Tempting Turquoise ribbon, dimensionals, sponge, Espresso liquid pearls, Victoria embossing folders

Head on over to the Clearly iStamp to check out the challenge and the rest of the DT's creations to inspire.  We would love to see what you make and give you an opportunity to win some prizes!

You're Special

Since it's summer, I've had a bit more time on my hands and my arm is getting better day by day.  I sat in the 'craft cave' and just wanted to create something today, and this is what I came up with.  I made it for the Anything Goes challenge going on over at Simon Says.  It uses a couple of my Paper Smooches sets: Spiffy Scooters & Sentiment Sampler.  There is really no other rhyme or reason. . .and sometimes just going with it is what it's all about.

Stamps:  Spiffy Scooter, Sentiment Sampler

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper:  BG Wander, CDS Cottonball White

Accessories:  Copics, dimensionals, red button, twine

Thanks for stopping by!

Perky Plants

Hello everyone!  It's my second post of the day, but a perky one at that.  I used this fun image called Perky Plants from Paper Smooches.  I made this card using the Deconstructed Sketch, and the colors from the Color Throwdown.

All of the papers and accessories used on this card are from the April Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients kit.

Stamps:  Perky Plants

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper:  MME Gertie, buttercream, red from TE KI kit

Accessories:  Copics, dimensionals, ribbon from the TE KI kit, circle cutter

Thanks for stopping by!

July Paper Smooches Sparks

I've been wanting to play along with the July challenge over at Paper Smooches!  I used one of the sketches and the Falling For You set to make this card.  I combined it with the Sentiment Sampler, because it's a 'go to' set for so much.  He was painted with my dimensional pearls  for a fun effect.  I really like the look of it. . .so fun and different.

Stamps:  Falling for You, Sentiment Sampler

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper:  June TE KI Kit

Accessories:  June TE KI Kit, green dimensional pearls, dimensionals

Thanks for stopping by this morning.  Maybe I'll have a little more to share later :)

Non-traditional Wedding Card

I hope everyone had a great weekend, and got a chance to hop through the Gel-a-tins Blog Hop, as well as check out the Clear Dollar Stamps product parade!

My husband and I got a chance to get away for a night on Saturday.  We had a wedding to attend up in Atlanta, and we sure had fun.  My mother was kind enough to watch the kids overnight, so we could go and not worry about racing the 90 minute drive home.  The wedding was lovely, and I'm so thankful that we went.  It was fun to dress up in cocktail attire, and it's always nice to see my man in his Army blues.  He looked so cute holding the sabers for the saber salute.

  I made a non-traditional wedding card for the couple to go along with the gift.  We gave them a microwave popcorn popper with all the fixin's to made delicious popcorn!  So to go with that I made a card using the popcorn theme.

Stamps:  Chick Flick

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper:  CDS Worn Parchment, buttercream, CC Social Club, BG Wander

Accessories:  yellow twine, green half-back pearls, SU Top Note Die,  SU Heart Die, dimensionals

The image and sentiments are from the MFT set called Chick Flick.  It just seemed perfect.  The only thing I did was change out the 'We' in the original sentiment for a 'You' from a different sentiment.  Easy peasy!  I hope they like it.

CDS Product Parade Day 4

Go HERE for the Gel-a-tins Blog Hop

Welcome to the final day of the Clear Dollar Stamps Product Parade!  You've already seen some great stuff from the DT over the past few days, and I'm sure you've either bought a bunch or are ready to buy a bunch, hehe.  Yes, I know, I'm an enabler ;)  

This first group of cards is made with an awesome set that started out as a digi.  I'm so glad it has been made into a 'get your hands dirty' stamp!  This set is called Assemble Together.  It is now a set of 10 for only $12.99.  My mother-in-law is a pastor, so she will love these, because she loved the last set I gave her with the digi!  I also used the awesome Cross Messages Die and the Pinked Edge Border.

 Stamps:  Assemble Together

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Vintage Photo

Paper:  BG Pyrus, CDS Worn Parchment, CDS Cottonball White

Accessories:  CDS Cross Messages Die, CDS Pinked Edge Border Die, Gold Spica pen, twine Forest Branches embossing folder, sponge

My next sample is made with the Stamp of the Month called A Time for Tags.  I decided to do just that. . .make a tag for a gift bag!

 Stamps:  A Time for Tags - July SOM

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper:  The Girls' Paperie Kitch, buttercream, unknown green

Copics:  YG61, YG63, B21, B24, R20, R24, Y02

Accessories:  Lacey Pennants Nestabilities, dimensionals, CDS Scalloped Edge Border, bag

Can you believe that Fall is around the corner?!  It sure doesn't feel like it here in the south of Georgia, haha.  This set is called Leaf Hellos, and I thought it would be fun to stamp my own dp using all of the images from the set with different colors, and then distress it.  This is a set of 8 for only $3.99. . .can you believe that?!

 Stamps:  Leaf Hellos

Ink:  CDS Hot Cocoa, CDS Wild Ginger, CDS Tropical Mist, CDS Red Velvet Cake

Paper:  vanilla, SU dp

Accessories:  brown fiber & twine

I LOVE this next verse so much!  It's something I pray for my kids and my husband all the time.  This set is Numbers 6: 24-26, and is only $3.99.  You have to ask yourself, 'why wouldn't I get it?'.  

 Stamps:  Numbers 6: 24-26

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper:  CDS Pretty Porcelain, MME Tickled Pink

Accessories:  CDS Tabs & Tags Die, SU paper punch, MME Tickled Pink rhinestones, corner rounder

My final card for this momentous Product Parade is a Tabs & Tags Outline that obviously coordinates with the awesome CDS Tabs & Tags Die.  I paired this up with my Rock On set, and made some colorful panels.

Stamps:  Tabs & Tags Outline, Rock On

Paper:  CDS Cottonball White, unknown dp

Ink:  CDS Cherry Go Round, Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories:  CDS Tabs & Tags Die, sponge, black pen

So there you have it!  Thus concludes my portion of the CDS Product Parade.  You need to head to Lori's blog to see the full sets and even more inspiration, as well as head to rest of the DT's blogs (links in my sidebar) for my enabling goodness :)  Remember it's all available RIGHT NOW over at Clear Dollar Stamps!

CDS Product Parade Day 3

Go HERE for the Gel-a-tins Blog Hop

Good Morning and welcome to Day 3 of the Clear Dollar Stamps Product Parade!  As you now know CDS has made all of their new items available for purchase right now!  No more waiting, just throw it in your cart and buy, buy, buy.  I love that there is no waiting. . .if you see something while you're browsing the Product Parade, you just buy it. . .without waiting!

My first card is made with the new set called Seasonal Swags.  There are 8 stamps in this set for only $9.99.  It's such a great set to have, because it perfect for all seasons. . .hence the name, Seasonal Swags, hehe.  I used mine with CDS's new Elegant Accents Die and Oval Dies, because they just worked together so perfectly!

 Stamps:  Seasonal Swags

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Vintage Photo

Paper:  CC Garden Variety, unknown green, buttercream

Copics:  R02, R05, YG03, YG63, YG67, YR20, YR23

Accessories:  CDS Elegant Accents Die, CDS Oval Die, sponge, red ribbon, dimensionals

This next set just makes me smile!  It's called Berry Happy Hedgehog, and it has 3 stamps for only $7.99.  Isn't it adorable?!  The berries made me think of picking blackberries up at Klamath, CA, where my husband's family camps every year.  We go pick blackberries, and they range in color from pink to dark purple. . .mmmm.  I watercolored my little hedgehog with Tombows and an aquabrush.

 Stamps:  Berry Happy Hedgehog

Ink:  Versafine Onyx Black

Paper:  CDS Heavy Watercolor, CDS Grape Jelly, CDS Bubble Gum

Tombows:  676, 177, 899, 992, 772, N65, 947, 606

Accessories:  Labels 11 Nestabilities, CDS Tabs & Tags Die, CDS Scalloped Edge Border, CDS Smoke Stack ribbon, green buttons, TE Hearts Impression Plate

The next 3 cards are made with single stamps, that I thought would be perfect for making little note cards for a teacher to give.  They are 'good job', 'makin' the grade', and 'proud of you' stamps.  These were quick and easy to throw together, and you could easily make up a whole bunch for a teacher to have on hand.  And you know. . .school is starting in just a couple of short weeks (ugh!).

 Stamps:  proud of you, makin' the grade, good job

Ink:  Craft White

Paper:  CDS Night Eclipse, unknown blue & green, MME Alphabet Soup

Accessories:  orange buttons, twine, dimensionals, white embossing powder, red ribbon, corner chomper

My next set to show is this adorable My Little School Bus set that has 7 stamps in it for only $5.99.  I just love this set!  You could make a card for your teacher or even the bus driver with this one!  Mine is watercolored and made to look like it's driving down the road.

 Stamps:  My Little School Bus

Ink:  Versafine Onyx Black, Baja Breeze

Paper:  Imaginisce-Apple Cider, Parakeet Green, CDS Cottonball White, CDS Heavy Watercolor, CDS Night Eclipse

Tombows:  249, 847, 26, N25, black, 62

Copic:  BG72 & airbrush

Accessories:  aquabrush, staples, black embossing powder, button, white prismacolor pencil, white gel pen, TE Cloud Duo Die, glossy glaze

My next card is made with this sweet squirrel set called Squirrel Chatter.  It has 7 stamps in the set and is only $7.99.  I decided to make a fall birthday card with him.  The sentiment reads, 'It's your birthday, go a little nuts!'  Isn't that cute?!

 Stamps:  Squirrel Chatter

Ink:  Versafine Onyx Black, CDS Hot Cocoa

Paper:  unknown orange, BG dp, CDS Heavy Watercolor

Tombows:  922, 947, 899, 772

Accessories:  aquabrush, CDS Cream ric rac, dimensionals

My final stamped item is a journal made with a single stamp that says, 'Memories'.  I thought a journal would be extremely fitting, although it would be perfect for albums or scrapbooks as well.

Stamps:  Memories

Ink:  CDS Hot Cocoa

Paper:  parchment, MME Stella Rose

Accessories:  journal, sponge, CDS Tabs & Tags Die, corner rounder, natural button, brown twill ribbon

That is all that I have to show today. . .don't you just want to go shopping now?!  Tomorrow is the final day of the CDS Product Parade, but you can buy everything new right now over at Clear Dollar Stamps!  For more inspiration on these sets I've show you today head over to Lori's blog and check out the rest of the awesome DT's blogs (links in my sidebar) as well.

See you tomorrow :D

CDS Product Parade Day 2

Go HERE for the Gel-a-tins Blog Hop

 Good morning, and welcome to Day 2 of the Clear Dollar Stamps Product Parade!  This is where the CDS Design Team shows off the new products that were just released over at the Clear Dollar Stamps store!  Today is all about birthdays and celebrations, so let's get this party started :D

The first set I'm showing is called Birthday Party (set of 18), and it is full of great birthday images!  I used the cupcake and banners to create a fun birthday scene with some bright colors.  I love how the banner can be made how ever you want with as many pieces as you want.  This card also uses the CDS Designer Label Dies and the CDS Pinked Edge Border Die.

Stamps:  Birthday Party

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper:  EP Playground, CDS Cottonball White

Copics:  BV08, R22, YR14, Y21, YG03, BG53

Accessories:  CDS Pinked Edge Border, CDS Designer Labels Die, dimensionals, CDS Lime Juice Twill Ribbon, window punch, Turquoise Stickles

My next few cards were all made with individual stamps, which gives you lots of variety without a lot of commitment.  If you like to mix and match then this is the route for you!  This card uses the Birthday Cake Swirls stamp.  I apologize for my coloring. . .it was the first thing I tried to make after my surgery so it was done left-handed.  Not too terrible, right?

Stamps:  Birthday Cake Swirls

Ink:  Versafine Onyx Black

Paper:  CDS Pucker Up, MME Life of the Party, CDS watercolor paper

Tombows:  373, 837, 990, 847, 173

Accessories:  aquabrush, CDS Lime Juice Twill ribbon, dimensionals, Scalloped Square Nestabilities

This next card uses 2 single stamps.  The first is Birthday Cake Slice and then the sentiment 'you take the cake'.  I had to make this card a carrot cake. . .it's my husband's favorite and his birthday is coming up!

 Stamps:  Birthday Cake Slice, you take the cake

Ink:  Versafine Onyx Black, CDS Hot Cocoa

Paper:  CDS Melon Spice, CDS Pineapple Twist, MME Life of the Party, CDS watercolor paper

Tombows:  985, 912, 925, 098, 947

Accessories:  aquabrush, staples, corner rounder, dimensionals, SU ribbon

This next one is just a fun one!  I had this wonderful Basic Grey paper (Life of the Party), and I thought how fun it would be to make a paper mustache with it, haha!  I think my brother-in-law will like it :)  I used my creation with the great single sentiment 'celebrate'.

 Stamps:  celebrate

Ink:  CDS Hot Cocoa

Paper:  vanilla, BG Life of the Party

Accessories:  sponge, CDS Tabs & Tags Dies, orange button, brown thread, mustache cut out

Using the same papers, I went for an extremely simple approach with this next birthday card.  This approach could be used with lots of different kinds of dp, and the sentiment 'Happy Birthday' could be dressed up or dressed down depending on the look you wanted.

 Stamps:  Happy Birthday

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper:  CDS Worn Parchment, BG Life of the Party

Accessories:  corner rounder

Here is another single image stamp called Ice Cream Cone.  This could be combined with just about any sentiment that I've shown, and the image is big and fun.

 Stamps:  Ice Cream Cone

Ink:  Versafine Onyx Black

Paper:  vanilla, CDS watercolor, CDS Lemon Zest, CDS Tropical Mist

Tombows:  912, 703, 856, 899

Accessories:  Swiss Dots embossing folder, dimensionals, red brads, Scor-pal

My final card is probably my favorite of the day.  I just wanted something really fun and off the wall for the background, so I misted some CDS watercolor paper with water and then dropped some ink on there and misted again.  I love the look it made.  This would be fun for a art party invite since it uses the stamp 'It's a Party'.

Stamps:  It's a Party

Ink:  Versafine Onyx Black, SU Summer Sun, SU Riding Hood Red, SU Kiwi Kiss, SU Pacific Point, SU Pretty in Pink

Paper:  CDS Cherry Go Round, CDS Heavy watercolor

Accessories:  black embossing powder, spray bottle

And there you have it!  All you need for great Birthday party cards and invites!  Be sure to head over to Lori's blog and the rest of the DT's blog (in my side bar) to see even more birthday inspiration!  Tomorrow there will be even more to see, but until then why not go shopping ;)

CDS Product Parade Day 1

Go HERE for the Gel-a-tins Blog Hop

Welcome to Day 1 of the Clear Dollar Stamps Product Parade!  I don't know about you, but I am sure loving the idea of everything being available right now so that as soon as you see it as a sample you can buy it if you want over at the Clear Dollar Stamps store!  It's genius!

Today is all about the new die set that CDS has available!  It's called the Elegant Accents Dies, and it has lots of sets to compliment it.  The first set to go along with the dies is just amazing, and is called Elegant Accents (pretty easy to remember they go together)!  There are 18 stamps in this set, and it's good for just about everything and also works PERFECTLY with the Oval Dies that CDS has.  They just go hand-in-hand!

Stamps:  Elegant Accents

Ink:  CDS Hot Cocoa

Paper:  buttercream, MME Mabel

Accessories:  Elegant Accents Dies, CDS Oval Dies, MME Mabel trim, sponge, dimensionals, corner chomper

This next stamp is called Birthday Blessings Oval.  You can see how beautifully it goes with the dies.  I made this fun box to house some yummy jelly beans.  Mmmm, that would be a birthday blessing, haha.

 Stamps:  Birthday Blessings Oval

Ink:  CDS Wild Ginger

Paper:  unknown blue, EP dp, CDS Cottonball White

Accessories:  Elegant Accents Dies, CDS Oval Dies, Scor-pal, window punch

This stamp is like the last, but it's perfect for any occasion for any friend, and it's called Your Friendship Oval.  I decided to make a little bouquet of flowers using some Flower Soft and wire.  I think it like pretty in the middle of that sweet oval sentiment.  

Stamps:  Your Friendship Oval

Ink:  CDS Spring Leaf

Paper:  Iced Pink, American Crafts - Happy Go Lucky, CDS Cottonball White

Accessories:  CDS Elegant Accents Dies, CDS Oval Dies, Summer Flower Soft, Flower Soft Wire, twine dimensionals

The next set shows off and works so well with the Tag Frame in the Elegant Accents Dies, and the set is called Elegant Accents Tag Frames (set of 4).  The accents in the set are perfect and really are a must for the dies.

Stamps:  Elegant Accents Tag Frames, All Around Sentiments

Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, CDS Pucker Up

Paper:  Parakeet Green, CDS Cottonball White, the Girls' Paperie - Kitch

Accessories:  CDS Elegant Accents Dies, Prima flower, stitched ribbon, Stylized Flowers embossing folder

My final card of the day is using another 'must have' set for the Elegant Accents Dies.  It's called Elegant Accents Ovals (set of 5).  This is another set that just goes hand-in-hand with the CDS Oval Dies as well.

Stamps:  Elegant Accents Ovals, All Around Sentiments

Ink:  CDS Wild Ginger, CDS Deep Sea

Paper:  CDS Wild Ginger, CDS Deep Sea, CDS Cottonball White, MME Hattie

Accessories:  CDS Oval Dies, CDS Elegant Accents Dies, ticket punch, fibers, dimensionals, MME Hattie brad

So has your appetite been wet for some Elegant Accents Dies?!  Be sure to check out all of the CDS Design Team's blogs (on my sidebar) and Lori's blog, to get even more ideas for how you could use these great dies and sets.  Tomorrow I'll have more inspiration for you :D