Saturday, July 23, 2011

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!

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

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!


Sunday, July 17, 2011

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!

Saturday, July 16, 2011

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!

Thursday, July 14, 2011

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!

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

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 :)

Monday, July 11, 2011

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.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

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!

Saturday, July 9, 2011

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

Friday, July 8, 2011

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 ;)

Thursday, July 7, 2011

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

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Gel-a-tins Blog Hop!

Good morning everyone!  Welcome to the Gel-a-tins Blog Hop!

You should have come from Karin's blog, but if you stumbled upon my blog you're going to want to start at the beginning, so head back to the Gel-a-tins Blog.

Gel-a-tins is launching their new website, and to kick that off we're having this hop!  There are 11 prizes to be won so be sure to leave a comment on each of the DT's blogs along the way.  Here are the prizes that you're hopping for:




Wouldn't it be fun to get one of those?!  I love Gel-a-tins, for so many reasons.  The amount of great sets they have is amazing ranging from small sets to big sets.  But that's not all they have!  They also have Gelly Powders, Scented Powders, Gelly Glitters, Gelly Gems, and colored stamping blocks!  Gel-a-tins sets are perfect for scrapbooking or card making. . .whatever fits your fancy!  Here are a few things I've made with Gel-a-tins wonderful stamps:

using the Honey Bear Set

 using the Rock-a-Bye Baby set

 
using the Butterflies are Free set

Be sure to comment on each DT member's blog, because there is a chance to win at each!  Winners will be posted on Monday, July 11, so get to hoppin'!  Now make your way over to Jessica's Blog!

Friday, July 1, 2011

Clearly Inspired Challenge #31

It's time for a new Clearly Inspired Challenge (CIC)!  

Punches, Die Cuts, Cut Outs -- let's see some love for those punches, die cuts, or cut outs!  CDS has a great selection of SVG's that fit the category too.  Let's see how creative you can get with this one!

I used a couple of great sets from Clear Dollar Stamps to create my card.  The sentiment is from Christian Sympathy, and the flower is from the Blooming Bouquet set with the matching Blooming Bouquet Die.  I also used the Scalloped Edge Border Die from CDS too.

Stamps:  Christian Sympathy, Blooming Bouquet
Paper:  Vanilla, CDS Bubble Gum, CDS Wild Ginger
Ink:  CDS Bubble Gum, CDS Spring Leaf, Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories:  CDS Blooming Bouquet Die, CDS Scallop Border Die, PTI Bookplate Impression Plate, dimensionals, green ribbon

Head on over to Clearly iStamp to get all of the details and join in the fun!