Thursday, April 30, 2009

A New Digi Stamp

Last night very late I came across a very interesting post on the PMS Blog.  Head on over there to read all about it.  I loved the new image, although I really am quite new to the idea of digital stamping.  Regardless, I bought the image.  It really is a lovely image and was excited to use it.  So with that in mind I found the sketch over at the Fresh Batch blog and decided to double up ;D
Stamps:  A Fairy for Kayleigh digistamp
Ink:  none
Paper:  Pink Pirouette textured CS, Candy Lane DSP, Neenah Solar White, Kiwi Kiss DSP
Accessories:  Copics, Kiwi Kiss buttons, Pink Pirouette button, felt flowers, Riding Hood Red button, chocolate thread, chocolate ribbon, Versamarker, Heat 'n Stick powder, Dazzling Diamonds glitter

CDS Sneak Peeks Day 4

Today is the last day of Sneak Peeks for CDS!  Tomorrow all of the last 4 days of sneaks will be available for purchase along with a bunch more new goodies at Clear Dollar Stamps.  Today I get to show you 2 more new stamps sets.  I'm not sure why I was so drawn to these stamps sets, but I loved them as soon as I saw them.  Maybe it is there gorgeous design or all the possibilities to create with them.  Regardless, I do love them.  I have a few sailors in my family, so there are endless possibilities for these sets in my house ;D

These first two cards were made with the set called Smooth Sailing.  I watercolored this first one and had a lot of fun doing it.  I've been working with my Copics so much lately, that I just hadn't even touched my watercolor paper in a while.  It felt good to do it again.  My little charm is actually a poly shrink charm.  Again, my polyshrink isn't something I've touched in a while.  Once I started I kind of didn't want to stop ;D
Stamps:  Smooth Sailing
Ink:  Not Quite Navy, Close to Cocoa, Sahara Sand, Stazon Jet Black
Paper:  watercolor paper, Kraft, Not Quite Navy DSP
Accessories:  aqua painter, polyshrink, heat tool, brown colored pencil, Ribbon Tags Trio Nestabilities, jute

Both of these cards were made from color challenges given to us by the DT Leader, Laurie.  The first was blues and neutrals, and this next one was pink and purple.  When I saw that color challenge, I knew I wanted to create a sunset scene.  Once again, I pulled out something that hasn't seen the light of day in a while. . .my brayer.  I'm pretty sure she missed me ;}  I stamped the sailboat on the glossy cardstock first and then masked it in order to brayer the background.  I forgot just how much fun the brayer can be.
Stamps:  Smooth Sailing
Ink:  Elegant Eggplant, Regal Rose, Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper:  Glossy White, Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White
Accessories:  braer, plum ribbon, Clear Daisy Dew Drops, circle punches

This next set is called Lost at Sea, and I think it is so super cute!  It made me think of little boys' birthday parties, treasure maps, and even elegant cards.  This first sample of this awesome set is a spinner card.  I kept thinking that if a person were lost at sea a compass may not help them.  Of course if a compass isn't helping you, you probably shouldn't be out sailing {lol}.  Regardless, this was so fun to make because I had never made one before, and it ACTUALLY works!  I love it when that happens ;)
Stamps:  Lost at Sea
Ink:  Basic Black, Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper:  Baja Breeze, Kraft, Close to Cocoa, Pacific Point, Ivory Parchment
Accessories:  D'Vine Swirls embossing folder, taupe ribbon, slit punch, Stampin' Dimensionals, Crystal Effects, Close to Cocoa marker, 2 pennies, circle cutters

I told you this set reminded me of treasure maps, so I tried to create a map with this next sample.  I cut and sponged the edges, and also created my own DP for the background.  That was another challenge issued to us. . .create your own DP.  
Stamps:  Lost at Sea
Ink:  Basic Black, Chocolate Chip
Paper:  Ivory Parchment, Sahara Sand, Real Red
Accessories:  sponge, mini black brads, white gel pen, black jute
Copics:  G05, B24, E37

This last sample is kind of a bonus.  This set also makes me think of travel, obviously.  With that in mind, I wanted to create a luggage tag.  This was fun to make too!  It was made with a chipboard tag, and after I was finished coloring it and putting it together, I put Matte finish Modge Podge over the top with a sponge.  This would ensure that the window punch won't come off, and I like how it all turned out!
Stamps:  Lost at Sea
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper:  Whisper White
Accessories:  chipboard tag, jute, Bashful Blue, Creamy Caramel, Ballet Blue, Green Galore, & Close to Cocoa markers, Stardust Gelly roll pen, white gel pen, modge podge & sponge, window punch

These talented DT Members are also showing off what they made with these sets.

All these sets can be purchased tomorrow at Clear Dollar Stamps.  So go check out all the other talented DT members creations, and then have fun shopping tomorrow!

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

CDS Sneak Peeks Day 3

For those of you who read my post yesterday and may be wondering how the internet is working. . .well. . .it's not!  Needless to say, I'm slightly frustrated, but I continue to try to find the blessings in all things.  For one thing I'm getting REALLY good at using my phone as a modem ;D

Okay, now to the things that really brought you here. . .Clear Dollar Stamps Sneaks!  The set I'm am going to be previewing for you this morning is a great set!  It's called Christian Critters Too and it has 19 stamps and is only $9.99!  This set goes along with sooo many of Clear Dollars other animals stamps and is so versatile.  

My first preview was an inspiration challenge.  As soon as I saw the stamp that said 'God can help clean up any muddy mess!', I knew I wanted a card with texture.  After seeing the inspiration picture I knew that I also wanted to use flower soft.
Stamps:  Christian Critters Too, Farm Critters 
Ink:  Chocolate Chip, Bashful Blue, Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper:  Ivory Parchment
Accessories:  Pretty in Pink & Close to Cocoa markers, circle cutters, Aleene's tacky glue, Nut Brown Flower Soft, pink ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, sponge

My next previews were inspired by simply wanting to show you all more of the stamps in the set.  With that in mind, I decided to make a box with cards!  This was so fun to make.  I love all the vibrant colors and let's face it. . .I obviously love all of my 'critter' stamps from CDS!




Stamps:  Cristian Critters Too, Spring Critters, Moose Friends
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper:  DCWV Green Stack, Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze, Summer Sun, textured white, Riding Hood Red, Whisper White, Neenah Solar White
Accessories:  apple ribbon, Scallop Edge punch, Scallop Circle punch, circle cutters, paper piercer, oval cutter, blue square eyelets, Riding Hood Red ribbon
Copics:  E43, E49, E57, E77, B93, B95, R37, R46

Be sure to check out other samples made by the DT members and see other new sets that are being previewed.


Stop back tomorrow for the last of the previews before all of these wonderful sets will be available on May 1 over at Clear Dollar Stamps.  I'm excited to show what I have for tomorrow ;D

Paper Blooms Challenge Time

This week's challenge over at the Paper Blooms Challenge Blog is an inspiration challenge.  These dishes are Leah's and wow, aren't they beautiful?!  Your challenge, should you choose to accept it is to be inspired by her dishes.  I was very inspired!  I love the colors and the pattern. . .they are just so beautiful!  This is what I came up with.
Stamps:  Silhouette Wishes April SOM (CD Stamps)
Ink:  Bravo Burgandy
Paper:  Bravo Burgandy, Very Vanilla, Sahara Sand, Kiwi Kiss
Accessories:  handmade blooms & stick pin from Paper Blooms, Flowers & Vines #2 Bigz Die, silver hodgepodge, Swiss Dots embossing folder, burgandy button, silver cord

Remember, you don't have to have any of Leah's amazing blooms to participate in the challenges, but if you would like some they are available at her Etsy shop.  I can't wait to see what everyone has made.  While you're at it, go check out what the rest of the DT has made.  You can find their links in my side bar ;D

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Clear Dollar Sneak Peeks Day 2

Oh my it's been an uphill battle to get on the internet today, but alas I am here.  I kept telling my husband how important it was to have internet today, and I woke up to (you guessed it) no internet.  So after calling the company, running down to the company and switching modems, calling them again only to find out that it was an outage in my area. . . a lightbulb went on for me.  I remember that I can connect to the internet with my phone connected to my computer. . .how awesome is technology?!?!

On to more important things. . .CDS Sneak Peeks!  This morning I get to show you two different stamp sets.  The first one is Charlie Gardens.  I just love that little horse!  This set has 11 stamps and is so totally perfect for summer.  He makes me want to get out in my flower beds and start weeding. . .ok maybe not, but he does put me in the mood for summer ;D  This first sample is a seed packet that I found at Target and just had to alter. 
Stamps:  Charlie Gardens (CD Stamps)
Ink:  Ballet Blue w/sponge, Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper:  Neenah Solar White, Lovely Lilac
Accessories:  Oval Nestabilities, Stampin' Dimensionals, sponge, Rose Ribbon, sack of seeds from Target
Copics:  R85, RV34, BV17, V15, Y38, R35, R46, E57, W-1, W-3, W-5, YG95, G94

This next sample was a sketch challenge given to the DT.  I love sketch challenges, so I jumped at this one.  I also loved the idea of stamping that little carrot 24 times in a group.  It just made me smile thinking of all the different friends I could give this card to.  
Stamps:  Charlie Garden (CD Stamps)
Ink:  Pacific Point, Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper:  Neenah Solar White, Pacific Point, Tangerine Tango
Accessories:  circle cutters, Forest Branches embossing folder, jute, Kiwi Kiss button, Labels 2 Nestabilities, sponge, Stampin' Dimensionals
Copics:  Y38, YR68, YG95

To see more samples done with Charlie Gardens go check out the other DT members blogs.
Kim 

My next CDS Sneak Peek is for a set called Biggest Wishes!  I love this adorably detailed set of 3 stamps!  This stamp set is one of 2 stamp sets that was designed by one of Clear Dollar Stamps newest designers, Shawne Arnold!  Shawne is so incredibly talented!  This particular stamp set could be colored in so many different ways, and I had a lot of fun playing with her.
Stamps:  Biggest Wishes (CD Stamps)
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper:  Real Red, Summer Sun, Cameo Coral, Pink Flamingo DSP, Neenah Solar White
Accessories:  Gelly Roll pen, White Gel pen, Stampin' Dimensionals, Flower & Vines #2 Bigz Die, circle cutters
Copics:  R29, R32, RV10, BG01, Y17, W-5

Stamps:  Biggest Wishes (CD Stamps)
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Almost Amethyst, Pretty in Pink, Bashful Blue
Paper:  Neenah Solar White, Barely Banana, Pretty in Pink, Bashful Blue, Almost Amethyst
Accessories:  Gelly Roll pen, Curved Rectangles Nestabilities, silver cord, Certainly Celery ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, sponge
Copics:  W-1, W-3, RV10, RV02, Y00, YG11, V04, BG01, BV02

To see more samples of this little cutie go check out these DT members blogs.

Make sure you come back tomorrow.  I'll have more samples to show you for the CD Stamps May Sneak Peeks, plus a new challenge over at Paper Blooms.  

Monday, April 27, 2009

Clear Dollar Sneak Peeks Start TODAY!


That's right it's time for Clear Dollar Stamps to start showing off some sneak peeks of new releases that are releasing on May 1st.  I don't have anything to show you this morning, but I will tomorrow so make sure you come back then.  In the mean time go check out some other design team members blogs to check out some gorgeous samples of some really fun stamp sets.

Horse Heritage:  Laurie, Candy, Kim, Katie
Fruity Fun:  Laurie, Candy, Katie, Tori, Linda
May Lily of the Valley:  Laurie, Candy

On top of that, yesterday was the start of the May Guest Designer Challenge for CDS stamps!  If you want an opportunity to be a guest designer go check it out!

Make sure you come back tomorrow to see what I've been working on!  I can't wait to show you all ;D

Sunday, April 26, 2009

All God's Daughters Luncheon

Yesterday was our annual All God's Daughters Luncheon at the church I attend here in Columbus.  It is the only fundraiser that our Women's Ministry has and is always a wonderful time for ladies.  Our theme was tea, so we had fun decorating with all sorts of silver tea pots, old vintage tea pots, and china tea cups.  The men from our church always serve us the lunch, and this year we had a group called "For Eternity" perform.  It's a group of 3 amazingly gifted women from Washington that sing.  

I take part in the Women's Ministry in our church as the treasurer, but this year they asked if I would put my talent with paper to use.  I of course, humbly accepted the challenge of coming up with 120 favors for each attending lady to take home.  A friend at the church gave me the idea of a tea bag holder, so I ran with it.  These were so simple to make and cost next to nothing.  I used the paper that one of the ladies gave me from some left over wedding invitations and my Top Note die to come up with the basic design.  The tea cup is from the Tea Time set from Lizzie Anne Designs.  
Stamps:  Tea Time (Lizzie Anne Designs)
Ink:  Basic Black
Paper:  not sure about the green :(, Bravo Burgandy, Whisper White
Accessories:  White grosgrain ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals, circle punches, Bravo Burgandy, Regal Rose & Sage Shadow markers, Top Note die

Friday, April 24, 2009

Clear Dollar Weekend Color Challenge

Well it's Friday, and I am feeling pretty encouraged for so many reasons today.  I woke up this morning to find out that I had actually won some blog candy.  I  was shocked!  Merry had been offering some wonderful ribbon blog candy from I {heart} Papers.  Thanks again, Merry!

Also, from a homeschoolers perspective, this has been an incredibly productive day.  We've been reading a book about WWII, working with perimeters, and working with prefixes just to name a few things we've dealt with today.  Today is a day that everyone seems to just get it.  Maybe I'm just documenting it so that on the one day they don't get it, I can remember that there are days in which they do get it.  {lol}  

During their math test, I crept off to my craft cave to make this weekend's Clear Dollar Color Challenge over at Papercraftplanet.  This weekend's hostess was the very talented and inspiring Linda!  Her challenge was to use the colors Baja Breeze, Barely Banana, Green Galore, and an optional White neutral.  I used two stamp sets from this months releases.  The first was the April Stamp of the Month, Silhouette Wishes, which is free when you order $50 worth of products over at Clear Dollar Stamps.  The other was the Pickett Fence stamp that is so completely versatile and only $3.99.  There is obviously a lot of white on my card, but I think I'm really starting to like that look.  
Stamps:  Silhouette Wishes, Pickett Fence (Clear Dollar Stamps)
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Green Galore, Appricot Appeal
Paper:  Whisper White, Barely Banana, Green Galore, Baja Breeze
Accessories:  Birds & Swirls embossing folder, Green Galore marker, silver hodgepodge, Stampin' Dimensionals

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Check this Out!!

I couldn't resist linking this blog candy.  It is out of this world!  Go check out Debbie's blog for a chance to win!

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Paper Blooms Challenge #4

It's Wednesday, and time for another challenge over at Paper Blooms!  Since it is Earth Day, this week's challenge is to recycle or use something that you would normally throw away.  I chose to reuse an old mayonaise container.  I really liked how it opened, and  I'm doing my part to save the Earth.  I plan on filling this with candy for my Secret Sister at church.  I think she'll love it!
Remember, you don't have to have blooms to participate in the challenges, but they sure are yummy aren't they?
Stamps:  none
Ink:  Real Red
Paper:  Summer Picnic DSP, Old Olive, Whisper White, Bashful Blue
Accessories:  handmade blooms from Paper Blooms, Cricut w/George Cartiridge, sponge, Scallop Oval Nestabilities, Real Red button, white buttons, Pumpkin Pie ribbon, mayo container

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

A Sweet Award

I got this sweet little award from two wonderful ladies, both Ann and Leah.  I do design work with them over at Paper Blooms.  It's very humbling to me to think that my little blogging corner of the world might touch someone.  Thanks ladies!  

Monday, April 20, 2009

Mojo Monday

Here is my card for the Mojo Monday challenge.  I saw Shawne do this with a stamp set and really wanted to give it a try.  I first stamped the images on the white paper and then used my Versamark pad to cover the whole piece of paper.  I then covered it with Heat 'n Stick powder and heated that.  When it was glossy from the heat I covered the pieces with Dazzling Diamonds glitter.  I think it gives such a great look.  
Stamps:  Beautiful Butterflies (Clear Dollar Stamps)
Ink:  Rose Red, Basic Gray, Versamark
Paper:  Bashful Blue, Basic Gray, Rose Red, Whisper White
Accessories:  Birds & Swirls embossing folder, Heat 'n Stick powder, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, white taffeta ribbon, white brads, Scallop Edge punch, oval punch, sponge, Designer Label punch, heat tool

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Matti's Piano Solo


I know this isn't my traditional post, but I am one proud Mama!  This is my daughter's piano solo at church.  One of the main reasons for posting it here, was so that family and friends could check out her solo.  She accepted Christ as her Savior a few years ago, but last week asked to be baptized.  

I hope that you are all having a very blessed weekend, and thanks for checking it out!  

Friday, April 17, 2009

Clear Dollar Weekend Color Challenge

Yay, it's already the weekend again!  I never wish the days away, because I believe each day is a gift from God!  I have been feverishly doing laundry and cleaning, and teaching the kids, but did find time to take part in this weekend's Clear Dollar Stamps Weekend Color Challenge going on over at Papercraftplanet.  Monique is hostessing and she definitely came up with some challenging colors for all of us to work with.  She chose the colors, Pink Pirouette, Cameo Coral, Kiwi Kiss, and Sahara Sand, with White as an optional neutral.  I combined two stamp sets for my card.  I chose Cat-tastic, because I was just dying to ink it up.  I also chose to use the April Stamp of the Month called Silhouette Wishes, because I loved the script in this one.  I was also really excited to try using Flower Soft with the Flower Soft Wires.  The drapes are just crumpled, and I did score the 'house' to give it the look of siding.

So now that I have gotten a chance to stamp, I think my shakes will go away ;)  Now I need to clean up the mess I just made and get to the grocery store, and the dog needs a bath so I better run.  Hope everyone has an amazingly blessed weekend!
Stamps:  Cat-tastic, Silhouette Wishes April SOM (Clear Dollar Stamps)
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Pink Pirouette
Paper:  Sahara Sand, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White, Cameo Coral, Kiwi Kiss, an itty bitty amount of Chocolate Chip
Accessories:  Copic (W-3), Flower Soft Heather, Flower Soft Wires, Aileen's Tacky glue, Labels Two Nestabilities, Ribbon Trio Nestabilities, Kiwi Kiss ribbon, Stampin' Dimensionals

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Paper Blooms Challenge #3

Good morning everyone!  The sun is shining, birds are chirping, it's a beautiful day.  It's Wednesday, so that means it's time for another Paper Blooms Challenge over at the Paper Blooms Challenge Blog!  Leah gave us a very fun challenge once again.  This week we are to come up with a card or a layout that contains the 5 'B's' which are: 

1.  bloom (doesn't have to be a Paper Bloom) 
2.  bling
3.  butterfly
4.  bit of brown
5.  a sentiment beginning with 'b'
  
Ink:  Chocolate Chip, Pacific Point, Pumpkin Pie
Paper:  Pacific Point, Whisper White
Accessories:  handmade bloom and stick pin from Paper Blooms, Chocolate Chip courdoroy button, Curved Rectangle Nestabilities, orange ribbon, circle punch, Birds & Swirls embossing folder
Leah has a wonderful selection of blooms over at her Etsy Shop, and she even takes custom orders!  Go check them out and check out the challenge.  I had SOOO much fun creating this card!