Happy Halloween!

I have always loved Halloween ever since I was a little girl.  No other holiday gives me more satisfaction than Halloween!  Maybe its the spookiness of the season, the crisp October air, carving the pumpkin or decorating the house.  It is the one time of the year which is sociably acceptable to act like a child ... lol.

Whatever you do this year, I hope your Halloween is a spooky and scary one!

Take Time to Enjoy

I was organizing some of my stamps the other day and came across this Hero Arts sentiment.  How many of us have said at one time or another we need to enjoy the simple things in life?  I know I need to slow down and start enjoying!

Anyway, the sentiment was stamped in VersaMark with copper embossing powder.  I really love the copper on black.  The flower I created by inking up the petals with Pumpkin Pie then used a sponge dauber to apply Bravo Burgundy.  The stem and leaves were done with an Always Artichoke Marker. 

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  Hero Arts Time to Enjoy, Penny Black Blush

Paper:  Mustard, Basic Black, Really Rust, Very Vanilla
Ink:  Distressed Antique Linen, VersaMark with Copper Embossing Powder, Pumpkin Pie, Bravo Burgundy, Always Artichoke
Accessories:  Copper Brads, Nesties Small & Large Long Rectangles
Techniques:  Embossing, Sponging

CC294 Color Challenge

This is my card for Tuesday's CC294 "Breezy Blushing Cake" color challenge over at SCS.  We were to design a card using Baja Breeze, Blushing Bride, Crumb Cake and the neutral of your choice.  The dessert option was either pearls or lace and I decided to use both.

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  Reverse Prints, Elements of Style, Fine Lace

Paper:  Crumb Cake, Baja Breeze, Blushing Bride, Very Vanilla
Ink:  Crumb Cake, Blushing Bride
Accessories:  5/8" Victoria Crochet Ribbon, Eyelet Border Punch, Kaiser Pearls in Blush, Star Dust Stickles
Techniques:  Sponging

Post-It Note Holders

I was making some Post-It Note Holders the other day and thought you might like to see some of them.  The tutorial can be found here on SCS; however, I did modify it a bit since I wasn't including a pencil with them.

I cut my piece of Real Red cardstock to 7 1/2" long by 3 1/2" wide then scored at 3 1/2" and at 4".  I also added a liner inside with designer paper. 

Post-It Note Recipe:

Stamps:  Dasher

Paper:  Real Red, Christmas Cocoa Designer Paper, Whisper White
Ink:  VersaMark with Gold EP
Accessories:  1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon in White, Gold Brads, Nesties Small & Large Classic Squares, Scor-Tape
Techniques:  Embossing

Post-It Note Recipe:
Stamps:  Serene Snowflakes

Paper:  Brushed Silver, Heidi Grace Designs Shimmer Flocked Paper, Whisper White

Ink:  Baja Breeze
Accessories:  1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon in White, Silver Brads, Iridescent Ice EP, Nesties Small & Large Classic Squares, Scor-Tape
Techniques:  Embossing

Holiday Print

This is a simple card using the Alcohol Ink Technique.  I always have fun creating these backgrounds as you never know how they are going to turn out!

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  Holiday Print Background Stamp

Paper:  Papertrey White, Almost Amethyst, Glossy White, Brushed Silver
Ink:  Background - Alcohol Inks in Cool Peri, Stonewashed & Purple Twilight with Pearl Mixative; Sentiment - StazOn Midnight Blue
Accessories:  Kaiser Pearl in Snow, Silver Organdy Ribbon, Nesties Create A Flake One, Silver Bells Shimmerz Paint
Techniques:  Alcohol Ink Technique, Sponging

Hope Love Cure Blog Candy Winners

Hi everyone,

Happy Saturday!  It's time to pick our Hope Love Cure Blog Candy winners.  Now the news you've been waiting for ...

The first # selected using random.org was 12 - Joan V. from At Home with Joan.

The second # selected using random.org was 5 - Paige from She Who Must Stamp.

Congratulations to both Joan & Paige, please email me your address using the link on my right sidebar and I will get your cute mini tote in the mail to you.

Thank you to all who participated and for spreading the word about Breast Cancer Awareness. 

Peace on Earth

The pine trees on this card were created using my Stampscapes Pines & Rocks stamp.  I stamped them in VersaMark with silver embossing powder.  I also added Angel Wings Shimmerz Paint to the sky.   

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  Stampscapes Pines & Rocks, Four the Holidays 

Paper:  Concord Crush, Almost Amethyst
Ink:  VersaMark with Silver Embossing Powder, Basic Black
Accessories:  Angel Wings Shimmerz Paint, White Gel Pen
Techniques:  Sponging

Compassionate Cards for October

Today's card is for Compassionate Cards and will be sent to the UT MD Anderson Cancer Center to benefit those affected by breast cancer.  To learn more about this month's mission, please visit their website.

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  Just Believe, Because I Care

Paper:  Memory Box Shimmer Petal Pink, Rose Red, Whisper White
Ink:  Garden Green, Regal Rose
Accessories:  1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon in Pretty in Pink, Labels Seventeen, Heat & Stick Powder, Dazzling Diamonds
Techniques:  Embossing 

ATC - Halloween Collage

I didn't have a lot of time the other day so I made a quick ATC for Halloween.  I started with a piece of glossy white paper and sponged Distressed Concord, Faded Jeans and Elegant Eggplant.

I stamped the Halloween Collage in StazOn Black then sponged VersaMark on the card and sprinkled Ranger Holographic Embossing Powder.  This embossing powder is great for Halloween and looks so cool!

To finish the card, I punched a bat out of Basic Black paper and also covered it with Holographic EP.

Do any of my followers make ATC's or exchange?

ATC Recipe:

Stamps:  Stampers Anonymous Ornate Collages (CMS 040)

Paper:  Glossy White
Ink:  Distressed Dusty Concord, Distressed Faded Jeans, Elegant Eggplant, StazOn Black, VersaMark
Accessories:  Ranger Holographic Embossing Powder, Martha Stewart Bat Punch
Techniques:  Sponging

Autumn Cardinal

Don't you just love this cardinal?  I used him last year for some of my Christmas cards.  Please don't think this cardinal is just a Christmas stamp.  He is very versatile and can be used for all seasons.

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  A Cardinal Christmas

Paper:  Mustard, Cajun Craze, Old Olive, Very Vanilla
Ink:  StazOn Black, More Mustard & Old Olive Markers, Prismacolor Markers in Goldenrod, Cherry, Mahogany, Mocha Light & Cool Grey 50%, Distressed Antique Linen 
Accessories:  Best Occasions Gold Metal Dots, Spiced Cider Shimmerz Paint, Nesties Small & Large Petite Ovals
Techniques:  Sponging, Blender Pen

Thanksgiving Figs

I have another card to show you using the Wandering Words set.  The tan mat looks so pretty as I sponged it with SU's Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint. 

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  Wandering Words, Flourishes Figs & Pomegranates

Paper:  Cream Linen, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Tan Rick Rack, Daffodil Delight, Watercolor
Ink:  StazOn Black, Old Olive, Always Artichoke, Dusty Durango, Really Rust, Chocolate Chip
Accessories:  SU Champagne Mist Shimmer Paint, Finial Press Embossing Folder
Techniques:  Sponging
Card Size:  5" x 7"

Woodstock, Vermont

I have been on vacation this week and Wednesday was such a gorgeous day my husband and I took a drive up north to Woodstock, Vermont.

"Magical" and "historic" are often used to describe this quaint village that has been called "the prettiest small town in America."  Woodstock retains the elegant charm and rugged character of American antiquity with a covered bridge in the middle of town.  We had lunch at the Woodstock Inn then headed over to The Vermont Institute of Natural Science to see their raptors.  All of these birds are housed in state-of-the-art enclosures due to trauma or injury.  Once rehabilitated they will be let back into the wild.

Afterwards, we took a scenic hike over to the spectacular Quechee Gorge where you can look down 163 feet to the cascading waters of the Ottauquechee River.

These are some pictures from our beautiful day.

Wandering Words for Thanksgiving

Hi everyone,

I finally got around to starting my Thanksgiving cards.  I really like the sentiment from Wandering Words and stamped it in VersaMark with gold embossing powder, but I noticed my pics don't really show the embossing powders too well.

The leaves were also stamped with VersaMark with gold embossing powder and then colored in with a blender pen.

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  Wandering Words, Autumn Splendor

Paper:  Mustard Seed, Cajun Craze, Designer Paper, Rich Razzleberry, Very Vanilla
Ink:  VersaMark with Gold EP, Old Olive, Kiwi Kiss, More Mustard, Crushed Curry, Ruby Red, Really Rust
Accessories:  Creative Memories Cutting System
Techniques:  Blender Pen

Spooky Nights

I haven't made a card for my husband in a while and I don't want him to feel neglected ... lol.  He likes owls and I recently received a beautiful card in the mail from Michelle Zindorf so this is a spin off from her card.

I will surprise him and leave it on the table in the morning since its not his Halloween card.

Thank you for coming to visit me today!

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  House of Haunts, Halloween Frights, Weathered

Paper:  Black Linen, Old Olive, Concord Crush, More Mustard, Whisper White
Ink:  StazOn Black, Basic Black, Cajun Craze, Old Olive, So Saffron
Accessories:  1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon in Black, Lemon Spica Pen, Nesties Small & Large Classic Circles, Ribbon Tags Trio, Post-It Note for masking
Techniques:  Sponging

Dark & Dreary for Michelle

This vintage Halloween card is for my sweet friend Michelle.  I hope she likes it.

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  Dark & Dreary, Midnight Raven

Paper:  Black Linen, Cajun Craze, Martha Stewart Vampire Designer Paper, Basic Black, Whisper White
Ink:  Basic Black, Distressed Antique Linen, Tea Dye, Vintage Photo
Accessories:  1/4" Grosgrain Ribbon in Black, Nesties Small & Large Classic Squares, Silver Bells Shimmerz Paint, Black Spica Pen, Martha Stewart Bat Punch
Techniques:  Sponging

Autumn Maple Branch

I just love this time of year!  There is just something about autumn colors and pumpkins.

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  Memory Box Co. Maple Branch, Season by Season, Ink-N-Rubber Expressions

Paper:  Desert Storm, Old Olive, More Mustard, Really Rust, Summer Sun, Very Vanilla
Ink:  StazOn Timber Brown, Crushed Curry, More Mustard, Distressed Antique Linen, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip
Accessories:  Nesties Small & Large Petite Ovals, Nesties Long Rectangles, Sizzix Fall Set #4, SU Square Lattice Embossing Folder, Gold Glimmer Shimmerz Paint
Techniques:  Sponging, Blender Pen

"Cherry on Top" Blog Award

I have been given the "Cherry on Top" blog award from Karin at KarinsArtScrap.  Thank you so much Karin for your thoughtfulness and for choosing me!

The rules for receiving this award:

1. Thank the person that passed it to you.

2. Copy the award to your blog.
3. Share three things about yourself that you enjoy doing.
4. Pass the award to 5 others.

The three things I would like to share with you are:

1. I love to stamp and blog (of course)!
2. I like to read true crime books.
3. I enjoy collecting Longaberger Baskets.

The beautiful blogs with that little extra that I would like to pass this award to are:

Sharon - Silver Wolf Cards
Pam - Wacky Whippet Stamper
Kari - Pigtail1’s Paper Patch
Karen - Luv To Stamp
Sandy - Creative Moments with Sandy

It was difficult to pick five as there are so many wonderful blogs out there.  These five women I have met through blogging and/or SCS.  They have been faithful followers or have inspired me in some way which I think deserves the "Cherry on Top" award!

Love Life ...

The card I am featuring today uses Tim Holtz’s Sizzix Alterations Die in Tattered Florals.

I began by cutting my flowers using the Cosmo Cricket Bella Flora paper with my Big Shot.  I placed a generous drop of Distress Rock Candy Stickles in the middle of each flower and used my finger to spread it around on each petal.  Next, I heat set the stickles with my heat gun.  Once you heat the rock candy the sparkles will appear.

I then gently shaped the flower petals and applied Ranger’s glossy accents to adhere each petal.  You may need to hold it for a few seconds.  I then added my antique brad.  Ta-dah!  You have a vintage flower.

To create the background, I inked up my Well Worn Words with ColorBox Chalk Creamy Brown then sponged with Sage Shadow, Vintage Photo & Walnut Stain.

The ribbon was made using Diane Noble's tutorial which can be found here.  I just used a mister spray bottle to wet the seam binding and then sprayed it with Vanilla Smooch Spritz.  I scrunched it up and let it sit overnight to dry.  The spritz adds just enough shimmer to the seam binding.

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  Well Worn Words, Cottage Garden, Wonderful Watercolors

Paper:  Desert Storm, Chocolate Chip, Cosmo Cricket Fleuriste Flora Bella Designer Paper, Very Vanilla
Ink:  ColorBox Chalk Creamy Brown, Sage Shadow, Distressed Vintage Photo, Walnut Stain, Chocolate Chip, Antique Distressed Linen, VersaMark with Gold EP
Accessories:  1/2" Martha Stewart Seam Binding in Putty, Antique Brad, Vanilla Smooch Spritz, Distress Rock Candy Stickles, Nesties Small & Large Petite Ovals, Tim Holtz Tattered Florals Die
Techniques:  Sponging

A Snowy Winter's Night

I am so pleased with the way this card turned out!  I tried a new technique for making the snow flurries.

Here is a close up

This card was super easy to make.  I started with a piece of ice blue pearlescent paper and lightly sponged Distressed Black Soot on the paper in kind of an “S” curve (although I could have done a little better job with that part).  I wanted to create a “wispy” look to the scene.

Next, I stamped the Lakeside Cove Lg. image in Black StazOn using my stamp-a-ma-jig for placement.

I then used a cotton swab and applied ColorBox Frost White to the rocks for highlights.

To create the flurries so they would look more natural, I poured a little Folk Art pearl white acrylic paint onto a paint palette.  I dipped the bristles of a toothbrush into the paint and ran my thumb across the bristles causing them to spray ink on the card.  Yes, this does get a little messy and I do suggest you practice first with the toothbrush technique.

I mounted my stamped image onto another piece of ice blue paper and then assembled my card using a piece of Memory Box Dove Gray paper.

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  Stampscapes Lakeside Cove Lg.

Paper:  Memory Box Dove Gray, The Paper Company Ice Blue
Ink:  Distressed Black Soot, StazOn Black, ColorBox Frost White, Folk Art Acrylic Pearl White Paint
Accessories:  Toothbrush (for snow flurries)
Techniques:  Sponging

Ribbon of Hope Cards

The card I am posting today is to celebrate “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” and these cards will be going to those I know who have fought back against the disease.

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  Bloomin' Beautiful, Ribbon of Hope, Filigree

Paper:  Pink Passion, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White
Ink:  StazOn Black, Pretty in Pink, Pixie Pink, Pink Passion, Mellow Moss
Accessories:  1/4" Organdy Ribbon in Ivory, Silver Brad, Star Dust Stickles, Nesties Small Petite Ovals & Large Petitie Scalloped Ovals
Techniques:  Blender Pen

Hope Love Cure Blog Candy

Today is Friday, October 1st and I’m sure most people view it as just another ordinary day, but today marks “Breast Cancer Awareness Month”.  The brightness of pink during the month of October stands for hope and strength.  It stands for all the efforts of people working to find a cure ... saving lives together.

Worldwide, millions of people are suffering from breast cancer each day and this is a cause I am passionate about.

To help promote breast cancer awareness month, I will be giving away as blog candy the following items:

1 - Hope, Love, Cure (Black) Petite Mini Tote (product size: 10 3/4” x 7 3/4 “ x 5”)
1 - Hope, Love, Cure (Pink) Petite Cotton Tote (product size: 8 1/2" X 7 1/4" X 4”)

All you need to do to enter the drawing is leave me a comment on this post by Friday, October 22, 2010.

I will select the winners on Saturday, October 23, 2010 using random.org and will give the winners 48 hours to contact me via email.

Also, if you are a follower on my blog and are interested in receiving a free Women’s Health Bookmark (while supplies last), please email me and I will get one in the mail to you. Here is a sample of what they look like.

So … spread the word to your family and friends about October being “Breast Cancer Awareness Month”.  I am displaying a custom pink ribbon created by the talented Karen Valentine.  Please be sure to visit Karen's blog to "grab" your own button.  She will be offering them this month.

Wishing you a great day!