TUIC Inspiration Challenge

This card was created for the Tangled Up In Creativity Challenge hosted by Molly.  The challenge was to find something you were given for Christmas that inspires your creativity and make a card with that inspiration.

My inspiration piece was this Crabtree & Evelyn gift bag.

My card submission.

This was such a wonderful challenge and I had so much fun!  Thank you ladies for letting me play along!

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  Vintage Vogue, Holidays & Wishes (Inside)

Paper:  Purely Pomegranate, Elegant Eggplant, Rich Razzleberry, Shimmery White
Ink:  VersaMark with Clear EP, Real Red, Cherry Cobbler, Bravo Burgundy, Adirondack Purple Twilight, Elegant Eggplant
Accessories:  3/8" Taffeta Ribbon in Rich Razzleberry, Kaiser Wine Rhinestones, Tsukineko Sparkle Shimmerz Spritz, Spellbinders Fancy Tags, Nested Hearts, Eyelet Border Punch 

Techniques:  Embossing, Sponging

2011 Valentine in Red/White

A co-worker asked me to make a valentine for his girlfriend.  He specifically requested red and white so I hope she likes it.  I like the look of the layered dies and the velvet ribbon adds a nice touch.  The white paper has a subtle filigree pattern.

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  Holidays & Wishes, Together Forever (Inside)

Paper:  Linen Solar White, Cherry Cobbler, The Paper Company Ivory Diamond Filigree on White Designer Paper, Shimmery White
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, VersaMark with Clear EP
Accessories:  3/8" Burgundy Velvet Ribbon, Nesties Lacey Squares, Nesties Small Classic Squares #6, Small Standard Circles #5, Large Standard Circles #4, Embosslits Scalloped Heart of Hearts, Papertrey Ink Banner Die, Recollections Heart Glittered Brads, Star Dust Stickles
Techniques:  Embossing

"Stylish" Blog Award II

I recently received the “Stylish Blogger Award” from Morgan at Stamp Cravings.  Thank you so much Morgan.  I am honored that you selected me!

The rules for receiving this award:

1. Thank and link back to the person who awarded you this.

2. Share 8 things about yourself.
3. Pass the award to bloggers you have recently discovered.

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

1. When I was a little girl I grew up on a small farm.
2. My favorite season is fall ... I just love everything about it.  The colorful leaves, the scent of Chrysanthemums and pumpkins.
3. My sunroom is decorated in Longaberger’s Botanical Fields fabric.
4. I use to collect Cherished Teddies until my curio cabinet became too full.
5. I have a custom license plate.  Can you guess what it says?  Oh, come on this is an easy one ... lol! - Ocicat.
6. I love to burn candles either spicy or aromatherapy scents.
7. My 18th wedding anniversary will be coming up in March.
8. The eighth and final item I would like to share with you is that you never want to hear me sing.  It is the worst thing in the world!  Even my cat covers his ears!

The wonderful blogs (and amazing gals behind them) I would like to pass this award to are:

Amy - Obsessed with Stamping
Kay – Stamping for Sanity!
Molly – Miss Molly Creations
Tessa – Kraf*t*y Mama
Joyce - Easy on the Eye Kard Kreations

Please be sure to stop by Morgan’s blog to see her beautiful vintage cards!

Amazing Grace Valentine

This is the first of several Valentine's Day cards I have created.  The Amazing Grace stamp is from Heartfelt Creations.

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  Heartfelt Creations Amazing Grace, Very Vintage, Bella's Bloom and Holidays & Wishes (Inside)

Paper:  Cream Luster, Close to Cocoa, Blushing Bride, Very Vanilla
Ink:  ColorBox Chalk Creamy Brown, ColorBox Chalk Dark Brown, Blushing Bride & Mellow Moss Markers, VersaMark with Iridescent Ice EP
Accessories:  1/4" Sheer Ivory Ribbon, Nesties Small Deckled Rectangles, Grand 12" Classic Lace Border, Embosslits Scalloped Heart of Hearts 
Techniques:  Sponging

Mountain Lion

Today I invite you to sit back, relax and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while I tell you my story about this card.  See, this card wouldn't have even been possible without my dear friend Wendy from Canada.  I had been looking for this retired PSX Mountain Lion stamp for about six months without any success.  In early November I sent an email to my Stampscapes group asking if anyone knew where I could locate this retired stamp.  Wendy was so sweet and emailed me back stating she had the stamp and offered to stamp some images for me.  I was more than thrilled!

Well, around Thanksgiving a package arrived in the mail and I just ripped it open without even looking at the return address.  To my amazement it was the mountain lion stamp - not the stamped images, but the actual stamp!  I can't begin to explain how shocked I was.  I was sitting at the kitchen table with the stamp in my hand and my husband said to me "Is something wrong?"  I told him how I had been looking for this retired stamp for months and here it is.  I had this confused look on my face because I really had forgotten about Wendy sending the images then I pulled out her beautiful note saying she wanted the stamp to go to a good home.  I told my husband I couldn't believe someone would be so generous and kind to do this.

I am so grateful for Wendy's generosity and so I made this card to thank her.  We have since become pen pals and I can tell you from the bottom of my heart Wendy is such a wonderful person!

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  Stampscapes Boulders, Cascading Falls Lg., Oak Branch, PSX Mountain Lion           

Paper:  The Paper Company Glacial Blue, Night of Navy, Shimmery White      
Ink:  Images - StazOn Stone Gray; Sky - Adirondack Cloudy Blue, Ballet Blue, Brocade Blue, Adirondack Denim; Water - Adirondack Aqua with ColorBox Frost White; Rocks - Going Gray & Basic Gray; Lion - Pearlescent Beige & Close to Cocoa applied with cotton swab
Accessories:  Angel Wings Shimmerz Paint          
Techniques:  Sponging, Masking, Post-It Notes, 1" Circle Punch

Toss it up! Salad Recipe Swap

This is my first time participating in a recipe swap so please go "easy" on me ... lol.  This 6" x 6" recipe swap was coordinated by Courtney over at SCS.  Thank you Courtney for the opportunity to participate!

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  Baroque Motifs, Looks Like Spring

Paper:  So Saffron, Certainly Celery, Very Vanilla
Ink:  Certainly Celery, More Mustard
Accessories:  American Crafts Medium Gold Brad, Spring Bouquet Flower Punch
Techniques:  6" x 6" Recipe Swap

ODBD Shining the Light Award

I recently entered a card in the Our Daily Bread Designs Challenge (something new and something old).  I am pleased to announce my card was chosen as one of the Shining the Light spotlight cards for this challenge!  Thank you everyone at ODBD!

Here is the card I submitted.

For more information about this card, please go to this post.  Thank you!

Fifth Avenue Floral for Michelle

This floral rose card is for my dear friend Michelle.  Michelle and I went to college together and we have managed to keep in touch all these years.  She has been going through a really tough time lately and I wish I could be there for her; however, she lives in another state.

I hope this card will bring a smile to her face and make her feel better even if just for a moment.  This is for you my sweet friend!

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  Fifth Avenue Floral, Vintage Labels, Elements of Style, Holidays & Wishes

Paper:  Cream Luster, Crumb Cake, Prima Fairy Flora Designer Paper, Stardream Metallics Chiara
Ink:  Rose - VersaMark with Gold EP; Apricot Appeal, Groovy Guava, Brilliance Pearlescent Beige, Chocolate Chip
Accessories:  1/2" Chantilly Crochet Ribbon, Aqua Marine & Choc-o-lot Shimmerz Paint, Nesties Big Scalloped Ovals Small, Wide Oval Punch, Beautiful Wings Embosslit Die, Bow-Easy
Techniques:  Embossing, Sponging

Falling Snowflakes

Well, with all the snow we have received lately I just had to pull out my Our Daily Bread Designs Snowflake set.  I love the way this card shimmers in real life.  This was my first attempt at layering ribbon and I really like the look of it.

I think this will be my last winter card for the season.  I'm ready to start my Valentine's Day cards and pull out some other sets.

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  Our Daily Bread Designs Snowflake Background, Peace & Joy

Paper:  The Paper Company White Metallic, Bashful Blue, Whisper White
Ink:  VersaMark with Silver EP, Bashful Blue
Accessories:  5/8" Opal Gray Satin Ribbon, 3/8" Taffeta Ribbon in Bashful Blue, ODBD Snowflake Die, American Crafts Medium Silver Brads, SU White Pearls, Making Memories Silver Shimmer Flourish Chipboard, Tsukineko Sheer Frost Shimmer Spritz
Techniques:  Embossing, Sponging

ODBD Challenge - Butterfly Faith

I just couldn’t wait to ink up my new Our Daily Bread Designs Butterfly Corner & Faith sets.

The popped up butterfly was sponged with SU’s Barely Banana, Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery, Ballet Blue & Regal Rose.  It turned out to be a perfect match with the Prima Fairy Flora paper.

The sentiment was stamped in Handsome Hunter and embossed with clear EP.  To finish off the card I added some Kaiser Blue Grey Rhinestones to the butterflies.

I am also entering this card in the Our Daily Bread Designs Challenge (something new and something old).  This gorgeous stamp set is new and the Prima Fairy Flora paper is from my stash.

Thank you for stopping to see me today!

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  Our Daily Bread Designs Butterfly Corner, Butterfly & Faith

Paper:  Linen Natural White, Sage Shadow, Prima Fairy Flora Designer Paper, Shimmery White 
Ink:  Images - StazOn Stone Gray; Butterfly - Barely Banana, Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery, Ballet Blue & Regal Rose; Sentiment - Handsome Hunter with Clear EP 
Accessories:  Kaiser Blue Grey Rhinestones, ODBD Butterfly Die 
Techniques:  Embossing, Sponging
Card Size:  4 1/2" x 6 1/4" 

Rocky Mountains

This is one of several Stampscapes scenes I have been working on.  Doesn’t it remind you a little of Denali National Park in Alaska?  I wish I had more time to create these little pieces of artwork.  It really gives me a chance to escape from the real world!

I like the combination of the pristine lake with the mountains in the background which creates a sense of depth.  Did you know you can combine Stampscapes® stamps to create a seamless scene?

If you are interested in scenic stamping I would suggest starting with a Stampscapes® mounted rubber set.  These are the perfect starter sets with flexible images than can be used in a variety of compositions.

Here is a close up of the scene.

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  Stampscapes Rocky Peaks, Lakeside Cove Lg., Tree Duo Lg., Geese in Flight, Oak Branch

Paper:  Old Olive, Garden Green, Shimmery White
Ink:  Going Gray, StazOn Black, Handsome Hunter, Adirondack Willow, Adirondack Citrus, Adirondack Lettuce, Adirondack Bottle, ColorBox Frost White, Distressed Forest Moss
Accessories:  Angel Wings Shimmerz Paint, Post-It Notes
Techniques:  Sponging, Masking

Heart's Delight Blog Candy Winner!

Hi everyone,

It's Monday which means it is time to announce the winner of my blog candy giveaway. Now the news you've been waiting for ...

The winning # using random.org was 30 - MollyD from Miss Molly Creations

Congratulations Molly, please email me your address using the link on my right sidebar and I will get this beautiful Longaberger basket in the mail to you.

Thank you stampers for stopping by to see my projects and for your wonderful comments.  Have a great week!

Winter Themed Projects

I am featuring three winter themed projects using the new BoBunny Midnight Frost Designer Paper.

First up is a skater card which I just love!  SU’s silver cording worked perfectly for the laces.  This stamp set is from Papertrey Ink.

Next is a 3D item; a treat bag using SU Buckaroo Blue and BoBunny Midnight Frost paper.  This is filled with chocolate ... yum!

My last project is a tin filled with delicious herbal teas.  There is nothing like a hot cup of tea in the winter to warm you up!

I’m also offering some blog candy to celebrate (see below)!  All you need to do to enter the drawing is leave me a comment on this post by 12:00 midnight on Sunday, January 9, 2011 letting me know which of my projects you liked the best.

I will select a winner on Monday, January 10, 2011 using random.org and will give the winner 48 hours to contact me via email.  If you prefer, include your email address with your comment and I'll contact you if you're the winner.

Donna's Blog Candy Giveaway:

Longaberger Sweetheart Heart’s Delight Basket
(measuring 3 ¾” l x 3 ¾” w x 3 ½” h) - not including handle height

This basket is handcrafted in the USA with red weaves and a hard board maple bottom for stability.  It features a gorgeous red heart-shaped handle and I will include the matching red WoodCrafts Lid.  Retail value is $53.00.

Wouldn’t you just love to win this basket set for Valentine's Day?

Card Recipe:
Stamps:  Papertrey Ink On Ice
Paper:  Linen Solar White, Buckaroo Blue, BoBunny Midnight Frost Designer Paper, Whisper White
Ink:  StazOn Black, Prismacolor Cool Grey 50% Marker, Marina Mist, VersaMark with Iridescent Ice EP
Accessories:  BoBunny Midnight Frost Jewels & Die-Cut, SU Silver Cording, Skate Die, Nesties Labels Seventeen, Spellbinders Double Ended Tags
Techniques:

Scallop Bag Recipe:
Stamps:  Winter Post
Paper:  Buckaroo Blue, BoBunny Midnight Frost Flurry Designer Paper
Ink:  Basic Black, Copic Powder Blue (B41) Marker, VersaMark with Iridescent Ice EP
Accessories:  1/4" Organdy Ribbon in White, BoBunny Midnight Frost Die-Cut, American Crafts Medium Silver Eyelets, Sizzix Bag w/Scallops Die
Techniques:  3-D Packaging

Herbal Tea Tin Recipe:
Stamps: Papertrey Ink Tea for Two & Tea for Two Additions
Paper: Brushed Silver BoBunny Midnight Frost Flurry Designer Paper, Buckaroo Blue
Ink: Basic Black, VersaMark with Silver EP, Night of Navy Marker
Accessories: 5/8" Blue/Silver Metallic Ribbon, BoBunny Midnight Frost Jewels, Jolee's Boutique Snowflake, PTI Tea for Two Collection & Teacup Dies, Clear Top Hinged Tin, Nesties Labels Eight
Techniques: 3-D Packaging

Windowpane Monarch

I put together a couple of quick thank you cards for Christmas presents I received.  I stamped the Windowpane Monarch in Night of Navy and embossed it with clear embossing powder.  I then sponged Tempting Turquoise & Lovely Lilac on the butterflies and swirls then added PearlEx Duo Blue-Green & Misty Lavender.  You can't see it in this picture, but the butterflies really sparkle.

The sentiment was also stamped in Night of Navy and embossed.

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  Hampton Art Windowpane Monarch, Inkadinkado Thank You

Paper:  White Luster, Almost Amethyst, Shimmery White
Ink:  Night of Navy, VersaMark with Clear EP, Tempting Turquoise, Lovely Lilac
Accessories:  PearlEx Duo Blue-Green & Misty Lavender
Techniques:  Embossing, Sponging
Card Size:  3 1/2" x 5"

Do One Thing Every Day ...

Today's card features the JustRite Kaleidoscope set.  I have embossed the medallion in gold and used SU's new glimmer brads on my jumbo scalloped border.  I think the sentiment on this card is perfect for the start of a new year - "Do One Thing Every Day That Makes You Happy."

Card Recipe:

Stamps:  JustRite Kaleidoscope Set

Paper:  Linen Natural White, Basic Black, Bridesmaid Specialty Designer Paper, Very Vanilla
Ink:  VersMark with Gold EP
Accessories:  5/8" Satin Ribbon in Black, Glimmer Brads, Nesties Classic Large Circles #4, Nesties Classic Small Circles #3, Spellbinders Fancy Tags, Jumbo Scalloped Borders Petite, Craft Concepts Budding Vine Embossing Folder
Techniques:  Embossing