Saturday, April 30, 2011

Last day to enter the GIVEAWAY!

It's the last day to enter my giveaway...




check HERE for all the details on how to enter.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Photo finish!

I've got a commissioned layout that is SO close to being done...I just need to get the picture in there.

Anyway, here it is, ready for that picture:


{The picture is of a precious little baby girl peeking her head out of some blankets}


I haven't quite decided if I want to cut the picture in a circle to flow with the rest of the page or leave it as a rectangle to set it apart.

Decisions, decisions...

{PS - Don't forget to enter my giveaway!}

Supplies:
Cardstock: Core'dinations
Patterned Paper: K & Company {Berry Sweet}
Embellishments: K & Company {Berry Sweet}; Prima {Pearls}
Tools: Fiskars {Round N Round Squeeze Punches - M, L, XL}

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

The Twinery/The {Stamps} of Life: {Blog Hop}

***Looking for my giveaway? Look HERE***


Are you ready for some fun?

The {Stamps} of Life and The Twinery Design Teams are playing together for this hop!


About The Twinery:
Our twine is made from 100% cotton, it's eco-friendly and made in the USA. Whether you're gift wrapping, crafting or tying up baked goods to give to a friend, our baker's twine adds a fresh, yet nostalgic look to any project at hand! Our baker's twine comes in 11 delicious colors and is uniquely twisted against a bright white hue, creating an eye-popping burst of color and a creative embellishment! Our twine has lots of color which lends to a fun, candy-striped look.
For creative ideas & more...visit OUR BLOG!

About The {Stamps} of Life:
We feature high quality, made in the USA, clear stamps and digital stamps/brushes for stampers, card makers and scrapbookers. Feel free to browse our gallery with more than 2500 samples using our stamps, watch our free how-to videos and join our club!

As you make your way through the hop make sure you comment on each and every post.

There will be 4 prize winners chosen randomly among the blogs:

Two winners will win 2 stamp sets of winners choice valued at $12.95. (total retail value: $26.90 per prize) from The {Stamps} of Life
and
Two Colorful Bunch Sampler Packs ($20 value!) from The Twinery!!!



The prize winners will be announced on The {Stamps} of Life and The Twinery blogs on Tuesday May 3rd.

The project I am sharing with you today uses the momogram2build set from The {Stamps} of Life and Caribbean, Honeydew, and Cappuccino twine from The Twinery.


I chose three monogram frames and three sentiments from the stamp set (there are so many combinations you can create!). I then chose three colors of The Twinery's twine and found some ink that coordinated nicely. I wanted to create mini cards that can easily be tucked in a lunch bag or backpack - these stamps were perfect for the job.

Once I stamped, cut, and folded the mini cards I added a little accent of twine from The Twinery. I decided to create a fun box to contain all the little cards, and tied it off with The Twinery's twine. A cute little card set and coordinating packaging - fun and super easy!


The hop list:
The Twinery Blog
The {Stamps}of Life Blog
Jeanne Streiff
Julie Ranae
Deb Felts
Monique Hansen
Vicki Garrett
Monika Wright
Emily Niehaus
Emily Leiphart
Beverly Sizemore
Tifany DeGough <--- That's me!
Joana Studer <--- Go here next
Katrina Hunt
Laura Williams
Jen Carter
Kim Howard
Jenny Suchin
Sheri Twing

Supplies:
Twine: The Twinery {Caribbean, Honeydew, Cappuccino}
Stamps: The {Stamps} of Life {monogram2build}
Ink: Tsukineko {Turquoise Gem, Tea Leaves, Gingerbread}
Cardstock: Core'dinations Gemstones {Turquoise}, Georgia Pacific {White}
Tools: Fiskars {paper trimmer}, Fiskars {1/8" Round Hand Punch}, EK Success: Martha Stewart {scoring board}

Monday, April 25, 2011

Market Street Stamps: Release Week!

***Looking for my giveaway? Look HERE***

It's release week at Market Street Stamps and I get to give you a peek at the Grungy Border background stamp!

This is such a fun background stamp and can be used for cards for guys and girls, and there are many other ways to use this as well. {I think it would look great stamped behind a trimmed photo on a layout to create a fun photo mat.}

Today I've used it to create two cards:


The first card uses four Market Street Stamps sets/stamps : Grungy Border {new!}, Vintage Notepad {new!}, Hippie Chic, and Blast Off.


The second card also uses Grungy Border {new!}, Hippie Chic, and Blast Off.


There are SO many great releases this month from Market Street Stamps!

Stay tuned to the Market Street Stamps blog this week for sneak peeks and then check in at the marketplace this weekend to get your new stamps!
{Once you've got your stamps, be sure to create something for the current challenge - then you can win MORE great stuff!}

Supplies:
Stamps: Market Street Stamps {Grungy Border, Vintage Notepad, Hippie Chic, Blast Off};
Ink: Tsukineko {VersaMagic - Spring Pansy, VersaMagic - Purple Hydrangea}; Ranger {Distress Ink - Fired Brick}; Memento {Tuxedo Black};
Cardstock: Georgia Pacific {white};
Tools: Fiskars {paper trimmer}; EK Success {Martha Stewart - Scoring Board};

You Make Me So Happy

***Looking for my giveaway? Look HERE***

This card features a cute flower text background stamp from Hero Arts and a sentiment stamp from Market Street Stamps. I colored the flowers with my Copic Markers and even made a color matched cardstock for the sentiment {also using my Copics}.
The card base is probably my favorite color ever of Core'dinations cardstock: Meadow.
Isn't it fabulous?


You can find Copics, Hero Arts stamps, Core'dinations cardstock and so much more at A Walk Down Memory Lane.

Supplies:
Cardstock: Coredinations - Meadow
Markers: Copic
Stamps: Hero Arts - Flower Text; Market Street Stamps - Sentiment
Accent: Heidi Swapp - Black Brad

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Two Cards: For The Record

***Looking for my giveaway? Look HERE***

Today I want to share two quick cards - both using Echo Park's For The Record collection.
{If you saw the sketches posted for the Go-to Sketches for Card Makers call you can probably spot right away that I used two of the sketches for these cards.}



As always, you can find Echo Park papers and TONS of other great manufacturers at A Walk Down Memory Lane!

Congrats Card Supplies:
Cardstock: (French Vanilla) Bazzill
Patterned paper: (Lace Stripes & Tablecloth, For The Record collection) Echo Park
Accent: (Nostalgic/tissue tape) Tim Holtz, (Nightfall, Rhinestones) Queen & Co.
Sticker: (Alpha Stickers - border & congrats, For The Record collection) Echo Park
Tool: (scoring board) Martha Stewart, (paper trimmer) Fiskars

Love Love Love Card Supplies:
Cardstock: (French Vanilla) Bazzill
Patterned paper: (Stamp of Approval,For The Record collection) Echo Park, (Advertisement, For The Record collection) Echo Park,
(Delightful Stripe, Springtime collection) Echo Park
Accent: (Yellow Sunshine/pearls) Queen & Co.
Rub-on: (Love love love) Basic Grey
Sticker: (For The Record Sticker) Echo Park
Tool: (craft knife) Fiskars, protractor, (scoring board) Martha Stewart

Friday, April 22, 2011

Mini Gift Set {Notepad, Bookmark, and Twine Wrapped Mini Pencil}

***Looking for my giveaway? Look HERE***

Today on The Twinery's blog I am sharing a quick and easy mini gift set that can be created with a few simple supplies (you can use up your scraps!) and some gorgeous twine from The Twinery.
This would be a great last minute set to tuck in an Easter basket or just to give to brighten someone's day.


You can find more pictures and instructions for creating the set on The Twinery's blog.

I am entering this gift set into the Moxie Fab World The Little Gifts Challenge.

Supplies:
Twine: The Twinery {Caribbean, Honeydew, Pink Sorbet}
Papers: K & Co. {Berry Sweet Paper Pad}
Stamps: Market Street Stamps {So Happy}
Ink: Tsukineko {Midnight Black & Turquoise Gem}
Adhesives: Plaid {Mod Podge}, Ranger {Matte Accents}
Tools: We R Memory Keepers {Crop-A-Dile Big Bite, Corner Chomper}
Other: Staples {Mini Notepad}, IKEA {Mini Pencil}

Thursday, April 21, 2011

How about that giveaway???

In celebration of hitting 200 followers, I thought I ought to have a little giveaway!


There are some 6x6 sheets of Pink Paislee paper, a fun little taste of some of The Twinery's twine, Prima flowers, Maya Road trinket pins, American Crafts ribbon, Autumn Leaves rubons, Magistical Memories chipboard, die cut doilies, felt embellishments, blue dew drop style stones, and seam binding.

In fact, I thought I ought to give away more than one prize...so I will be giving away *two* prize packs! {The second prize pack is not shown, but is almost identical to this one...just with different chipboard shapes.}


And while I am at it, I think I am going to give away a copy of the May/June 2011 issue of Paper Crafts magazine to a *third* winner...how does that sound?


{You can see my projects on pages 48, 51, and 76!}

To enter:
#1 - Make sure you are a follower. {If you aren't already showing as a follower, just click the "Follow" button in the sidebar.}
#2 - Leave a comment. {Be sure to leave a way for me to contact you!}

The details:
The giveaway will be closed at midnight PST on April 30, 2011 and the winners will be announced sometime the following week.
This giveaway is open to US addresses only.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

You Brighten My Day!

There'e a new challenge today over on the Market Street Stamps blog - be sure to check it out!

I created this big tag using the sketch and some fabulous stamps from Market Street Stamps.

I hope you'll play along in the challenge!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Core'dinations {Cloudburst}
Stamps: Market Street Stamps {Simply Stitched Borders, Ain't No Sunshine}
Ink: Tsukineko {Midnight Black}
Papers: K & Co. {Berry Sweet}
Tools: Fiskars {Rectangle Hand Punch}
Twine: The Twinery {Blossom, Lemondrop, Honeydew, Caribbean}

Monday, April 18, 2011

Sweetie Tag

Head on over to the Market Street Stamps blog today to learn more about this tag:


Supplies:
Stamps: Market Street Stamps {Vintage Wallpaper}; Market Street Stamps {Follow Your Heart};
Ink: Tsukineko; Ranger {Tim Holtz Distress Ink};
Cardstock: Bazzill {Tapioca}; Jillibean Soup {Kraft};
Canvas: C&T Publishing;
Button: Autumn Leaves {Foof-a-la};
Other: Ranger {Glossy Accents}

Friday, April 15, 2011

My Core’dinations Creative Frenzy

***Did you check out the Moxie Fab World blog today? One of my cards from the May/June 2011 issue of Paper Crafts magazine is featured today!***


Lately I've been creating a lot of projects using Core'dinations cardstock - today I'll be sharing 3 of those projects.
{You can see another recent project in yesterday's post and more to come in future posts!}

I love using Core'dinations cardstock because it is a nice, heavy weight and stands up to distressing without losing the strength you need to have a sturdy project.
I love all the colors and the fun lines {some of my favorites right now are: Whitewash, Vintage, Gemstones, Black Magic, and Chocolate Box}.
And I love the texture!
I am a big fan of textured cardstock and Core'dinations has a beautifully deep texture.

This gift box combines the Gemstones, Vintage, and Core Essentials cardstock.
I borrowed the color scheme from the patterned paper from My Mind's Eye and knew I wanted some sort of flower on top to go with the flower theme on the paper. Since this is a relatively thin box {1/2"} I wanted a low profile flower, so I did the lollipop style flower.
I added a bit of burlap fabric and burlap cord.
To give the project a little sparkle I added the pleated Gemstones cardstock, lightly sanding it around the folds and edges to help it flow with the rest of the project.
{I love the look of the Gemstones cardstock when it is lightly sanded in places. It still allows the bling to shine through but in a sort of vintage way.}


I started off to create only a gift box, but ended up adding some quick notecards to put inside. The notecards borrow the basic style of the flower on the box, but are created in a simpler form.


I used Scotch Core Essentials cardstock to create the main body of this gift bag and embellished it with a handmade flower. I took the style of the leaves printed on the patterned paper and mimicked those in the leaves that I hand cut to embellish the box. I love the effect that the two tones of cardstock created in the leaves.


I also created a set of four cards. The colors and the doily die cut elements are what tie the set together, but the style of each card varies. I was going for a very homemade feel to the cards, so I hand wrote each of the sentiments.


Here's a closer peek at each of the cards in the set:

I used the doily die in this card not only for the doily accents, but also to make that flower. I sanded bits and pieces to give it a distressed look.


{And it has a little surprise pocket inside for a gift card!}


Here I scored my own designs into the cardstock and sanded it to bring out the designs:


I layered in some torn strips on the front of the card and distressed the card base for a great worn look.


The star of this show is the torn edges on all those fun colors of Core'dinations cardstock. And of course there was some extra distressing, too. LOVE that Color Core!



Stay tuned to my blog as there will be more Core'dinations projects coming next week.

Thanks for stopping by today!


Box and Notecard Set Supplies:
Cardstock: {Vanilla Cream, Turquoise [Gemstones], Emberglow, and an unknown greenish color...a little lighter than Meadow} Core'dinations
Papers: {So Sophie: In Love - Splendid Surroundings} My Mind's Eye
Other: {Avignon - green tape} 7gypsies, {Tiny Attacher & Tiny Staples} Tim Holtz,{Ivory Rope Twisted Burlap} May Arts, burlap fabric

Gift Bag Supplies:
Cardstock: {Scotch, Amazon, Leapfrog} Core'dinations
Papers: {Gertie 6x6 Pad} My Mind's Eye
Tools: {Labels 15} Spellbinders, {Scoring Board} Martha Stewart
Other: Wooden button, Dark brown twine

Card Set Supplies:
Cardstock: {Vanilla Cream, Katydid, Aegean, Sun Coral, and an unknown orangey color...a little lighter than Tangerine} Core'dinations
Papers: {Mabel 6x6 Pad} My Mind's Eye
Tools: {Scalloped Sentiment Border Punch, Upper Crest Border Punch, Notebook Border Punch} Fiskars, {Scoring Board} Martha Stewart, {Floral Doily Motifs} Spellbinders
Writing Instruments: {Pigma Micron 05 - Brown} Sakura

My projects today were inspired by some of the recent challenges in the Moxie Fab World: Card Sets Challenge, Gift Card Holder Challenge, and the Gift Wrap Challenge.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Fashion Forward {Unity}

This tag is for the current Unity challenge.
{Current for another hour and a half, at least...I am cutting it close here!}

I may come back later and add a little more information , but for now here are pictures of my tag - colors and some elements {especially the red frame} inspired by the Tuesday Trigger {Moxie Fab World} and the theme inspired by the Unity "Fashion Forward" challenge.




Supplies:
Cardstock: {Aqueduct, Butter Churn [Whitewash]} Core'dinations
Ink: {Red Magic, Turquoise Gem, Thatched Straw} Tsukineko
Stamps: {Tea Time Pattern, Be Mine - With Love [frame], Be Mine - I Adore You [butterfly, crown]} Unity Stamp Co.
Mists: {Perfect Pearls Mists [turquoise, sunflower sparkle]} Ranger
Other: Gold beading wire, paper doily, button, seam binding
Tools: {Scissors} Fiskars

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Release Day!

***Don't forget to check my etsy shop for an AMAZING deal on Stickles {hint: $1.25 per bottle!} and a huge stash of ribbon!***
>>Click here to go to my etsy shop<<

Today is the official release date for the May/June 2011 issue of Paper Crafts magazine.


I've had it in my hands for about a week now and it is a FABULOUS issue!

{I do have to say that my favorite projects are on pages 48, 51, and 76!}

I thought about giving you a peek at one of my cards from the issue, but instead I am going to show you something MUCH cuter - my daughter's version of one of my cards!
{She's 7 and can draw better than this, but you have to see my original card on page 51 to see why she did this.}




She took it one step further than I did...how cute is this?


You can get a little peek at the card that inspired Lacie in this post on the Paper Crafts Connection blog. {It's the one right beneath the light switch in the group photo at the end of the post.}

You can find the pattern for my "Apron Gift Card Holder" {page 48} here.

Thanks for stopping by today...have a fabulous day!

***Edited to add: I just noticed the "followers" count is currently at 199! Will you be the one to put it in the 200's? Please do! I think I feel a giveaway comin' on!

Thursday, April 7, 2011

So Very Happy

Today's card features papers from Basic Grey:


And...BONUS! Here's a sketch to go along with it:


As always, you can get the supplies you need to create this card {& much more} at A Walk Down Memory Lane!

Supplies:
Papers: Basic Grey - Basics Manila 6x6 Pad; Basic Grey - Sugared Paper Pad
Stamps: Basic Grey - Delta Stamps {Happy}
Ink: Tsukineko - Jumbo Java
Markers: Copic - V01
Dies/Cutting Tools: We R Memory Keepers - Corner Chomper {1/2" Round}; Spellbinders - Labels Fifteen {15}
Other: Wooden Button; Brown Twine

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

You might be interested to know...

I've got two fun announcements to share today:



The first is from Market Street Stamps:

Hey Market Street Fans - we hear what you're sayin'! You are lovin' our new stamps and you don't care who knows it! Well, what if I told you we were going to give you the opportunity to WIN our next three releases just by placing a qualifying order in the next three weeks? That's right, we're going to GIVE away FREE stamps - here's how:

From now until April 25th, you will earn one entry into the contest with every order you place (minimum purchase before shipping is $10).

Earn an extra entry for every person you refer who makes a qualifying purchase during the promotional time period.
So tell your friends! The more people you refer, the more chances to win you will get! All your referrals have to do is list your name (first and last name) in the comments box at checkout saying you referred them.

So - what exactly are you entering to win? How about....

Grand Prize: All the new Market Street Stamps releases for the next 3 months (April, May and June releases). Approximate retail value of over $150! (Does not include any releases from La Tiendita).

1st Runner Up: Winner will receive a $25 store credit

2nd Runner Up: Winner will receive a $15 store credit

Most Referrals: The entire April release from Market Street Stamps. Approximate retail value of over $50! (Does not include any releases from La Tiendita.)

*Only one prize per household. Winners will be contacted via email.*

Does that sound fun or what? Don't forget to let your Tweeps and Facebook friends know - most referrals WINS our April Release!!

Good luck everyone!



The second is from A Walk Down Memory Lane:

A Walk Down Memory Lane Manufacturer contest for April

Basic Grey "Spring is Here"

Create a layout using 60% of Basic Grey products - you can use any BG collection and products

* Upload your layout to the Gallery under Spring is Here contest category by midnight on April 30th
* 1 Layout per person
* Submit you creation by posting your creation in the gallery then link it back here
* To upload into the gallery you must register in the gallery first.
* The entery must be new and not entered in other contests or challenges
* Winner will be announced on May 5th
* Winner will recieve a GC from AWDML

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Girly Robo Star

Today on the Market Street Stamps blog:


Supplies:
Stamps: Market Street Stamps {Robo Star}; Market Street Stamps {Blast Off};
Ink: Tsukineko {Jumbo Java};
Papers: Lily Bee Design {Happily Lost 6x6 Paper Pad}; Basic Grey {Basics Manila 6x6 Paper Pad}
Ribbon: American Crafts;
Pen: Sakura {Pigma Micron 05 - Brown};
Dies: Spellbinders {Labels Fifteen};

Monday, April 4, 2011

Best Wishes

Here's a quick card today - very simple, but I like how it turned out:



Be sure to stop by the AWDML store for all your crafting supplies!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Bazzill - Lemondrop;
Papers: October Afternoon - Fly a kite "Sprinklers"; October Afternoon - Schoolhouse "Pink Eraser";
Stamps: Market Street Stamps {Clear} - Simply Stitched Borders - Zig Zag Stitches;
Ink: ColorBox {Chalk} - Yellow Citrus;
Accents: Queen & Co. Pearls: Yellow Sunshine; Basic Grey Rub Ons: "Best Wishes";
Tools: Fiskars Border Punch: Scalloped Sentiment; Fiskars Hand Punch: 1/8" circle; We R Memory Keepers Corner Chomper: Deco Punch; Fiskars Trimmer; Fiskars Scissors;

Friday, April 1, 2011

Hey, Friend!

Today is the beginning of another month, which means new featured manufacturers at A Walk Down Memory Lane!

This month we are highlighting Basic Grey and Hero Arts!
Here's a card I creating using products from Basic Grey:


And a little sketch to go along with it:



Supplies:
Papers: Basic Grey - Nook & Pantry {Dishes}; Basic Grey - Sultry 6x6 Pad; Basic Grey - Mellow 6x6 Pad
Stamps: Basic Grey - Delta Stamps {Friend}
Ink: Tsukineko - Jumbo Java
Dies/Cutting Tools: Fiskars - Round N Round Squeeze Punch; We R Memory Keepers - Corner Chomper {Stub}
Other: Washi Tape; Vintage Ticket; Sakura Pigma Micron 05 {Brown}