Paula's Ponderings

Why didn't I freaking think of this earlier?

2012-02-08T05:58:00.000-08:00

Why didn't I think of this earlier? Thank you TLC for the tv show Extreme Coupons. Since Kevin and I have been working on our small business, things are um...financially tight...LOL. It seems we are feast or famine and when we feast we are trying to catch up from our famine...and so the circle goes. Winter is our slow time, add Christmas and less business and let's say YIKES! So I happened to see a promo on the tv show Extreme Coupons, dvr'd it and let's just say the rest is his.tory!

So I'm what I would call a small time extreme couponer, I don't leave the store with $1,000's of free product, but I do get enough to last us awhile until our next sale comes around and I find some fab deals, I remember how stressed I would be to walk into the store and just barely afford the essentials. I can now walk in, get the essentials and then some. On average I save 40 to 50 percent on our budget. I spend about 4 hours a week, clipping, printing, and organizing. I am self taught. Here's some tips I have found along the way:

Facebook keeps me up to date on the latest printable coupons and freebies and deal ideas. I love "liking" the sites My Frugal Adventures, Extreme Coupon Professors, Coupon Divas and Coupon Mom.

Don't delay in printing a coupon, it might be gone by the time you get back around to it, espeically the high value coupons

Most coupons you can print a max of 2X

When shopping, keep your eyes peeled for promotions. For example, Malt O Meal had smaller bags of cold cereal on special for $1...I bought 3 and then went home and discovered on their website they had coupons $1 off of 3... I printed all the coupons I could and went back and bought cereal for .77 a bag... what a deal!

When checking out, watch the cashier and your coupons like a hawk, sometimes the coupons don't come off and it's up to you to call it out...

Men cashiers are less apt to scrutinize your coupons and more go with the flow about the whole thing.

I buy 10 newspapers per week, I get 5 papers from 2 different cities (no I don't travel to them, I just pick them up at Walmart), I get my cost back plus some on my first transaction of the week for my newspapers.

When clipping coupons from the same flyer, I dismantle the flyers, stack them together, then I staple them and THEN I cut the coupons out...I then have little coupon books of the same coupon, so I'm not cutting out the same coupon 10X...just once...and it's easy to file in my binder!

Ok enough tips...let's check out my stuff I got for under $1 this week!

Colgate Toothpaste, Walmart is having a stock up promo for .94/tube. I had a coupon for .50 off 4 oz or larger...making these .54 each!

Colgate Toothbrushes, same promo, coupon was for .40 off, making these .64 each

Kikkoman soy sauce, Walmart regular price $1.74, $1.00 off coupon = .74 each

Blade mens body spray, on clearance at CVS for $1.65 each, I had a 1.85 coupon off of 2, making them .73/each!

Right Guard Deodarnt, on clearance at CVS for $1.14, they were having a promo of buy 2 deodorants and get 2 Extra Care Bucks (coupons good for anything in the CVS store on your next purchase), so they cost me .14 EACH!

Now for the FREEBIES...actually the stores PAID ME TO BUY THESE!

Vaseline Lotion, Walmart price .96 each, coupon of $1 off each... overage of .04!
Speedstick, (my find of the week)! CVS was having a sale $1.99 each and if you bought $12 in speedstick products they would give you $6 in Extra Care Bucks back... I had coupons for buy one get one free (now I initially thought I was gettng these for $1 each BUT when I checked out my coupon rang up to $3.99, making these not only free, but a $6 MONEY MAKER!)
Not pictured but also free, Snickers Valentines Candy, 2/$1 at Walgreens, Coupon $1 off 2, making them FREE
Scotchbrite sponges... .96 at Walmart, Coupon for $1 off...making them free plus overage of .04!

So these are the deals I found THIS week... So just in freebies alone I got $53 in product! WOW, that covered the cost of my papers and some... and the left over deodorant I'm going to gift to some college kids we know...

Horse Cake

2011-08-21T06:28:00.000-07:00

Ok, so far, this is by far, my favorite cake I've done... Horse related, pink, cute...yeah...so me...this was for my 10 year old lesson client... it's a replica of her horse... she was thrilled with it!

Murphy's Law - I got a good dose!

2011-08-12T06:06:00.000-07:00

So I was lamenting over stupid comment someone said that made me feel bad, I decided to just go about my day...no reason to get bogged down by stupidity, right?
So while Kevin is warming up a horse for a client to ride, I sat making small talk with her and her mother, then all of a sudden the SKY FELL ON MY HEAD! I heard a scream (not my own) and was covered in bird poop, eggs (ouch! one broke) and hay....a bird's nest had fallen from the ceiling of our indoor arena... gag! So a quick change and wash up later, we're good to go.
I get a text "will you make a cake for Claire for this weekend's horse show?" Panic sets in...I'm already obligated to 2 other cakes, 6 dozen cookies and we have a barn full of horses to prep (i.e. LONG hours), but they DID just BUY a horse through us, and she's 9 and CUUUUTE...how CAN I say no? I mean really? and her mom is so nice...so sigh...I agree... and of course they choose flavors I don't have the ingredients for... so it's 9:30ish p.m. and we decide to make a Wal-Mart run. I shower, throw on my new shorts and I'm good to go...run all over Wal-Mart and get back into our truck just to realize that the size sticker was stuck to my butt and ran half way down my leg! Sigh...at least I most likely blended right in...LOL

and psst...I've got a blog just for Cookies and Cakes.... Cookie Couture (take a look)

Seriously, how cute is this?

2011-07-29T04:01:00.000-07:00

Occassionally my mother in law finds something I didn't know I just absolutely had to have until she gives it to me. Now I have to admit that my chihuahua Bella is her favorite out of all of our dogs...and what can I say... Bella has won a photo contest for most adorable (thanks to her other grandma...she's a popular girl!). Anyway, every girl needs a great and stylish suitcase...especially if the most thing you need is your own stylish doggie dishes! LOL...ha .. LOVE IT!

It's Cookie Mania Month...

2011-07-28T04:50:00.000-07:00

So I've been a little busy in the kitchen...and I still have a cake to finish! :)

These cookies are for the cake...the cake is for a tomato farmer...

What they DON'T mention about Horse Show Judging

2011-07-25T06:25:00.000-07:00

For the last 3 or so years, I have embarked on a new adventure...the adventure of Horse Show Judging. Now it's mostly just open shows and the county fairs (I am not what is considered a "carded" judge, so I can't judge breed shows), but here's what they don't tell you when you first start judging.
One of the perks of judging is that you're like the bride and her wedding, they can't start without you and you've got people running around seeing after you (do you need a water? what do you think about this? Should we do that?)...it's fabulous...really...makes one feel VERY important.
But also being the bride, err judge, is that you can't make everyone happy all the time, like 4-H parents. Boy they can come on with a vengence if they feel their child was "wronged", and usually the parents of the unjustly "wronged" child are ususally the most clueless ones of all and want to argue about the most trivial things, when in all reality, had they read the RULE BOOK they wouldn't be arguing with the judge in the first place. These are also the parents that wonder WHY you don't have eyes in the back of the head to see one of the winners that had a mistake behind your back!
They also don't tell you...the show NEVER EVER starts on time...doesn't matter if the judge arrives 1 hour or 10 minutes prior...the show is at least ALWAYS 10 minutes behind schedule!
The judge has the extreme power of making a show go quickly or dragging it on (for what seems like days to some).
The judge also is taking their life into their own hands...don't believe me? Try standing in the arena with 20 out of control 4-Hr's running their horses almost on top of you (and then TRY to place the class).
They also don't tell you that it's not as hot as you'd think...and time passes quickly...it's midnight already? really?
Most of the time you are up as early or earlier than the exhibitors to arrive (they usually hire "semi" local judges...like 1 to 2 hours away)
Yeah, judging has some pitfalls, trials and tribulations...I still like it...must be all that "power"...ha!

Barbie Cake and Cookies to match!

2011-07-21T05:48:00.000-07:00

Got an order from a friend for a Barbie cake...pink and purple...now what little girl doesn't LOVE Barbie? I loved mine when I was a child, although I found them frustrating because they couldn't straddle my Breyer horses...Barbie was always askew! LOL The fondant roses are covering a major seam...although I think it added a nice touch... I also glittered the whole cake with edible glitter. The cake is chocolate with white buttercream.

And here are the cookies to go with the cake... I was told pink, purple and zebra striped. So I did purses, shoes, lipstick, nail polish bottles, sunglasses, birthday cakes, balloons and a few funky flowers... hope they love it!

Cookie Creations

2011-07-19T09:39:00.000-07:00

The word has spread...and I'm getting more and more orders for sugar cookies...and cakes too... here are a few of my latest "batches"

Cookies for a bridal shower....
Cookies for a graduation (they wanted a "princess" theme)...loved writing her name...all those loopes! It was my understanding that the graduate guarded the cookies so she could have some later...LOL... apparently she didn't guard heavily enough...they were all gone!

I was talking with my mom on the phone the other day... and we were discussing "diet" issues... and she said to me, "I'm surprised you have to watch your weight as active as you are"... LOL.. well, I DO have to sample EACH BATCH of cookies that goes out of here...LOL... Too bad they don't make calorie free butter and sugar....mmmmmm.... makes me yearn for a cookie...LOL

Papertrey Ink Contest

2011-02-05T04:53:00.000-08:00

Papertrey Ink is having a contest wanting you to pick your favorite PTI project from last year...here's one I haven't shared yet, that really is actually my favorite...I like the simplicity of it...

I gave this card and a star cookie to each of our horse training clients at our annual banquet...it was a lot of fun to make...and everyone kept asking me if I "made" these...LOL...anyway...this is one of my favorite project of 2010!

Sweet Beginnings

2011-02-04T08:26:00.001-08:00

Dh's cousin and his wife recently had a preemie...so their road has been worriesome and exhausting! They do finally have their little precious, bundle of joy at home, however now the long nights of feedings comes into play...so to make at least a few nights a little sweeter I sent them over a platter of some of these:

So I've found yet another hobby....oh the sweet goodness

2011-02-03T10:25:00.000-08:00

Now, what pray tell, could I have gotten myself it as of yet....yummy sugar cookies! I always HATED making sugar cookies, the flour, the rolling, the mess and then the icing and everything getting sticky...ICK! I've found a NEW recipe, where rolling the dough with flour is unnecessary (roll it between two sheets of wax paper and the refrigerate it), so much neater...and I've purchased rolling pin rings! So much easier to get even dough! Anyway, I've had a great time with another creative outlet!

Blog Candy Winner!

2011-01-24T04:28:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all who participated...and now... our winner, picked with the Random Generator (sorry I don't know how to screen capture)

Lois aka Kate's Mom

Congratulations and thank you again for all who stopped by!

Made with Heart Blog Hop

2011-01-21T06:22:00.000-08:00

Welcome to another stop on the Made with Heart Blog Hop...if this is your first place to stop, why not go back to the beginning with Kirstin? I'm sure you'll be impressed!
I've got several projects to show you today, so I hope you enjoy...
My first project is a Valentines Day card, using the same stamp set I'm giving away this weekend (hint hint), so be sure to check out my ENTIRE post to see how YOU can have a chance to win this lovely set by Martha Stewart. This card encompasses a vine of roses on a trellis...I just love how this looks, these roses were quilled and are super easy to make! The vine is actually ribbon I purchased from Papertrey Ink...I just love how this turned out!...keep scrolling down...

Now is you have someone sweet but either is on a diet or doesn't have a sweet tooth, why not purchase a pen, a silk flower and some florist's tape and make theym a pretty pen? I topped this off with a pretty bow too!

Now I've got a fun project that the kids can help you with...a conversation hearts IPOD... This was a super easy project and you can find the instructions for it here...

And last but not least....the blog CANDY...leave me a comment with a favorite Valentine's Day memory you have.... and now onto your next hop... go see JENNY! (link fixed)

Made with Heart Blog Hop

2011-01-17T03:21:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for some great Valentine's Day ideas? Starting this Saturday January 21, our Valentine's Day blog hop begins with 16 stops along the way....with prizes of course! Be sure to drop on by for all the fun!

My Cake Obsession, Cake Pops

2011-01-11T03:17:00.000-08:00

As some of you may know, I have a new obsession...all things cake! Which is rough on the ol' diet! However, I have a "share" today (not one of my own)...in case you've been hiding under a rock for the past few years, cake balls are one of the hottest growing "cake" trends going. You can make them into these adorable cake "pops" (or cake on a stick). I made these for the first time this year and my husband swears they are like ding dongs on steroids! LOL

The best directions I have found is on Bakerella's blog (view her photo below) PLUS she has a new book called Cake Pops...love love love it!

Below is the book...I ordered my book off of amazon (and the photo below should take you right to amazon), however I have seen "briefly" these books in Wal*Mart...I say briefly because they have flown off the shelves! The book is VERY detailed with the instructions.....and such cute projects!
Ok, really, I'm getting to my point. Now I've made several of these cake pops, but have always had trouble making the cupcake looking pop... it never turns out they way I want...sigh... but wait no more, there is a new MOLD that makes it a ...well...piece of cake! LOL (drumroll please). You can purchase these molds at MyLittleCupcakePop.com. That site also has a video tutorial and a NO Bake cake pop recipe as well as a blog with adorable ideas...

So for those looking for a fun valentine's project for the kids or maybe just for yourselves...check it out... these are such fun...and a big favorite around my house!

Stamptacular sunday Challenge: Sketch

2011-01-10T05:35:00.000-08:00

I decided to join in on the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge this week...and their challenge this week is a sketch (shown below) Below is my take on the sketch...I decided to keep this clean and simple, easier to mail :) Thanks for looking!

Recipe:

Stamps: Papertrey Ink: Cupcake Collection, Signature Greetings
Paper: Hobby Lobby
Punch: Martha Stewart Arched Lattice
Die: Spellbinders Labels 4
Ink: CTMH Watermelon, Memento Tuxedo Black
Other: K & Company Heart Stickers

Papertrey Ink meet Cake

2010-11-22T18:14:00.001-08:00

Now as some of you may know...I'm a Papertrey Ink junkie...they are my "go to" sets...and what do I do when I'm stumped for ideas for decorating a cake...go hide out in my rubber room and get inspired... and that's what Papertrey Ink's "Wreath for all Seasons" did...inspired my Thanksgiving cake below. This is a devil's food cake, the chocolate buttercream icing and a rasperry jam filling (TIP: to get a jam type filling to setup nicely, 1st make a ring of icing about 1/4" from the cake's edge, being sure that it is a completely solid ring. 2nd ADD a box of jello that is the same flavor as your jam. I used seedless raspberry (Smuckers) and added a box of raspberry jello... I micorwaved the jam for 60 seconds, stirred and then continued microwaving in 30 second increments until the jam was liquidy...I then poured it all into a bowl, added the jello and then put approximately 1/2 on the cake. I then put the cake in the refer for about 15 - 20 minutes...long enough for the jam to solidify some, I then added the second layer). I then iced my cake with buttercream icing and then I melted some chocolate candy wafers and piped my grapevine wreath on top. I then melted some red candy wafers and made my "berries". Then I added my shell border. Thanks for joining me today!

Cupcake Bouquet

2010-11-21T17:01:00.001-08:00

When I saw this on one of my favorite cake decorator sites (cakecentral.com), I had to recreate it...and let me tell you this is impressive and ssoooooooo easy... I'll give written directions here, but for those that have fast internet here's the You Tube instuctions, it's super easy! You'll need:
Flower Pot
1/2 ROUND styrofoam ball
Toothpicks
Approximately 5 Cupcakes decorated like roses (use tip 1M for frosting)
Greenery
Wire cutters (for greenery)

Place styrofoam ball in flower pot, rounded side up, making sure the top is even with the top of the pot.
Place 2 toothpicks in the center and top of the styrofoam ball, giving them an inch or two in spacing...this is what you'll put the cupcake on...
Repeat this going around the ball, spacing your toothpicks out for the cupcakes
Now, starting with one of the sets of toothpicks on the side, pull out, put toothpicks 1/2 in cupcake and then place cupcake with toothpicks back into the styrofoam ball with the holes you just made. Repeat with the remaining cupcakes, ENDING with the cupcake on top.
Fill in the spaces with the greenery, trimming as needed.
Done!

Diaper Daze...

2010-11-01T17:17:00.000-07:00

Ok, true enough, this is yet "another" cake...but it's a DIAPER CAKE...non-edible...LOL.... I just LOVE making these...I'm always excited when I hear about a mommy-to-be...I start planning my diaper cake post haste! Then I wait on pins and needles to find out girl or boy and nursery decor. This cake in particular I'm not at all sure about Nursery decor, but who doesn't LOVE a teddy bear?

The particular cake below is called a BOUTIQUE DIAPER CAKE and you can find FREE INSTRUCTIONS HERE. The reason I PREFER Boutique diaper cakes is because they are quicker to make and the diapers don't have to be rolled, making it easier for the parents to use later on. My particular cake here uses 3 different cake pan sizes...12", 8", and 6" (and I didn't pack the 6" too full so I could "squeeze" it a little smaller.)
There is a dowl rod going through the center of all the cakes for stability and the teddy bear is attached with a rubber band around his hand that goes around the dowl rod...I then tucked a foot underneath the 2nd layer of the cake to keep him stable...once the diaper cake is put into shrink basket wrap and shrunk he will be securely in place. I also added some silk flowers as a topper...I collect inexpensive silk flowers through out the year for just such purposes...I also like to wrap with them too instead of bows...so pretty!
A view from the top looking down....

No Tricks, Just Treats...

2010-10-30T17:37:00.000-07:00

Here's some "pump-cakes" that I made for the clients at the barn...chocolate cake with buttercream icing with Twizzler stems... they went quickly (both making AND eating!). Hope you Halloween is Hauntingly fun!

Oh Sweet Goodness...I'm still here...

2010-10-29T04:02:00.000-07:00

I know I've been a bit absent here from blogland lately...life moves fast. Our horse business has been keeping me hopping, this is the busiest "slow" season we've ever had...every stall is filled...usually I have a lot of down time this time of year...not this year! LOL
However, I did find yet "another" passion besides playing with paper...I decided on a whim to take a cake decorating class at the local vocational school... turns out it's pretty darn fun, and I'm not too bad at it for a green novice...in fact my instructor keeps asking me if I'm sure I haven't done this before...LOL... So anyway, below is a few of my "projects"...
Below is the inspiration for the cake below it...this is one my clients show outfits... she's 15 and has been begging me to make her a cake...so I did...keep scrolling... And here's her cake...not too bad since it was my first non-homework cake...she loved it!

Below is my "practice" cake...I need to practice my roses...

Stamptacular Sunday: Seasons Change

2010-09-26T03:00:00.000-07:00

This week at the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge our challenge was to create a card using colors of FALL! Our sponsor this week is Magnolicious who has graciously donated the prize below. I decided to go pumpkin on my, I have spied my first pumpkins showing up at the local stores and farmers market around here and it put me in the "pumpkin" mood! I started with my sentiment stamped it, I then stamped my basket of pumpkins and cut it out on another sheet. I then drew a box using a ruler and then layered my pumpkins and pumpkin basket around my new frame. I then layered it with my ribbon. I then decided to add some pumpkin tendrils by using wire that I had wrapped around a skewer.

Recipe:

Stamps: PTI Vintage Picni, CC Designs Autumn Sentiments
Paper: K & Company Fall Harvest
Copic: YG 03, 06, 07 YR 04, 07 Y17
Punch: EK Success Dotted Lace Border
Die: Nestabilities Scallop Rectangle
Embossing: Cuttlebug Swiss Dots
Other: Silk Ribbon, Floral Wire

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Grid

2010-09-19T03:19:00.000-07:00

This week on the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge, our challenge was to make a card with a grid on it. I decided to do a modern grid card, and you can find directions how I achieved this look here. Our sponsor this week is:

First I stamped my sofa and table and then I drew my grid on my card...my squares are 1/2" each. I then colored every other square with copics and did some slight shading. Then I added my sentiment and ribbon...this was such a fun and easy card to create...I can't wait to see what you come up with...Recipe:

Stamps: PTI On My Couch
Ink: SU Pretty in Pink
Paper: Scraps
Other: Copics, Nestabilities Labels 4, Pearl, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder Textiles, Organza Ribbon

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Sketch

2010-09-12T03:00:00.000-07:00

This week on the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge our challenge was a sketch...I just love sketches, takes so much guess work out of the design... I personally collect sketches for inspiration for future use...I just copy and past my sketch to a document, print it out and 3 hole punch it into my card sketch binder (I also have a scrapbook sketch binder too).

Anyway, this week our sponsor is one of my fav's:

Mo Manning of Mo's Digital Pencil Too

Prize: $15 gift certificate

I adore her images...as you can see below...such fun! I used one of Mo Manning's images for this sweet little birthday card...I love this little baby holding the bear...so sweet!

Recipe:

To come later...I'm at a horse show and must look up some of the items I used...sorry....

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Distress It

2010-09-05T02:53:00.000-07:00

This week on the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge our challenge was to Distress our item via any means possible...ink it, sand it, crumple it, wrinkle it...what a fun fun challenge!

Our sponsors this week are

My Favorite Things (who graciously donated the DT's stamps for the project)

Prize: $25 Gift Certificate

and

Meljen's Designs

Prize: 4 Digital Images

My card this week card this week uses an image from a line called Pure Innocence, the stamp is called "Are we there yet" which can be found at My Favorite Things. I just adore this line...I love the adorable, yet simple images in this line.

For my distressing I decided to ink my edges of the card, of the flourishes, and I also decided to distress the white cardstock by sanding and piercing.... giving it a more aged look. I also decided to pull out my colored pencils and Gamsol and color this little gal in, although I did use Copics for her skin. This was such a fun little card to put together...thanks for joining me today, I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Recipe:
Stamp: Pure Innocence Are we there yet
Paper: Joann's and Paper Studio
Other: Pearls, Flower Sticker by K & Co, button by CTMH, lace, piercer, ink, Copics, Colored Pencils, Gamsol, Maya Road pins, Sizzix Die Flourishes, Jewelry Tag

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Pretty in Pink

2010-08-28T03:50:00.000-07:00

This week at the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge is a color challenge...and my favorite to create in...PINK! Our challenge was to make a creation using Pink! You can use black or pink as a background, but the main color of your creation must be PINK... love it!
Our sponsor this week is Magnoliacious and that graciously donated the Magnolia stamp below.

Ever see something in a magazine and you just "have to recreate it"? I saw these wonderful masks for Halloween in this month's Scrapbooks Etc. and I've been on a mission to recreate it them...in my own way of course! So I used their template, found HERE, and shrunk it (it is about 1/4 of the size) to put on my card... I stamped it, blinged it up and used 1 feather to give it a little flair. I then added a little star wand that was a party favor (6 for $1 at Dollar Tree) and added a bow to that. I then layed the whole thing on crepe paper that I ran a stitch through and gathered lightly. I then put everything on my paper that is stitched and then added my little tickets in the corner. I'm so glad you could join me today...I can't wait to see what PINK thing you come up with!

Recipe:

Stamps: Papertrey Ink Just the Ticket and Fancy Flourishes

Ink: CTMH Bubblegum and Memento Tuxedo

Die: Papertrey Ink Just the Ticket

Paper: Paper Studio

Other: Wand via Dollar Tree, Organza Ribbon, Crepe Paper, Thread, Feather, Rhinestones, Feather

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Twos Better Than One

2010-08-22T03:30:00.000-07:00

This week at the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge our challenge was to use TWO STAMPED images on our project, a perfect time to use the masking technique, if you so choose.
Our sponsor this week is Simon Says Stamp and they are donating a $25 gift certificate to the winner of this weeks challenge. For my card this week, I decided to use one of my new stamp sets from Papertrey Ink, Up, Up and Away. I just love these balloons...so pretty... and I decided to color them blue, but that left me with a slight problem...the background paper was blue...what was a girl to do? I decided to make a sun, that would be enough variation and I started with just the yellow circle...not wanting to cut up millions of bits of ribbon I decided to adhere some folded crepe paper for my sun's rays...and I think it came out pretty cute...thanks for joining me today, I can't wait to see what you've created this week!

Recipe:

Stamp: Papertrey Ink Up, Up and Away
Die: Papertrey Ink Cloud
Other: Glitter, Paper Piercer, Crepe Paper, Copics, Pop Dots

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge DT Members Wanted

2010-08-18T06:04:00.000-07:00

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge Blog is looking for New DT Members! I must say this an absolutely fantatstic group of ladies. If you think you could be interested in becoming a DT member click on the link above...

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Buttons and Bows

2010-08-15T03:00:00.000-07:00

This week on the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge our challenge was to use Buttons and Bows! What fun! Our winner for our challenge this week will receive a $20 gifter certificate from:

For my card this week I decided to use another Pure Innocence Stamp called My Balloon...I just love this line! This little girl is so adorable and instead of using the actual balloon I replaced it with my colorful button...kind of a fun little play! Thanks for joining me today, I can't wait to see what you come up with!Recipe:

Stamps: Pure Innocence My Balloon, Papertrey Ink Basics Dots and Just the Ticket
Other: Memento Ink, Button, Thread, Organza Ribbon, Love Charm, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Snips and Snails

2010-08-07T03:00:00.000-07:00

This week on the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge our challenge was to create a card or project that was just for boys! It can be anything as long as you stamp it and it's for boys.

Our sponsor this week is My Favorite Things with a $25 gift certificate to the winner...if you haven't shopped there you should go take a look around...it's one of my fav's!

Now onto my card, when I tend to go boy or masculine I tend to go clean and simple...men kind of frown on frilly flowers and bling, bling...LOL... When I saw this little doggie in the My Favorite Things store I knew I just had to have him... he looks JUST LIKE my little Chihuahua Bella...and well since I can't resist spoiling her rotten, how could I resist an image that looks just like her?

I colored in my little dog with Copics and layered him and then I decided I wanted to add a dog collar, unfortunately the photo does NOT do my collar justice! I then added my little ticket sentiment and added a little dog bone punch piece from a punch I hadn't used in YEARS (and I'm not kidding...I think it is one of the first punches ever made! LOL)

Thanks for joining me today, I can't wait to see what you come up with!
Recipe:

Stamps: MFT Puppy Chow, PTI Tickets
Paper: DCWV Pet Stack
Other: Nestabilities Buckles, Grosgrain Ribbon, Dog Bone Charm, Dog Bone Punch

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Out of this World!

2010-08-01T03:00:00.000-07:00

This week on the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge the challenge is to create a card or project that has spaceships, aliens, robots, fairies or anything else that is from another world! This can be anything "Make Believe"...

Our sponsors this week are:

SPONSOR: Di's Digi Downloads

PRIZE: Winner's choice of FIVE digis!

and

SPONSOR: Meljen's Designs

PRIZE: Winner's choice of FOUR digis!

For my card this week, I decided on a space theme. I just love this little girl astronaut and her spaceship...so cute! I really wanted to do a "moon" and the spaceship blasting away, so I cut out the moon with my Nestabilities, stamped on the it and THEN embossed it...then I added a little bling to it... Such fun! I also added the polka dotted paper as the background as it reminded me of stars in space... Thanks for joining me today, I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Recipe:

Digital Image: My Graphico
Stamps: PTI Fancy Flourishes, Sentiment by Studio G
Paper: Paper Studio
Other: Nestabilities Square, Scalloped Square, Circle, Labels 4, Cuttlebug Spots and Dots Embossing Folder, Pop Dots, Copics, Memento Ink

Stamptacular Sunday: Christmas...in July?

2010-07-25T03:00:00.000-07:00

This has been one super hectic week for me, I had 3 horse show judging jobs and in between running back and forth to the show that my husband and clients are at...and the heat index has been about 105...so Christmas... well it's seems way way off in the distant future, but I know it will be here before I can blink my eyes! Stamptacular Sunday's Challenge this week is to create a Christmas card/project and since I'm dealing with a heat wave and am not feeling the joy of Christmas quite yet, I got creative on my colors and decided to go hot pink and neon green (figure this will be the perfect card for a teen)...so I still "kind of" have my red and green and my Christmasy image even if I'm not quite feeling "it" yet... Can't wait to see what you come up with this week! Here's the challenge instructions below:

Create a Christmas card...you're free to do this any way you wish. Create two DIFFERENT cards and be entered into our weekly prize drawing twice, create three different cards and you'll be entered three times, create four and you have four chances to win, etc...

Our sponsor this week is:

Simon Says Stamp

with a $25 Gift Certificate

FREE SHIPPING!

Recipe:
Stamp: Heather Ellis Pure Innocence Line, Studio G Sentiment
Paper: Paper Studio
Other: Martha Stewart Snowflake Punch, Copics, Nestabilities Dies, Ribbon, Pearls and lots of glitter!

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: We all scream for ICE CREAM!

2010-07-18T03:00:00.000-07:00

I Scream, you Scream, we all SCREAM for ICE CREAM! This week on the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge, we have a color challenge...the colors in your favorite sundae...yummy!

We have TWO sponsors this week, they are Magnolialicious, who have donated this adorable stamp below...
and Some Odd Girl with the winners choice of 3 digital images...how fun

Now I have a "new" favorite sundae (it was formerly peppermint icecream with fudge) and I discovered it about 6 months ago at Culver's.... Banana's Foster Sundae...vanilla icecream, with sliced banana's and a cinammon caramel over the whole thing...I'm soooooo in heaven! So this inspired my color choices this week.

I adore these Magnolia's...and this particular one looks a little perplexed...I'm always needing a "hang in there" card for someone in need of a pick me up and I thought the sunny yellow would help. Did you see that I repeated the egg theme in the lower left corner with a button and a pearl that I colored with a yellow Copic? I kept this card simple...and fairly flat for easy mailing. Thanks for joining me today...I can't wait to see what your favorite sundae is!
Recipe:

Stamp: Magnolia, Studio G (Sentiment)
Paper: The Paper Studio
Die: Labels 4 by Nestabilities, SU Scallop Edge Punch
Other: Copics, buttons, pearls, paper piercer

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Sketch

2010-07-11T03:00:00.001-07:00

This week at on the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge we have a fantastic sketch to follow...I always love these fun little sketches Priscilla comes up for us...they are so much fun!

Our sponsor this week is Stamp and Create and the winner of this challenge will receive a $20 gift certificate to their website...what fun!

I decided since I had about 30 of these little chef's all stamped up and partially colored that it might be high time to use at least 1...LOL... I just love the Magnolia line and the rolling pin she is sitting on is from the same line. I ordered these stamps last year for my cookie exchange party before Christmas...I didn't get around to using even 1/2 of my images, but they sure were fun to color!

Since I was loosely trying to following the sketch, I thought I'd make a little sugar cookie accent, I cut out two circles of the same size (different colors of paper), I then took my "frosting" or white paper and trimmed it with an uneven edge, I then added it to my cookie and then used my circle scallop punch to punch out "teeth marks"...I then added some pink sugar glitter...yummy! Thanks for joining me today and I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Receipe:

Stamps: Magnolia, Stampendous (sentiment), Papertrey Ink (flourishes)
Ink: Tim Holtz Antique Photo
Paper: Hobby Lobby line
Glitter: Doodle bug
Dies/Punches: Nestabilties Circle, Labels 1, Stampin Up Scallop Edge Punch
Other: Paper Piercer, glue and pop dots

My $5 Find...

2010-07-08T19:32:00.001-07:00

Occassionally, just occassionally I get to do something not completely horse related (big grin)... we managed to sneak away to a movie last week and on our drive home I saw one of my favorite little knick knack stores advertising a flea market that weekend...so I drug poor Kevin along and loll and behold, this wonderous beauty stood out, a swiveling shelf unit...with a price tag of $5...couldn't believe my eyes...what a deal! Now for the fun of filling it...apparently it held "dog supplies"... now it'll be my flower holder! Love it!

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Aperture

2010-07-04T03:00:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July! How are you celebrating America's Independence Day? I think here at the farm we'll probably just watch the fireworks shows from our front yard...we get the best view and get to see 4 different shows!

This week on the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge the challenge is to make an Arperture card (ie. a card with a hole in it with an image showing through). Our sponsor this week is My Favorite Things who was generous to the Stamptacular Design Team and sent us products to use and the winner of this weeks challenge gets a $25 gift certificate. WOW! I LOVE the Heather Ellis line "Pure Innocence", her characters are just so adorable! The stamp I chose for my project today is called "Start Each Day with a "Whee"!

The minute I saw this adorable stamp, I knew I wanted her swinging from a tree...and since cork is so hot right now, I thought I'd give it a whirl. I bought a roll of it at Joann's and free hand cut my tree trunks. I then ran them through my little "X" Xyron and placed them on my card. I then punched out my leaves (SU Bird punch), and added my grass (Martha Stewart Icicle punch...don't you love it when you can find a different job for a tool than it's original use?) I then added my flowers and apples. I then added sticker pearls to the center of each flower and colored them with a red Copic.

Thanks for joining me today, hope you have a great holiday weekend and I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Recipe:

Stamp: MFT Pure Innocence "Start each day with a Whee"
Paper: MFT Summer Collection (flowered), all other scraps
Die: Nestabilities Circle and Scalloped Circle
Punch: Martha Stewart Icicle (grass), Stampin Up Bird (leaves and limbs on tree)
Other: Cork, MFT Dew Drops, Pearls, Copics

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Stars and Stripes!

2010-06-27T02:50:00.000-07:00

Create a card or project using stars and stripes. You're free to use any colors you choose, as long as you include stars, stripes and stamping!

SPONSOR: Susana's Custom Art & Card DesignsPRIZE:

One SHEET of Victoria Case SCACD Spring Collection Stamps

I just love this basket with the flag and stars coming out of it...such fun! I wanted a vintage looking americana card, so I kept it simple and added a rusted tin star I had left over from another craft project. Thanks for looking, I'm glad you stopped by and I can't wait to see what you've come up with!

Recipe:

Stamps: Papertrey Ink Vintage Picnic, Fancy Flourishes
Ink: Marvy Uchida
Dies/Punches: Nestabilities Labels 1, EK Success Apron Lace
Other: Small Tin Star, button, Ribbon, thread

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Cute as a Bug

2010-06-20T02:20:00.000-07:00

Create a card or project that has a bug on it. If our participants make something for a baby then they will be entered in to our drawing twice!SPONSOR: Simon Says StampPRIZE: $25 Gift Certificate plus FREE SHIPPING
This week I was inspired by my Basic Grey paper to create this bee and honey pot easel card. I used my oval nestabilities and did some creative trimming to come up with my honey pot. I added my honey and used my Martha Stewart punch to create the honey drips! I then cut out my bee from the paper and added it to my honey pot and add a creative flourish. I also added some stickles to the bees wings and the flower centers. Thanks for joining me again today...and again, I'm at a horse show for about a week...so maybe I'll come back with more photos when I return. Happy Crafting!

Recipe:

Stamps: Papertrey Ink Fancy Flourishes and Basic Dots
Ink: Marvy Uchida, Mementor
Paper: Basic Grey
Dies/Punches: Martha Stewart, Nestabilities Ovals and Labels 4
Other: K & Co Stickers, Stickles, Ribbon

Horse Show Life

2010-06-15T12:15:00.000-07:00

So you've missed me...or maybe not... but it's "that" time of the year when I live on the road... a lot... with my horse show family...and most of the time...it's gone to the dogs...
Below is my mother in law holding my little chihuahua Bella...with some borrowed "Doggles"...yes, goggles for dogs...who woulda thunk it?
Well horse showing has gone to the dogs...and our dog walking crew...when we're on the road our fur families come with us...and this is some of them...we jokingly call it a dog and pony show...

Taking advantage of the showgrounds beautiful surrounding parks by "walking the dogs"...

Oh, Horses...you wanted to see the horses...well yes, we do that too...this is my ladies that show showmanship...all lined up in their pretty sparkly outfits and they're spit polished ponies....

This is one of our clients getting ready to go show for the first time on her new horse...

And this is my mother in law actually IN the showpen

So long days...sometimes wet, sometimes hot and humid...but we have fun...there's a little insider sneak peak of something BESIDES stamping projects!

Stamptacular Sunday: A Tribute to Fathers

2010-06-13T03:00:00.000-07:00

This week for the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge, you will create a card or project with some sort of guy/man on it. If our participants create the card/project for their Dad then they will be entered in to the drawing twice!

SPONSOR: Meljen's Designs

PRIZE:

FOUR digi-images of Winner's Choice

AND SPONSOR:

Wink, Wink, Ink

This week I went clean and simple. Most the men in my life are simple guys with simple tastes...and enjoy some tv time. So I didn't want to fluff this card up with embellishments, I wanted this to be an extension of them... thanks for joining me today...I'm still horse showing...but I'll be back soon...

Recipe:

Image: My Favorite Things
Paper: Creative Memories
Other: Ribbon, Copics

Stamptacular Sunday: I do, I do, I do..

2010-06-06T03:00:00.000-07:00

This week at the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge the challenge is to create a wedding of anniversary themed card or project.

Our sponsor this week is:

There She Goes Clear Stamps

with a gift certificate for $24!

My card this week I wanted to keep simple...because I've got lots and lots of wedding's coming up and I need to mass produce this...so I decided to use my new Martha Stewart edger punch (doesn't that just scream elegant...definately worth the price tag!)...and do some embossing and add a few quilled roses (so easy to make with the quilling tool...I have a tutorial on here on how easy they are to make...check out the month of April!) I also decided to weave my ribbon through the edge...what fun...what elegance.

Thanks for joining me today and while I'm out and about horsing around (my job... as a horse show trainer)... I'm sure you'll create a beautiful card for this weeks challenge!

Recipe:

Stamp: Studio G
Paper: Pink from Basic Grey, others are from the scrap pile!
Punch: Martha Stewart Garden Trellis, Leaves
Die: Nestabilities Labels 4
Other: Pearls, Organza Ribbon, Textiles Embossing folder, Pop Dots

Stamptacular Sunday: Life's a Beach

2010-05-29T03:00:00.000-07:00

This week on the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge our challenge is to create a card or project that has a beach theme, something that you'd see at the beach or just uses colors you relate to being at the beach.

Our sponsor this week is Shirley's 2 Girls...which concidentally, is the image I used (grin!).

Now while my card doesn't SCREAM beach, these are some colors (being a transplanted California native) that I remember fondly from my beach fairing days...lots of pink bikinis and the warm yellow sand and sun! Doesn't this gal and her pup look like they are going for a great little drive? Makes me feel like I'm in my 20's again...LOL

For my sun, I used a star type of punch (Martha Stewart)...punched out 5, ran them through my xyron and stuck them together to come up with a honeycomb type of sun...just for a little pop off my card...

Thanks for joining me today...please note...I'm horse showing through the entire month of JUNE (and for those that don't know...it's my job...horse show trainer)...so...I'll be hitting the internet randomly as I don't yet have a laptop and I'll be ummm...horsing around...LOL
Recipe:

Image: Shirley's 2 Girls
Stamps: Papertrey Ink Fancy Flourishes and Background Dots
Punches: SU scalloped edger, Martha Stewart Star
Ink: CTMH and Marvy Uchida
Other: Stickles, Rhinestones, Grosgrain Ribbon, Pop Dots, Copics

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Pearls and Swirls

2010-05-23T03:34:00.000-07:00

This week on the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge our challenge was to make a project with lots and lots of pearls and swirls! Our sponsor this week is:

Simon Says Stamp

with a $25 gift certificate to our winner!

Now onto my card....

I decided to go delicate vintage this week by aging my doily and fancying up a silk flower I had on hand with some Stickles and pearl. I added a little ribbon and a couple of pearlized pins along with a tag that I had slighty aged the edges (difficult to see in the photo). This was a quick and simple card, but definately one I'll use...can never have enough thank you notes... Thanks for joining me today, I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Recipe:

Paper: Scraps...but the blue is K & Co
Stamps: Papertrey Ink Fancy Flourishes and Through the Trees (sentiment)
Ink: Tim Holtz, CTMH
Dies: Nestabilities Labels 4, Border punch by EK Success
Other: Silk Flower, Pearls, Ribbon, Pins, Stickles, Stickles, Doily

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Lovely as a Tree

2010-05-16T03:00:00.000-07:00

Did you know that today is "Love a Tree Day?" This week our challenge at the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge blog is to create a card or project with a tree on it...

Our sponsor this week is:

Meljens Designs

who donated

4 digital images

Now my maiden name means "ARBOR" in german...which of course means tree...so I thought that would be a little trivia to share with you today.

I had left my supplies out from last week, and decided to just go with the colors I had on my table...which are pink, brown and white (again)...but I think this card just turned out to be so much fun. I've been itching to use the new PTI tree set I had purchased about a month or so ago...I just KNEW I had to have a PINK tree...so this challenge was just perfect for me! And to be "green" I added some leftover sprigs I had from a home decor project...just to bring it all home! Thanks for joining me today...I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Recipe:

Stamps: PTI, Hero Arts
Ink: CTMH, Tim Holtz, Memento
Other: Nestabilities Labels 1 Die, Rhinestones, Organza Ribbon, Ornamental Sprigs, Thread, Rhinestones

Stamptacular Sunday: Sketch

2010-05-09T03:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day! I want to wish you or your family a wonderful Mother's Day today! Today is a great day to reflect on that special lady...your mother...so be sure to show her some love today!

This week at the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge, is this fantastic sketch below!

Our sponsor this week is:

Stamp and Create

$20 Gift Certificate to the winner

I have to admit, I'm REALLY behind on my Mother's Day cards, so I took this opportunity to add another one to my stack. The inspiration for this card is my little girl image by Pure Innocence (isn't she a doll?). I just loved popping the heart off of her...love the dimension! I also added plenty of bling and flowers (and if you want to make the roses, be sure to see my tutorial from April 09) and flourishes to boot. I also made my frame pop off the page too...lots and lots of dimension here! I'm so glad you decided to join me today, I can't wait to see your creation!

Recipe:

Stamps: Pure Innocence (girl), Studio G (sentiment), Papertrey Ink Fancy Flourishes
Punches/Dies: Nestabilities Oval and Scalloped Oval, SU Scallop Edger, Martha Stewart Leaf
Other: Copics, K & Co Flower Stickers, Rhinestones, Organza Ribbon, Glitter, Pop Dots, Stick Pins, Quilled Roses

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Mother's Day

2010-05-02T03:00:00.000-07:00

This week at the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge the challenge was to make a card with a lady/woman on it and if you made it for Mother's Day you'll be entered 2X into our prize drawing, which is sponsored this week by:

Stamping Bella

a $25 Gift Certificate

Ok, so when I originally read the directions I thought it was a Mother's Day Card with a bonus for a lady/woman on it...call me dylexic, call me blonde, but whoops, I didn't read the directions very well...sigh...ANWAY...with time NOT on my side, I'm going with my original design...LOL
I kept my card simple this week, as I wanted my yellow doily (yes yellow) to be my main focal point without a lot of distractions. I also wanted to play with my new 2-step bird punch. I dyed my doily yellow (thank you Martha Stewart Living magazine for the directions). It was super easy, it just took a little pre-planning. To die any white doily, any color you desire, here's what you'll need; shallow dish, a little water, food coloring, paper towels and a flat place to dry. Pour a little water into your shallow dish and a few drops of food coloring, the more food coloring the darker color you will achieve. Dunk the doily for a few seconds (any longer and they start falling apart), bring out and dry with a paper towel, then set aside on another dry paper towel to dry...dry overnight (or get out your embossing gun). I used the Wilson's doily's (small) that I got at my local Wal-Mart in the cake decorating section.... Thanks for looking...can't wait to see what you come up with

Recipe:

Stamp: Retired CTMH
Punches: SU Scallop border and 2-Step Bird Punch
Other: Dyed doily (see above for directions), glitter, misc. scrap papers

Stamptacualr Sunday Challenge: Sew Special

2010-04-25T03:00:00.000-07:00

This week on the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge our challenge is to create a card or project that is for someone special..but...there's a catch! You MUST include some sort of sewn effect. It can be faux or real...you decide!

SPONSOR: Simon Says Stamp

PRIZE: $25 Gift Certificate plus FREE shipping!

For my challenge, I'm constantly just trying to find a sweet little note card to send a note off in...so this is for a "general" someone special, but special none the less. This week I had a good time with Papertrey Inks Vintage Picnic set and a new punch I purchased (journal plate and bracket by EK Success). I pulled my papers from my scraps drawer and stamped my basket 2X on different colors and cut out...then I stamped the envy's on plain white paper, colored with Copics and cut out. I incorporated my sewing on my Scalloped Square (Nestabilities). Thanks for joining me this week and I can't wait to see what you come up with!

2010-04-18T03:00:00.000-07:00

This week at the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge, our challenge was Penguins...you can use a penguin image or you can be inspired by the black and white OF penguins...either way, penguin inspiration!

Our prizes this week are:
8 Images by Creations by Penny
and I've donated the stamp set seen below (cupcakes...yummy, my favorite!)

Now onto my card. Penguins are my dad's favorite animal, so I'm always trying to have on hand "Penguin" cards to meet his Penguin fetish...LOL...even though this card turned a little girly on me, I think he'll like it just the same. I first stamped my polka dotted back ground...and then I punched out the wavy hills, added my flourishes and added my Copic colored penguins. I wanted them to look like they were sliding down hills. I pop dotted them and framed them in a glittered out frame and added my sentiment and the tree for good measure. Thanks for visiting me today and I can't wait to see what you've come up with!

Recipe:

Image: Penguins by All That Scraps
Stamps: Papertrey Ink; Polka Dot Background, Fancy Flourishes, Stocking Prints (sentiment)
Ink and Paper: SU Heavenly Blue
Punches: EK Success, Martha Stewart and Nestabilities
Other: Glitter, pop dots, rhinestone

Stamptaculars Sunday Challenge: Spots and Dots

2010-04-11T03:00:00.000-07:00

This week at the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge our challenge was to use two different patterned papers that had spots or dots! Our sponsor this week is:

Meljens Design

Who is offering our winner 4 digital images!

My card this week is using one of Meljens adorable images, "Hang in There". Isn't this kitty darling? I really just couldn't resist it...and this would be a great pick me up type of card for someone that is having a rough patch in their lives. I used purple, white and yellow for some soothing, but happy colors. I'm so glad you could join me this week...I'm recovering from a cold my dh "shared" with me...so unfortunately I didn't get this turned into our main challenge blog on time...mojo is difficult to come up with when your burning up...but I did enjoy putting this card together with this fun image. Thanks for joining me today and I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Recipe:

Digital Image: Meljens Designs
Stamps: Papertrey Ink and Studio G (sentiment)
Ink: SU Lavendar Lace, Memento black
Punches: EK Succes, Marth Stewart and Nellie Snellen
Other: K & Co flowers, Pearls

Digital Tuesday Challenge #53: Blue, White + One

2010-04-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

This week on the Digital Tuesday Challenge, our challenge is a color challenge, Blue, White, plus one color of our choosing! Our prize sponsor this week is:

Digital Stamp Oasis

Winner receives 3 digital images of their choice!

Now onto my card, this image is a freebie I got from Mo Manning's, Paper Craft Planet group and I just couldn't resist these sweet little love birds. They are layered and popping off the page (although it didn't photo well). I die cutted my little heart frame and put my birds behind and then pop dotted the entire thing off of the card...I added my flower sticker and stickled the middle and made some quilled roses for a little more variety. I also stamped the corner of my card as well as pierced and added some rhinestones. Thanks for joining me today, can't wait to see what you've come up with!

Recipe:

Image: Mo Manning
Stamps: Papertrey Ink Flourishes, Studio G Sentiment
Nestabilities Dies: Scalloped Square, Square and Heart
Other: Martha Stewart Flower, Stickles, Glittler, Quilled Roses, Martha Stewart punched leaves, Piercer, Rhinestones, Memento Tuxedo Ink and SU Bashful Blue Ink

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Sugar and Spice and Everything NICE!

2010-04-04T03:00:00.000-07:00

This week on the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge our challenge is to create a card or project that is just for girls! how you do this is totally up to you! The possibilities are endless!
SPONSOR: Fresh Brewed
PRIZE: $10 Gift Certificate
AND
SPONSOR: Bee Crafty
PRIZE: 3 digital images of winner's choice

Now when I heard of this challenge I KNEW exactly what a I wanted to do...what girl wouldn't love a little chocolate in a purse? My bff is a purse consieur and would love a little purse with some chocolate in it (be sure to check out my next post below to see how easy these are to make!) Wouldn't this be a great way to say thanks to a co-worker or a fun party favor? These truly went together quickly! Thanks for joining me today, tutorial is below (one for the purse, one for the roses), I can't wait to see what girly thing you come up with!

Recipe:

Stamp: Bee Crafty, Paper Trey Ink
Die: Nestabilities Labels 4
Ink: Stampin' Up (and computer print out)
Other: Copics, Adhesive, Pins, homemade roses, glitter, Martha Stewart Leaf punch, Ribbon, Ghiradelli Chocolate and Glitter

Tutorial Ghiradelli Purse

2010-04-04T02:59:00.000-07:00

I thought this would be a great little "nifty gifty" for a little thank you or even party favors...these are quick to put together and fun to make...who doesn't love a little Ghiradelli chocolate and a purse? (and psst, if you like the roses, I have ANOTHER tutorial below this one on how to make THOSE!)

Here's what you'll need:

Paper 2 1/2 " X 6"
1/4" Wide Ribbon 9" (a strip of paper could also be used)
Scoring Tool
Die Cutter
Nestabilities Die (Here I used Labels 4, largest die)
Scissors
Adhesive
Ghiradelli Chocolate Square

First score your paper as shown at 1 1/2", 1 3/4", 4" & 4 1/4"

Note: The right hand side will be the top flap of your purse

So that you may center your die, make a mark 1 1/4" on the edge of the right hand side of your paper. This will be the center of the flap of your purse.

With your die, thread the part of the paper you just marked underneath it, while leaving the remainder on top of the die (as shown below), making sure you center the die on the mark you just made.

Run this through your die cutter just far enough so it cuts that section that is underneath the die ONLY...below is what your paper should look like when you are finished.

Add a piece of adhesive in between the two score lines

Add your ribbon as show (this is your purse handle)

At this point you can fold your score lines and add your chocolate. I taped the flaps back on my chocolate for a neater presentation and then I adhered it to the purse. I then added adhesive on the flap so it closes...you are now ready to decorate!

Tutorial: Quilled Roses

2010-04-04T02:55:00.000-07:00

If you've been wondering how I make my roses, they are super simple to make...and you can make tons of them just sitting on the sofa (below is an example on a card)
What you'll need, scrap paper, scissors, adhesive and a quilling tool (don't panic, you could probaby use a toothpick, but a quilling tool, purchased at Hobby Lobby for $2.99, makes it super easy and fast)

Cut a spiral out of your scrap piece of paper, don't worry about being even or perfect, just makes your rose look more real, the more uneven it is... I'm guessing this is about 1" in diameter

The outside is now going to become the INSIDE... place the tip end in the quilling tool as shown below...

Now spin...but do it AWAY from YOU...

Keep spinning....

This is what it looks like ON the quilling tool

Now pull off of the quilling tool and let it relax and unravel...

Now here's the "end" of your rose...

Stick a pop dot on it and press it onto your rose's bottom

VOILA! all done...wasn't that easy?

My husband is in love with a younger, smaller, BLONDE....

2010-04-03T05:39:00.000-07:00

Yes my husband has fallen head of heals for a younger, smaller, BLONDE...who's name is BELLA! Actually my Father in law is quite smitten too...I never would have thought men would be tripping over themselves to be greeted by a long haired chihuahua...but somehow she has us all under her spell! LOL
Anyway, this is our newest addition to our fur family, we were wanting a companion for our Jack Russell and weren't looking too hard when she fell into our lives. I never, EVER imagined I would be a "chihuahua" owner...aren't those the girls with high heals, dressed to the nines? (I'm thinking of Legally Blonde or the Paris Hiltons)...but what can I say she has totally won us over with her spunky and sunny personality...pretty darn smart too....and she weighs a whopping 2.2 lbs. You can fit her in her sweatshirt pocket! LOL

Digital Tuesday Challenge: Scrap It

2010-03-30T03:53:00.000-07:00

This week on the Digital Tuesday Challenge, the challenge was to use your scraps or leftover bits of paper! Our sponsor this week is:

Dustin Pike who is offering 3 digital images to this weeks winner!

Now this was a pretty easy challenge for me because I've got lots and lots of scraps everywhere! My image is even a scrap! I always print too many and then save them for a quick card. I decided to go simple on my card this week and easy on the embellishments. My heart is punched from a bit of pink cardstock, ran through the Xyron, I added the rhinestone and then glittered and added a bit of leftover ribbon. Anyway, I hope it inspires, thanks for joining me today!

Recipe:

Digital Image: Pure Innocence line by Heather Ellis
Stamp: Studio G
Other: Nestabilities Scalloped Circle and Circle Die, Heart Punch, Rhinestone, Xyron, Glitter, Scrap Paper

Stamptacular Sunday BLOG HOP

2010-03-28T03:00:00.000-07:00

You made it! By now, you should have completed FOUR steps in this BUILD-A-CARD process! If not, you'll want to go back to our Stamptacular Sunday Challenge Blog and start from the beginning.

Anyways, it's now time to move on with your BUILD-A-CARD! You can't go on much longer without adding a stamped image as a main focus!

Done? Mosey on over to see Liza to find out what comes next!

BONUS...BONUS...BONUS...BONUS...Before you go, here's another chance for you to win an extra prize! Leave me a comment and let me know if there are any sponsors you’d like to see here at Stamptacular that are NOT already on our side-bar. One lucky winner will be drawn to win this awesome prize

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Flower Power

2010-03-28T02:59:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge (keep reading to find the blog hop post!), this is my 2nd post today...so be sure to read all my posts for lots of fun and prizes! This week our prize sponsor is one of our very own DT members, Sarah! Below is our prize offered!

Our challenge this week is FLOWERS...BRIGHT, LOTSA FLOWERS! So I decided to stamp my background, and make my own roses...I think they turned out cute. They are paper quilled, and if you look in the latest CK magazine, you can see a tutorial there and how easy they are to make... Thanks for joining me today...be sure to keep reading DOWN for all the blog hop DEETS!
Recipe

Stamps: Floral by Martha Stewart, Sentiment by Paper Trey Ink
Punches: Martha Stewart, Nestabilities Labels 4 die
Ink: SU and Memento
Other: Pearls, pop dots

Hey PEEPS! Blog Hop Coming Soon!

2010-03-24T05:47:00.000-07:00

Hey Peeps, I just wanted you to know that the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge is having a blog hop this SUNDAY March 28...we've got 10, yes 10 prizes in store for you, with lots and lots of fun along the way...so be sure to attend!

Did I mention a little while ago I entered a contest at Snowy Lane Crafts? and I won? I won these little chicks already made up...although I do have the kit and the chicks I'm making are drying...it's fun playing with paper mache...I can't wait until I can decorate them. They were super easy to do...you should see what other kits they have...maybe get a jump start on your gifting for Christmas...I know I am....

Digital Tuesday Challenge #51: Think Spring

2010-03-23T00:01:00.000-07:00

This week on the Digital Tuesday Challenge, our challenge was to create any project with a SPRING theme! Our sponsor this week is Stitchy Stamps...such adorable images, be sure to pop by and see what they have!

Since I was hostess this week for the Digital Tuesday Challenge, I knew exactly what theme I wanted the minute I saw this adorable image. I'm a bunny nut and I just LOVED how this bunny and chick were "springing" up from the grass (a play on words). I also wanted to keep the focus on the image, so I used minimal coloring and kept my card clean and simple. Thanks for joining me today, and be sure to check out the rest of the DT's creations!

Recipe:

Stamp: Digi Stamp Boutique (bunny and chick), sentiment is computer generated
Cardstock: Joann's
Other: Ribbon, Sticker from K & Co, Copics, String, Pop Dots and Piercer, Nestabilities Scalloped Square

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Make Your Own Scene

2010-03-21T03:00:00.000-07:00

This week at the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge, the challenge is to make a beautiful card where YOU create a scene of some sort. Using stamps or images that already have the scene created are NOT allowed!

Our sponsor this week is: Simon Says Stamp...with a $25 gift certificate to their store...
REMINDER: NEXT WEEK is Stamptacular Sunday's ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY...so be sure to drop on by...we've got a blog hop for you with lots and lots in store! Ok, onto my card...

I'm craving summer right now, flip flops, sunshine, the heat, you name it...so my card reflects times spent at the lake, bobbing on an innertube! I just love this little Tilda and I couldn't resist HOT PINK as my color...I pop dotted her legs for a little dimension and added some stickles for my water. I also couldn't resist adding a sun... I'm so glad you could join me today...and remember, be sure to join me NEXT week...lot's and lot's of blog hopping fun!

Recipe:

Stamps: Magnolia
Paper: Scraps from my stash...sorry...
Dies: Nestabilities Labels 1, EK Success Circle Punch
Other: Stickles, Glitter, Ribbon, Pop Dots, Copics, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots Embossing Folder

Digital Tuesday Challenge: Let's Go GREEN!

2010-03-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

This week on the Digital Tuesday Challenge, our challenge was to create a card using the coloring green. I decided to go with wee bit of the Irish and make a St. Patty's Day card. I decided to use a digital image from this week's Sponsor this week is The Stampin Boutique. Check out this week's prize...rubber stamps!

I just loved this little waif ready to dance a jig for you! I colored her in with my Copics and added a little Stickles for some bling. I then added this cute little rainbow from K & Co (it's a sticker)...I just thought it was soooo cute! I wanted to add a little pot of gold at the end of my rainbow, so I added that as well and Stickled up my gold (gotta have some more bling!) I also added a scalloped edge on my card...somewhat reminiscent of clovers...anyway, I'm so glad you could join me this week...I can't wait to see what you create!

Recipe:

Digital Image: The Stampin Boutique
Stamps: Studio G
Punches: EK Success, Martha Stewart
Other: Stickles, Ribbon, Rainbow Sticker (K & Co.), Copics and Ribbon

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Sketch

2010-03-14T03:00:00.000-07:00

Did you "spring" forward with your clocks? I currently live in Indiana where, until last year, the time was always the same...this is our 2nd year of changing to Daylight savings time. It's funny to hear all the native Hoosiers trying to get themselves used to this ritual. It's "old" hat to me, since I've lived practically everywhere else that's always had it...ANYWAY... onto this weeks challenge:

This week our challenge was this fun sketch below:

Our sponsor this week is our own DT member Aud Kirstne, with this fun prize below!
And...last but not least, my take on this weeks challenge. I'm so in the mood for spring and of course BUTTERFLIES! I love this butterfly stamp set (Martha Stewart) and loved coloring them in with my Copics and adding some rhinestones and glitter. I also pop dotted a chip board frame that I painted, distressed and glittered up...such fun! Thanks for joining me today, I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Recipe:

Stamps: Martha Stewart Butterflies, Papertrey Ink Fancy Flourishes, CTMH Buttoned Up
Ink: SU Heavenly Blue, Tim Holtz Antique Photo and Memento Tuxedo
Dies/Punches: EK Success Scallop
Other: Glitter, Copics, Rhinestones, Sewing Machine/Thread, Making Memories Chipboard, Paint, Pop Dots

Digital Tuesday Challenge: Piercing

2010-03-08T03:39:00.000-08:00

This week on the Digital Tuesday Challenge, the challenge is PIERCING!

Our sponsor DIGITAL STAMP OASIS and is giving away 3 digital images this week! Wow! You need to check out the new stuff in the store!

I actually had to find my piercing tool it has been sooooo long since I brought it out! When I saw these adorable little bugs I knew they would be perfect for this Piercing challenge! Everything is colored in Copics, I layered my bugs, then I cut a Nestabilities Labels 1 mat in half and added it to the top and bottom of my matted bugs, I then added pearls and stickles and my sentiment and pop dotted it off of my card. I then added my glittery hearts and the rest is historty...and oh, the inside of the card says, hope you feel better soon! Thanks for looking, I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Recipe:

Digi Image: Digi Stamp Boutique (freebie)
Paper: Unknown
Other: Copics, Stickles, Glitter, Pearls, Martha Stewart Punch, Nestabilities, Piercing Tool, Pop Dots, Rhinestone, Imaginations heart punch.

Hippity, Hoppity, Blog Hop on it's Waaaayyy....

2010-03-07T17:14:00.000-08:00

March 28 * Save the Date!*...it's another Stamptacular Sunday Challenge Blog Hop! With all the fun and prizes you'd expect and psst...it's a BIRTHDAY celebration, with lots of presents for YOU!

This weekend I got some MUCH needed GIRLFRIEND time with my BFF...at a crop...but I didn't do much scrapping (did a WHOLE lotta exercising my jaw! LOL), instead I did some Home Decor instead. I absolutely fell HEAD OVER HEALS in love with this adorable project on the front of this month's Create and Decorate magazine. It's supposed to be an embroidery project, but I drug my little light table along, grabbed my Copics and some Tim Holtz Antique Photo ink and I was in bizzzz.ness.... This was super easy to recreate and took my less than an hour...I LOVE how it turned out... The frame was the most expensive part of this project...ummm... $1 (Dollar Tree).... Anyway, hope you enjoy and hope you can join us on MARCH 28 for the blog hop!

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: You, Me and Baby Makes Three!

2010-03-04T18:02:00.000-08:00

This week on the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge our challenge was to make a Baby card or gift. This weeks prize is fab... are you ready? This ADORABLE Magnolia stamp by Magnolia Down UnderWith the weather FINALLY getting warmer, I'm in the mood for SPRING! So I decided to make a baby wash cloth bouquet! I even MADE my own container! (I'll put up a tutorial for this very soon!). I couldn't resist making these adorable baby wash cloth roses and adding some glittery butterflies. The butterflies are attached to small bits of wire with glue dots, so I can form them to my liking within the flowers. My container was made with a large cardstock circle and a strip of cardstock that I had embossed (gosh, haven't done THAT in ages!). I then took my cardstock strip, scored a 1/2" on the long side, folded it, then cut slits to the fold. I then eased it around my circle...easy peasy! Thanks for looking, I can't wait to see what you come up with!

This also fits Cupcake Crafts Challenge: Flowers

Recipe:

Stamps: Butterflies by Martha Stewart, Fancy Flourishes by Paper Trey Ink
Ink: Memento, Stampendous Embossing Ink and Powder
Other: Baby Washclothes, rubber bands, silk flowers, glitter, Xyron, rhinestones, wire, glue dots

Digital Tuesday Challenge #48: Scallops

2010-02-22T20:09:00.001-08:00

This week at the Digital Tuesday Challenge, our challenge was SCALLOPS...so easy for me, I just love scallops and frill...probably because I don't get them in my every day, horse smelly type of life! LOL... so I can dream...just like the little princess below looking for her prince charming! This adorable image set is by our sponsor this week, My Graphico.

My card is a couple of layers, I colored and cut out our princess and then I colored and cut a 2nd image of her dress and crown, covering them in glitter and pop dotting them off of the card. I hope you enjoy, I really enjoyed making this! p.s. the inside of the card says "to find your prince charming!"

Thanks for joining me today and I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Recipe:

Digital Images by: My Graphico
Punches: Apron Lace by EK Success, SU Scallop, EK Circle
Other: Copics, glitter, pearls

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Vintage

2010-02-22T20:02:00.000-08:00

This week at the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge our challenge was to make something of the old days...or vintage. Our sponsor this week is our very own Sarah with All Night Media Stamp set; For Giving Souls.

I was making a run through Target's $ spot and ran across this adorable Peter Rabbit book and look through it and found these adorable drawings...so vintage! So I cut out this adorable illustration of Peter in the lettuce patch. I remember reading this book as a child and it brings back so many happy memories of Easter and all the fun Easter brings with it (I have a sweet tooth and gosh I just LOVE Easter candy!). Anyway, I hope you find some inspiration and I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Recipe:

Stamp: Studio G
Image: Peter Rabbit Book (found at Target in $1 section)
Paper: DCWV
Ink: Tim Holtz Antique Photo
Punch: Martha Stewart Butterfly and Leaves
Dies: Nestabilities Circle and Scalloped Circle
Other: Crepe Paper, Glitter, Pop dots, Pearls

Digital Tuesday Challenge #47: Card for Mum

2010-02-22T19:59:00.001-08:00

This week on the Digital Tuesday Challenge we are to create a card for MUM...or Mom here in the U.S. Our sponsor this week is Dustin Pike, be sure to drop by his website to see all the adorable characters he creates!

Sometimes I don't have time to search a padded envy down to send a well embellished card...so this week I went for minimalism, so less lumpy, bumpy and delightfully simple. I just adore these simple images by Pure Innocense, such sweetness! I just love this little girl with the heart, she's good for such a variety of cards and here I'm wanting her to give my recipient (Mom) her heart...too cute! I did pop the heart and the sentiment off the card, and of course, added lots and lots of glitter (I'm a glitter girl)...it's actually stuck on there with Diamond Glaze...love that stuff! Thanks for looking today, I can't wait to see what you've come up with!

Recipe:

Image: Pure Innocence
Stamp: Studio G
Dies: Nestabilties Circle and Scalloped Circle
Other: Glitter, Diamond Glaze, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Copics, Glitter, Pop Dots

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Going in Circles

2010-02-20T07:26:00.000-08:00

This week on the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge our challenge is to create a project or a card that has as many circles on it as you can possibly include without making it gaudy.

Our sponsor is:

Simon Says Stamp

$25 Gift Certificate + FREE SHIPPING!

DESIGN TEAM POSITIONS OPEN...see this LINK for all the details!

I'm so ready for spring and thought I would make a spring like card, so I can look at flowers and greenery for a change! We did get a touch of sun a few days ago and that was a nice change, but alas snow has descended upon us and we're back to grey skies and winter white landscapes once again!

For this challenge, I decided I wanted to go delicate with my circles card, so I included buttons, pearls and a wreath like element. To make my wreath I ran my white paper through my cuttlebug with both the circle and scallop circle dies, I then inked the edges in brown, ran in through my Xyron and added the glitter. I then stamped the leftover circle, and then pop dotted my wreath off of it (no wasted scraps!). I added my button flowers and wall la, I'm done! Thanks for joining me today, I can't wait to see what you've come up with!

Recipe:

Stamps: CTMH Buttoned Together, PTI Fancy Flourishes
Paper: DCWV
Ink: Tim Holtz Antique Photo, SU Pretty in Pink
Dies/Punch: Nestabilities Circle and Scallop Circle, Martha Stewart Butterfly
Other: Buttons, Pearls, Glitter, String, Flower

Digital Tuesday Challenge: All Things Girly

2010-02-15T15:05:00.000-08:00

This week on the Digital Tuesday Challenge, the challenge was to make a Girly card! Our sponsor this week is Digi Sparkle, please be sure to stop by and see what cute designs they have!

Now I have to admit, that Girly usually is right up my alley, but my mojo seemed to take a hiatus this challenge around...I think too many long hours at work are the cause, so I went simple with my card here. I colored my shoe in with Copics and added dimensional glaze and printed off the sentiment...the inside reads "BUY IT!". Thanks for looking today, I can't wait to see what you've come up with!

Recipe:

Digital Image: Whimsie Doodles

Dies/Punches: Nestabilities Circle, EK Success Border Punch Threading Water, pearls, Copics, Dimensional Glaze

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Sweet Treat

2010-02-14T03:25:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day! This week on the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge our challenge was to make a card or a project that included a sweet treat! Our sponsor this week is again, our very own DT Member LINE who is giving away this adorable Hanglar stamp shown below!
I decided I was going to go a little "green" for this challenge and recycled a tomato sauce can. I lined the inside of the can with crepe paper, used a pipe cleaner for a handle and add this sweet heart paper for the outside and made a tag, with some glitter on my hearts with some pearls! I'm so glad you could join me today and I hope your Valentine's is a sweet as Chocolate!

Recipe:

Stamps: SU, Studio G
Paper: Paper Studio
Punches: Martha Stewart Heart Border, Imagination Heart, Marvy Tag
Other: Tomato Sauce can, ribbon, glitter, pearls, crepe paper, pipe cleaner

Digital Tuesday Challenge: It's All About Animals

2010-02-09T03:33:00.000-08:00

Not too long ago I reached a heart breaking decision, I needed to sell my beloved horse, Boo (short for Boots and Saddles). It had been at least a year since he had been shown, as my life became nothing but lessons, training other horses, showing others horses and horse show judging. So, there sat Boo...doing, well the equivalant of being a couch potato. A young horse, with so much potential and my schedule just unable to squeeze him in. As many of you know, the cobblers kids have no shoes and the trainers horse just doesn't get ridden, it just happens. So we put him up for sale, had a couple of close calls but no one just seemed to adore him the way I (we) did. He's quirky, full of personality, if you stand next to him and have a zipper coat on he'll zip and unzip you...you know, he's quirky!
So, it was decided we'd take him to the largest, single breed horse show of the year ( and this is the largest horse show in the country)...to the All American Quarter Horse Congress and try to get him sold there. It was really tough hanging all his sale flyers and I didn't do it w/o much gusto and really only put about 1/4 of the up...my heart wasn't in it...
AND wouldn't you know it the very next morning the phone rang, a very nice woman has a daughter who's show horse has tons of feet problems and they were looking for a replacement, can we come see him? Sure, now I've been through the sale "song and dance" before, lots of lookee loo's and not much buyers and since the economy wasn't in the best shape, this is what I expected, they'd come look, and leave...that's just the way the horse business is... So I rode Boo a couple of times around a super crowded ring for them, hoping they got a couple of glimpses of him as I rode him around, and then asked if the daughter wanted to try...they said yes, and she seemed to get along with him pretty good and better yet, he got along with her pretty good and she rode and rode and rode and she smiled and smiled and smiled. FINALLY we got her off the horse and walked back to the stall, chatting about Boo and his quirkiness. Her mother said, we'll see....they walked away from the stalls...and I took a quick peek around the corner to see if they were "really" interested and I could read their body language...they were excited! Not long after, he was purchased by them and now resides in Canada (I joke and say Boo's now "international"). I get regular updates from them and we're facebook friends, I still miss my Boo, but he went to the absolutely best home I could hope for! So if you made it through this... this IS the reason I made this weeks card, it's a picture of Boo and his new owner...oh, the picture below is Boo and underneath HIM is the card...so thanks for bearing with me through this and I hope you enjoy the card!
Our sponsor to the Digital Tuesday Challenge this week is Digital Stamp Oasis. Our challenge was to make an animal card, below is Boo and his new owner...in image and ink.

Recipe:

Digital Image: Shire by Mo Manning
Stamps: Happy Valentines Day by Studio G, Circle by Autumn Leaves
Punches: EK Success; Apron Lace Border Punch, Circle. Stampin Up; Scallop. Posh Impressions; Hearts
Other: Copics, Ribbon, Glitter, Pop Dots

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Love is in the Air & a DT CALL!

2010-02-06T11:23:00.000-08:00

DT CALL (Scroll further down to see this weeks Challenge Entry)

We will be celebrating our FIRST YEAR Anniversary at the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge soon...So, what does that mean? It means...it's time for a DT call!

Below are some requirements that each DT MUST fulfill in order to be a member of our team. If these are things you feel you are able to commit to, please follow the submission instructions so you can apply for a position on our team!

Want to be a part of the Stamptacular Design Team? As a DT member you will be required to:* Submit a completed project weekly, via e-mail, following the challenge requirements, no later than midnight (EST) the THURSDAY before the challenge is posted to the blog!

You will get ALL of the challenges in plenty of time to allow you to complete them before the due date!

* Take excellent quality photos of your completed projects.

* Post positive comments on ALL participants' blogs sometime during the week of the particular challenge they participate in. NO EXCEPTIONS! Comments MUST be specific to each entry! MUST be done before midnight (EST) Saturday before a new challenge is revealed on our challenge blog!*

SCHEDULE/POST your weekly challenge creations on your blog each week at 6:00AM Eastern Standard Time!

* Be an active DT member of our Sunday Challenge Blog, share with me any and all challenge ideas you may have and want to see as one of our blog challenges, and HOST challenges, if needed.

* Help to find sponsors willing to donate prizes for our challenges (this can be friends, companies or yourself)* Be open and honest with me when you feel there's a problem or something needs to be addressed or anytime you just want to chit chat.

* ENJOY participating and being part of the Stamptacular DT!ALL ACCEPTED DESIGN TEAM MEMBERS MUST AGREE TO AND FULFILL A SIX (6) MONTH COMMITMENT! (April 2010 through September 2010)

If the above sounds like something you would like to be a part of and you're interested in becoming a Design Team member for our Stamptacular Sunday Challenge Blog, PLEASE e-mail misscill@yahoo.com by midnight 3-5 samples of your BEST work...at least ONE of your submissions MUST be something other than a greeting card and ALL submissions MUST contain stamping! No scrapbook layouts, please!

Please e-mail your submissions to misscill@yahoo.com by midnight (EST) February 25th, 2010 to qualify. Accepted Design Team members will be notified no later than Sunday February 28th, 2010.NOTE: be sure to put STAMPTACULAR DT CALL in the subject heading of your e-mail to be sure it doesn't get overlooked!

******************************************************************

Today, at the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge our challenge is to make a card for someone you love and if you do it without hearts you can be entered into our prize drawing 2X! This week our prize is an actual HANGLAR Stamp donated by our very own LINE!

Now, onto my card, this week I used this love flowers set by Martha Stewart and after making my own DP with it, I thought the flower would look fab done up 3-D...so I cut out the flower 3X and then pop dotted it back together. I added my border and my leaves and a sentiment and was done...it was easy peasy! I'm so glad you could join me today, I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Recipe:

Stamps: Martha Stewart (flowers), Sentiment by CTMH (retired)
Ink: Martha Stewart
Punch: Martha Stewart
Other: Pearls Martha Stewart...hmmm...must be a trend this week...LOL..it just all went together naturally!

Papertrey Ink Anniversary Challenge

2010-02-02T18:44:00.000-08:00

This is my entry into Papertrey Inks 3rd Anniversary Challenge. The Happy Birthday sentiment is on of the FREE digi images they have on their blog hunt (see post below for the deets). Thanks for looking!

Recipe:

Digital Image: Papertrey Ink
Paper: Basic Grey
Other: CM lined paper, Martha Stewart Butterfly punch, Fiskars apron lace border punch, Hero Arts rhinestones, misc. buttons

FREE Digi's from Paper Trey Ink FREE

2010-02-02T04:20:00.000-08:00

If you want to see my project for the Digital Tuesday Challenge please keep scrolling...

This is for the rest looking to add to their Digital Image collection. Paper Trey Ink is have an anniversary celebration and have put out 9 digital images for FREE... some colored, some not... anyway, here's a great chance to add to your collection! Just go to Nichole Heady's blog and scroll down a bit to visit their designers blogs to collect the digital images...easy peasy and all for FREE! I am not a member of the PTI design team...just of fan of their stamps!

Digital Tuesday Challenge: Try a Different Fold

2010-02-01T18:28:00.000-08:00

This week on the Digital Tuesday Challenge our challenge was a multi-fold card. I thought Cami's Tri-Fold Card from Split Coast Stampers looked interesting, so I decided to give it a whirl. It was simple to put together, although you don't want to use very thick cardstock so you can get your die/punch through it. I love how you open this card, as it seems to keep going and going and going...fun for the recipient!

Our sponsor this week is Bee Crafty, and what adorable images there are there...be sure to check out the DT's creations with them!

I thought this sleeping kitty was sooo cute and I thought the dp reminded me of wallpaper...I wanted a home sweet home feel to this card... in fact this would make a nice home warming card also... Thanks for looking, I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Recipe:

Digi Image by Whimsie Doodles
Paper by DCWV and Basic Grey
Dies by Nestabilities
Other: Buttons unknown, flowers unknown, copics, string

Tutorial: String Embellishment

2010-01-31T13:30:00.000-08:00

My card for the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge (keep scrolling to the next post to see) included some simple string art. The making of my string art embellishment went faster than it took to upload it to my blog! The picture below is the "finished" product....keep scrolling down to see how easy this is to put together...
First gather your supplies, scallop punch or die, string, tape and cardstock.

Next punch out your shape in cardstock and tape one end of your string to the back of it.

Now flip it over and begin winding your string around the valley's of your scalloped shape...

Just be sure to keep an even number of scallops between each wind...

You can change how your embellishment looks by increasing or decreasing the number of scallops. When finished clip the string and tape to back...see...easy peasy!

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Winter Blues

2010-01-31T06:40:00.000-08:00

Welcome to another fun Stamptacular Sunday Challenge, this week our challenge is Winter Blues, you are to make a winter project only using the colors blue and white! Our sponsor this week is IN STYLE STAMPS and our winner of this challenge will win 4 digi images from them!

This card came together quickly, although it took several hours to create BECAUSE this was my 3rd project...LOL...my other two cards just wouldn't "come together".

I had caught the tail end of a scrapbooking tv program (and I mean the last two minutes) on PBS (sorry don't remember the name of it) and saw this neat string embellishment...and thought what a great way to present a snowflake! Basically you wrap your string back and forth around a scalloped (or pinked) die and it resembles a spiro-graph (remember those?). I'll have an easy tutorial later for you today on how this is done and how simple it really is. Since I wanted my snowflake front and center I kept my stamping to a minium and just added some swarvoski crystals for a little bling. Thanks for looking, recipe below and be sure to check back later when I have the tutorial up...
Recipe:

Stamp: Studio G
Dies: Nestabilities Scallop Square
Punches: Martha Stewart Snowflake, Stampin' Up Scallop
Other: String, Rhinestones, Pop Dots, Glitter, Xyron

Digital Tuesday Challenge: Funny Guy

2010-01-25T16:42:00.000-08:00

I'm always short on cards for the guys...Now I'm not sure about you, but I'm masculine card challenged...I mean gosh, no glitter, no frilly ribbon, NO BLING!?! So this weeks challenge for The Digital Tuesday Challenge (make a funny, masculine card) was perfect for getting my "manly" creative side going...
Not only that...pretty cool prize too...digi images from Dustin Pike...he's got some GREAT boy/man images (trucks, dragons, etc...), so please be sure to check him out!
Now let's discuss this card, I actually started with my sentiment for inspiration and chose my image around that...(which I found in my All That Scraps folder, Gingersnaps Celebrate. Now who says girly stuff can't become more masculine?) Anyway, I colored my main image in with Copics, airbrushed the edges and added chunky glass glitter on the rim... so easy...and actually I may have to do more manly cards...it went together quickly...since I didn't add buttons n bows n all that frilly stuff!...so now it's YOUR turn, I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Recipe

Digital Image: All That Scraps Gingersnaps Celebration
Nestabilities: Circle and Pinking Circle
Paper: (scraps...sorry...cute though, isn't it...I DO remember I got it at Archiver's...)
Other: Chunky Glass Glitter, Copics, Copic Air Gun, Pop Dot, Glue (for glitter)

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Pop Up Cards

2010-01-24T03:00:00.000-08:00

What a crazy weather week it has around the good ol' US... Here in Indiana we've been battling icy streets, which makes for interesting DRIVING! The kids have either been out of school or have had school delays because they buses can't drive on this skating rink roads...it's quite scary! I almost witnessed a semi sliding off the road, luckily the driver got it back safely...WHEW and it was headed right at me...gulp! Yup, a CRAZY weather week!

Since weather has been on my brain, I decided to do a CLOUD shaped Valentine's card (gotta get those Valentines made!) for this weeks Stamptacular Sunday Challenge. I couldn't resist these cute Cupid's again, gosh they're adorable...they remind me of Cupie Dolls...anyone else remember those? Anyway...

Our prize this week is a set of VERVE stamps from our own DT member Sara! How cool is this set? I just love it...just in time for spring!

Ok, well onto my card, my card was completely inspired by Kathy Daume take a look at her card, such adorableness, I could totally see my little cupids on a cloud! The smaller clouds were airbrushed and the hearts have been glittered using my Xyron machine...

The inside of my card I did the "traditional" pop up type of card, you can find the tutorial HERE.

Thanks for looking today, I can't wait to see what you create!
Recipe:

Paper: DP Me and My Big Ideas, Cardstock Joann's
Stamp: Fairyland Dreams Cupid Set (find it on Etsy)
Punch: Heart by Posh Impressions
Other: Copics, Copic Air Brush System, Glitter by Doodlbug, Pop Dots, Ribbon and Charm

Digital Tuesday Challenge: Sketch

2010-01-18T10:02:00.000-08:00

This week on the Digital Tuesday Challenge, our challenge is this fabulous sketch below! Cutting Cafe is also our sponsor this week (have you been to their site...check it out, so many cute digi items!), many of our DT members used the Cutting Cafe images, so be sure to check out their work too...lots of fun stuff this week!
My card this week incorporates the Cutting Cafe Digital Paper (the hearts) and BOTH of my sentiments came from the Cutting Cafe. I LOVE the digi paper...the hearts come clear so you can make it ANY COLOR you want... LOVE digital versatility! My little cupid comes from a "new to me" digi-store off of etsy called Fairland Dreams. I just love this little guy... Thanks for looking today and I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Recipe:

Sentiment and DP: Cutting Cafe
Cupid Image: Fairyland Dreams
Paper: Joanns
Other: Nestabilities heart and scalloped heart, Copics, Pop Dots, Fiskars Apron Lace Punch, Martha Stewart Lace Heart Border (the little hearts at the negatives from that punch)

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Friendship using only Black/White/Silver

2010-01-17T03:24:00.000-08:00

This week on the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge, our challenge is to make a Friendship card, only using the colors Black, White and Silver!

Our sponsor this week is: SIMON SAYS STAMP
PRIZE: $25 GIFT CERTIFICATE and FREE SHIPPING

This week I made a Valentinish Card for a special friend... I didn't send ANY Christmas cards this year (I know...oh the horror!), so I thought maybe I could send a few Valentine's instead... and what better way to get started!

All my inspiration started with the paper flower and you can get a tutorial on it from Tim Holtz HERE. I didn't go quite as far as he did with the layers, but I did stamp my text, punch out, crumple, cut, adhere, assemble and then added some spray adhesive and glitter. I was then so happy with my flower I decided it needed to go on a lovely heart, which is stamped, cut and stiched onto my card. I then wanted a little more OOMPF for my flower...so I added a Cuttlebug Butterfly (embossed and then cut in two) and some mini silver garland leftover from Christmas... I added a border onto the bottom and my sentiment and WA LA...all done!

Thanks for looking, can't wait to see what you come up with!

Recipe:

Stamps: Paper Trey Ink Fancy Flourishes and Text, Stampin Up All Sayings
Ink: Memento Tuxedo
Paper: Joann and Georgia Pacific
Punches: Stampin Up Scallop (flower), Cuttlebug (butterfly), EK Success (apron border), Nestabilties (heart)
Other: Black Rhinestones, Black Thread, Black button, Heart Rhinestone, Pop Dots, small silvery garland (bought from Hobby Lobby in the tiny tree ornament section).

No, I will not watch football with you...

2010-01-16T14:59:00.000-08:00

...it's football season and K FINALLY has a hobby...watching guys in tight pants run after a ball and pummel each into the ground. Now as fun as that sounds (NOT), I really don't care to watch OR hear about other football freaks talk about it (ie sports center, NFL after show, football talk, WHAT.EVER) for hours upon hours on end and I DON'T want to hear about is so and so going to this team, that team or that he's torn a ligament in a part of his body that I don't REALLY.WANT.TO.KNOW. about....

Now I KNOW I'm a minority as it seems that MOST people revolve around this pig skin, but really, I just CAN'T get into it. I grew up with it, when the Bronco's went to the superbowl...I forget my age, but too young to drive and off to my uncle and aunts we went (so I was a captive prisoner!). We got there and everything was Orange and Blue, right down to the ICE.CUBES...uhh...yeah, the ice cubes.... I was bored out of my mind, although I have discovered I did enjoy the football snacks...and there was quite a bit of yelling and screaming at the t.v. ... yawn...

So when K asked me to watch football with him this evening...ummm no, NOT gonna happen...

WAIT...did I just see a buff guy in TIGHT pants....hmmmmmmmmmmm

Digital Tuesday Challenge #41: Embossing; SMITTEN

2010-01-12T00:01:00.000-08:00

This week on the Digital Tuesday Challenge our challenge is EMBOSSING...one of my absolute FAVORITE techniques! Our sponsor this week is our own Digital Stamp Oasis...

This has been a crazy week, but in a good way... DH's brother and friend left after a week + of visiting, and we both now have facebook accounts. I've had such a great time catching up with people I haven't chatted with for about 15+ years...it's been good to catch up.... DH is now totally addicted and checks his status as much as he can...so funny!

Anyway, let's get onto this week's card, shall we? This week I used a freebie image from Mo Manning (if you join her Paper Craft Planet group you can get it free too...). I decided to go with Gamsol Magic and colored pencils and then I edged my image with a new punch (to me) that I scored at Joann's sale from EK Success (bracket). I added my sentiment (studio g...doesn't it just go?...all my dog's are smitten with me...I just know it, they are ALWAYS snuggling up to me...I just love it!) and added my cuttlebug swiss dots embossing folder and some crystals
and just a little ribbon. I want to mail this card, so I kept my lumps at a minimum! Thanks for looking...be sure to check out the rest of the DT's creations...

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: SKETCH

2010-01-10T03:02:00.000-08:00

This week on the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge our challenge is the sketch below! What fun...remember you have until Saturday 11:59 p.m. (EST) and you must "stamp" somewhere on your project...I can't wait to see you you come up with... Our sponsor this week is The Pixie Cottage who donated a $10 gift certificate...what fun!

Now onto my card, below I decided to go a little Tim Holtz this week and do a tag using some of his methods from his 12 Tags of Christmas (click on his name to see what he can do)...I have to admit that I've never inked and spritzed a tag (or anything else for that matter) before and it was fun to see the colors blend! What I did was take a tag, and blend red and pink dye ink, then I took a spray bottle of water, stood back and spritzed me tag once or twice, then dried it with my embossing gun... I then added my swirl and the paper.

I decided to then add a pipe cleaner heart, I made, then added my glittered flower, ribbon, stick pins and charm. I adhered it all then added my swirls and sentiments...easy peasy. I hope you enjoy and I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Recipe:

Stamps: Papertrey Ink Fancy Flourishes
Paper: Basic Grey and Paper Studios
Ink: Marvy Uchida
Other: Flower, Glitter, Adhesive Spray (for glitter on flower), Martha Stewart Punch, Love Charm, Organza Ribbon, Spray Bottle w/water, red pipe cleaner and wire cutter, stick pins.

Storage

2010-01-07T03:18:00.000-08:00

This is what K brought me home for Christmas...isn't he wonderful? It's a Yankee Candle cabinet he scored at a Hallmark that's shutting it's doors. There's actually another drawer divider type of shelf, but I decided to use that as a shelf in my room (works pretty good too)...so below is the new cabinet empty...
and here it is FULL...complete with sleepy dog! LOL and oh I forgot too mention...it smells LIKE Yankee candles.....yum!

This is another shelving unit I have in my crafty space...it's super tall, and I LOVE it's adjustable shelves.... I'll put up more of my crafty space when I have it completed...I need to do a few finishing touches...thanks for looking!

COOOOOOOKKKKEEEEEE exchange....

2010-01-06T03:52:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago (ok beginning of December) I hosted my first "annual" cookie exchange. For those unfamiliar with a cookie exchange it basically goes like this... you make one type of cookie, but a BIG batch and then you bring it to the hostess' house and "trade"...so you take home SEVERAL DIFFERENT types of cookies of the same amount... It was fun...and 6ish weeks later...I STILL have cookies in my freezer (yum!). They did come in quite handy with all the drop in company we had this year at our new home... Here's several pictures of the cookie exchange and some of our new home....

Below is my dining room table with SOME of the cookies to exchange....

Below is Shauna M...with her plate of "taste testing" cookies....

Below is Elaine and Janet, sitting back ...probably waiting for the line to go down around the cookie counter (see people lined up behind them...)

This is the cookie counter....

This is both of K's grandma's enjoying the "testing"...LOL

Better view of the exchange table...

While this post might be a bit late for Christmas, I still wanted to share... now maybe this weekend I'll get my Christmas decor down (wait, did I just say that OUT LOUD?)...LOL....

Digital Tuesday Challenge: Valentines!

2010-01-05T00:01:00.000-08:00

This week on the Digital Tuesday Challenge our challenge is to create a Valentine... it's a GREAT time to get a head start on them! Our sponsor this week is Shirley's 2 Girls (who donated the adorable elephants below to the Digital Tuesday DT).

My card is fairly straight forward, I pop dotted some of the hearts and added some Stickles to my creation. I also created a simple tag to bring it all together. Thanks for looking today...can't wait to see what you come up with!
Recipe:

Digital Image: Shirley's 2 Girls
Stamp: Stampin' Up
Paper: Stampin' Up
Other: Gamsol Magic, Key Tag, Heart punch, rhinestone, organza ribbon, Stickles

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Party Time!

2010-01-03T04:03:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! Did you bring in the New Year with a BANG? or just celebrate quietly? This year we actually went out with friends and quietly celebrated at a Bowling Alley...LOL...we had a GREAT time, such a nice change from sitting at home!

The Stamptacular Sunday Challenge week is:

PARTY TIME!

For this week’s challenge you will create a PROJECT that you can use at or for a party…any kind of party! Can be an invitation, party favors, decorat
ions or anything else you’d need or use for a party. Oh, and don’t forget to stamp!

Our sponsor this week is Stamping Bella and a $25 gift certificate...WOW!

For my project this week, I decided to start on Valentine's Day projects. I know many of you make MANY Valentine's favors, so I decided to go quick and simple this week...and while I made this one elegant, you can change the "mood" of your favor with just the paper and ribbon! The favor below is called a SOUR CREAM CONTAINER and if you click on the words, it'll take you to a tutorial on how easy they are to make! I've personally done 100+ of these as wedding favors...that's truly how easy they are to make! I'm so glad you joined me this week and I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Recipe:

Stamp: Inkadinkado Hearts & Love
Paper: Paper Studio
Ink: Memento
Other: Copic Air Brush System, Copic Marker, Rhinestone, Organza Ribbon, Lace, Nestabilities Labels 4

Digital Tuesday Challenge #39: Sparkly Snow!

2009-12-29T03:05:00.000-08:00

This week on the Digital Tuesday Challenge our Challeng was to create a winter scene with Dazzling Diamonds (aka Stickles)... Our sponsor this week is Soft Pencil..
Since I'm about "Christmas Imaged" out, I decided on these two sweet birdies by Mo Manning... I think this would be a great card for a new move during the winter!
Now onto the card, I used my Copics to color them image and then I stickled some various branches. I also used my air brush system again on my snowflakes and the edges of my snowflake embossed paper...what fun...I'm really loving this gift...I MIGHT get the hang of it eventually...LOL Thanks for joining me today!

Recipe:

Image: Mo Manning (freebie awhile back)
Paper: Stampin Up'
Dies/Punches: Nestabilities Circle and Scalloped Circle, Snowflake punch by Martha Stewart
Other: Copics, Air Brush System, Glitter, Stickles, Organza Ribbon, Pop Dots

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: SNOWTACULAR

2009-12-27T02:47:00.000-08:00

This week on the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge the challenge is to create a card or project with LOTS OF SNOW! Our prize this week is:

by Card Art

Now onto my card, I used this cute snowman by CTMH and he's actually pop dotted off the page so I could do some Air Gun Spraying beneath him to make him stand out a little, I also did this with the sparkly snow underneath him too...I then decided to change my markers to black and sprayed the outside of my pink mat also...I love the effects! My large snowflake is actually a tiny Christmas ornament for the desk sized trees, I layered it with a Martha Stewart Snowflake and then a rhinestone and topped it off with an organza ribbon, such fun... I hope you have a wonderful holiday, thanks for joining me today, I can't wait to see what you come up with on this fun challenge!
Recipe:

Stamps: CTMH All Decked Out and Christmas Fun (retired)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo
Punches: EK Success border punch, Martha Stewart Snowflake Punch
Other: Copic Airbrush System, Glitter, Pop Dots, Ribbon, Xyron, Rhinestone, Snowflake Mini Ornament, Stickles

Digital Tuesday Challenge #38: Let it Snow!

2009-12-22T00:01:00.000-08:00

This week on the Digital Tuesday Challenge our challenge is LET IT SNOW! Use digital images, punches, dies, brads, you name it as long as your creation has SNOW on it. This week our sponsor is DUSTIN PIKE and our lucky winner will receive 3 of his FABULOUSO digital images! (psst...he has some GREAT FREEBIES several times a month...so be sure to browse his blog often...it pays off! :)

Now onto the card, for my b-day my mom asked me what I wanted...I've been coveting the Copic Air Brush system for quite awhile and wouldn't you know it...that's what my mom got me for by b-day (she's still granting my b-day wishes after all these years...isn't she the best?). So I "finally" got to play with my new toy. I loaded it up with a blue marker and had fun coloring my hills and my snowflakes...I think they turned out so crisp for winter! For my punched out snowflakes I took a piece of paper and airbrushed the center, ran the paper through my Xyron and then punched out and glittered. For my hills I punched my borders, airbrushed them, THEN ran it through the Xyron and then glittered... I love the effect the airbrushing has... I had so much fun I did opposite corners on my frame... anyway, I hope you enjoyed looking, I enjoyed having you here! Warm winter wishes to you and a wonderful holiday season to you and yours!

Recipe:

Digital Images: All That Scraps December Stamps
Stamps (traditional): Paper Trey Ink Stocking Prints and Fancy Flourishes
Dies: Nestabilities; Scallop Square and Standard Square, Cuttlebug Snowflakes, Martha Stewart Snowflake Punch, EK Success Border Punch
Copics: Air Gun used with B02, also used B00, BG01, E00, E02, E31, E33, YG03, YG11
Other: Xyron, Glitter, Pop Dots

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Multi-Folds

2009-12-18T03:41:00.001-08:00

This week on the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge, our challenge is to make a card with more than one or regular fold... Our sponsor this week is:

Simon Says Stamp with a $25 gift certificate to their store...how fun! So even if you don't get what you want for Christmas under the tree, maybe you can win and pick it out!

Let's get onto my projectS for the day. I decided to go with a tri-fold gift card folder ('tis the season and I've got lots of gift cards I need to disguise!). I found a tutuorial on Splitcoast Stampers you can see HERE... This was truly a quick and easy project. I started with my candy canes...they are two pipe cleaners twirled together, I then cut them to 2" lengths, criss crossed them, put a little bit of wire in the middle to hold them together and then I sprayed them with adhesive and the glittered them. It sounds like a lot of work, but really went quickly.

I then went to work on my card while the candy canes dried...after I got everything cut out, I sponged the edges with a little antique photo ink (by Tim Holtz) to give it a aged looked.
I then took the little envelope that came with the gift card and used THAT as my template for the inside (in the tutorial it says use a #3 coin envy..this was just as easy and I had it on hand). I then used my Nestabilities Labels #4 and cut out the hole so that my gif certificate can peak through (that's the shiny gold thing on the right in the photo below). I finished my project up with some glittered holly, a rhinestone and some organza ribbon and lace...so girly! (keep scrolling, because I have a masculine version below!)

Recipe:
Stamps: Autumn Leaves Christmas set (last year, name of set unknown...sorry) and Papertrey Ink Stocking Prints
Paper: Joann's
Ink: Antique Photo Tim Holtz
Nestabilities: Labels 4
Punches: Emagination Holly Leaf
Other: Ribbon, Glitter, Spray Adhesive, Lace, Rhinestone, Pink and White Pipe Cleaner, Wire Cutter, Pin

Now my masculine version had less "stuff" on it, but was still fun...I used an old stamp I've had for.ever that I got free from CK (it's the snowflake) about 7 years ago... I also opted for an unusual color scheme, brown and teal... I added some glitter with my Stickles...

Thanks for looking and I hope you enjoy!

Recipe:
Stamps: Fancy Flourishes by Paper Trey Ink, Snowflake by CK & PSX Designs
Ink: Martha Stewart and Tim Holtz
Other: Stickles and Pop Dots

Digital Tuesday Challenge: Birthdays

2009-12-15T03:00:00.000-08:00

This week on the Digital Tuesday Challenge, our challenge was to make something for a BIRTHDAY...now that's a refreshing change from Christmas! Our sponsor this week is Ildi Co ....go take a peek at what some of the DT did with their adorable images!

My image this week is one of Mo Manning's freebies...to me this image screams PARTY! I colored my image in using the Copics and the following colors:

B00
E00
E02
E31
E33
YG11
YG06
RV11
R32

Of course I had to add some "bling" to my card with glitter on the pinking edges of both the image AND the sentiment. To do this, I ran my pinking circles through my Xyron, adhered my image/sentiment, then sprinkled glitter on the rest! I thought this was just kind of a fun card, and a fun change...hope you enjoyed it and I can't wait to see what you come up with! Thanks for visiting today!

Recipe:

Digitial Image: Mo Manning
Stamps: Party by Studio G, Celebrate by Papertrey Ink
Paper: Paper Studio
Other: Xyron, Copics, Glitter, Pop dots, Rhinestone

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Christmas with a TWIST

2009-12-13T03:21:00.000-08:00

This week at the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge, our challenge has a little TWIST to it...create a Christmas/Holiday card without GREEN or RED! Now I found this challenge REALLY easy, because I love playing with different colors...especially NON-TRADITIONAL colors! I chose pink (I know, close to red, but not quite) and white for my non-traditional colors...if you browse through my blog you can see I've done several other non-traditional Christmas colors (like last weeks black and white snowflake holiday card).

We have TWO sponsors this week for our lucky winner and they are:

Sponsor: Funky Fairy

Prize: A Chocolate Covered Christmas Downloadable KITsite address: http://funkyfairyspapercrafts.com

AND

Sponsor: Lauren Meader of Papertrey Ink

Prize: One downloadable template of winner's choicesite address: http://papertreyink.com/

What fantastic prizes!

Now onto my card, I decided this week I was going to get a little more use out of my Stocking Prints set (by Papertrey Ink). I inked up this adorable stocking and cut it out, then I inked up the cuff, cut it out, ran it through my Xyron and then glittered it up, I then added real swarvorski rhinestones to my stocking with glue dots and put it aside. I then cut out my card base and the layered papers. For my pink cardstock I painted glue on the edges and sprinkled more of the same glitter (I love that this glitter takes on the effect of the color it's on...very cool), then I ran the white paper through my Cuttlebug embossing Textiles folder.

Since my last card, I really enjoyed this sparkly frame look, this time I wanted it to look a little like a wreath, so instead of squares I pulled out my Scalloped Circle and Regular Circle Nestabilities and went to work. After I had my "wreath" cut out I ran THAT through the Xyron, now before I added my glitter I added my "greenery"...err..."pinkery"...LOL and THEN I added my glitter. I then popdotted it AND my stocking to give this card a little dimension.

I then pulled out one of the sentiment from my Stocking stamp set an did stamped it in white...but it wasn't drying fast enough, so I did something I haven't done in years...I went to my embossed powdered drawer, found some sparkly embossing powder, pulled out the heat gun and embossed! I then cut out my little banner added some pop dots and wa la...we're done!

Thanks for joining me today and I hope you can join us this week at the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge, I can't wait to see all the "unconventional" Christmas Color Combos you come up with!

Recipe:

Stamp: Papertrey Ink Stocking Prints
Ink: Blush CTMH, White Unknown
Dies/Punches: Nestabilities Scallop Circle and Circle, Martha Stewart Branches, Cuttebug Embossing Folder Textile
Other: Glitter, Glue, Xyron, Rhinestones, Pop Dots, Sparkly Embossing Powder, Organza Ribbon, Glue Dots

Digital Tuesday Challenge #36:

2009-12-06T18:20:00.000-08:00

This week on the Digital Tuesday Challenge, our challenge was to be inspired by a Christmas song...and the song that kept running through my mind was "Frosty the Snowman". I just LOVE Frosty the cartoon, I remember gathering around the tv impatiently waiting to watch Frosty around Christmas, oh those were the days...LOL..

This week our sponsor is Digital Stamp Oasis, our winner will receive some free images...what fun! I took a peek at the shop and there's a few new images in there...including a snowman, a stork and a pirate ship!

I have "discovered" my new favorite color combo, light blue and red...ok, so it's probably not new to "everyone" else, but it is to me, so my dp inspired the colors I used on this card. My frame was 2 Nestabilities (scalloped square with regular square inside) and then put through my Xyron and then glittered. I love using my Xyron for glitter, it always goes on so evenly (and I don't have to wait for it to dry...BONUS!). I then pop dotted my frame off of my image to give it a little depth, I also pop dotted my sentiment so that it was even with the frame. Thanks for looking and I can't wait to see what you create!

Recipe:

Digital Image: Heather Ellis "Pure Innocence"
Paper: SEI Winter Kisses, SU Heavenly Blue
Punches: Martha Stewart Snowflake and Branch
Dies: Nestabilities Square and Scalloped Square
Other: Pop Dots, Glitter, Rhinestone, Sentiment by K & Co., Copics

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge #36: Let It Shine!

2009-12-06T05:26:00.000-08:00

For this week’s challenge at the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge, you will create a card or some other project that has LOTS and LOTS of bling, sparkle and shine!

Our sponsors and prizes this week are:

Emma with Stampin' Up and this punch...

and Myself...with this Santa Stamp...just in time for the holidays!

Since the holiday's are upon us, I decided to create a Christmas card with Lots and Lots of GLITTER... I embossed my background and layered it, then I cut out two snowflakes with my Cricut (5", Joys of the Season Cart). I then layed my snowflakes on my card and trimmed them, then I ran them through my Xyron for the adhesive and then added my glittered and adhered them to my card. I then cut out my sentiments die, stamped it and added a black glittered snowflake, pop dotted it off the card, added my ribbon, and voila...I'm done...this was a really quick card to put together (once I had my idea...isn't that always the hardest, getting that idea? LOL). Anyway, I hope it inspires...Happy Crafting and thanks for looking!

Recipe:

Stamps: Paper Trey Ink; Stocking Stuffers and Fancy Flourishes
Dies: Cricut Joys of the Season Cartridge, Nestabilities Labels 4
Punch: Martha Stewart Snowflake
Other: Rhinestone, Ribbon, String, Glitter, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Pop Dots, Xyron

Digital Tuesday Challenge: Christmas Sparkle

2009-12-02T05:17:00.000-08:00

Ever feel like you're forgetting "something"? That nagging feeling that something is amiss? Yeah, I forgot to post my challenge yesterday...ummm whoops...LOL...

Anyway, this week on the Digital Tuesday Challenge, our challenge was to create a Christmas card with some "bling"...right up MY alley! LOL... This week our sponsor is Mo Manning and you definately want to be sure to enter, she's got some of the most adorable digital images around!

I chose this doorway and did Gamsol Magic on it, I hadn't played with my colored pencils in awhile, and I wanted subtle color for my doorway. I then added stickles on top and then layered everything. Thanks for looking and the recipe is below! Happy Crafting!

Recipe:

Image: Mo Manning
Paper: Imaginesce, SU (kraft), Joann's
Other: Colored Pencils, Gamsol, Making Memories (tag), tulle, EK Success (border punch), paper clip, Stickles

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Weaving

2009-11-29T03:18:00.000-08:00

This week on the Stamptacular Sunday Challenge, the challenge is to incorporate weaving into your paper project. We have two sponsors this week:

Sassy Studio's Designs is donating 4 images!

and

Emma from Stampin' Up is donating Stampin' Up Tall Tales 12" Designer Paper Pack

For my project this week I decided on a woven heart basket, I remember making these as an elementary school student at my grandmother's for something to do on a long weekend. I will say the thinner the paper the easier it is too make... I created my heart basket using this template from Handwoven Magazine. After the basket was completed, I decided to ink the edges and the weave and added a snowflake I cut out with my Cricut (Joys of the Season Cart) and then stamped in with a background text stamp (Paper Trey Ink). I then added my sentiment and my icicles which have been glittered... thanks for looking and I hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend!

Recipe:

Stamps: Paper Trey Ink; text background, Stocking Stuffer
Paper: Joann's
Punches: Martha Stewart; Icicle border punch, Branches and smaller snowflake, Cricut; Joys of the Season Cart for the Large snowflake
Other: Ribbon, Rhinestones, Glitter

An AWWWWWW moment...

2009-11-25T18:43:00.000-08:00

Occasionally I get one of those awwww moments...this is a "fuzzy" fix for my mom (as she calls them since she is fur baby-less)... she borrows her grand-puppies for a fuzzy fix... anyway, I caught JR napping...doesn't he look sweet?

Paula's Ponderings

Why didn't I freaking think of this earlier?

Horse Cake

Murphy's Law - I got a good dose!

Seriously, how cute is this?

It's Cookie Mania Month...

What they DON'T mention about Horse Show Judging

Barbie Cake and Cookies to match!

Cookie Creations

Papertrey Ink Contest

Sweet Beginnings

So I've found yet another hobby....oh the sweet goodness

Blog Candy Winner!

Made with Heart Blog Hop

Made with Heart Blog Hop

My Cake Obsession, Cake Pops

Stamptacular sunday Challenge: Sketch

Papertrey Ink meet Cake

Cupcake Bouquet

Diaper Daze...

No Tricks, Just Treats...

Oh Sweet Goodness...I'm still here...

Stamptacular Sunday: Seasons Change

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Grid

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Sketch

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Distress It

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Pretty in Pink

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Twos Better Than One

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge DT Members Wanted

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Buttons and Bows

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Snips and Snails

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Out of this World!

Stamptacular Sunday: Christmas...in July?

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: We all scream for ICE CREAM!

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Sketch

My $5 Find...

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Aperture

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Stars and Stripes!

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Cute as a Bug

Horse Show Life

Stamptacular Sunday: A Tribute to Fathers

Stamptacular Sunday: I do, I do, I do..

Stamptacular Sunday: Life's a Beach

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Pearls and Swirls

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Lovely as a Tree

Stamptacular Sunday: Sketch

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Mother's Day

Stamptacualr Sunday Challenge: Sew Special

Stamptaculars Sunday Challenge: Spots and Dots

Digital Tuesday Challenge #53: Blue, White + One

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Sugar and Spice and Everything NICE!

Tutorial Ghiradelli Purse

Tutorial: Quilled Roses

My husband is in love with a younger, smaller, BLONDE....

Digital Tuesday Challenge: Scrap It

Stamptacular Sunday BLOG HOP

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Flower Power

Hey PEEPS! Blog Hop Coming Soon!

Digital Tuesday Challenge #51: Think Spring

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Make Your Own Scene

Digital Tuesday Challenge: Let's Go GREEN!

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Sketch

Digital Tuesday Challenge: Piercing

Hippity, Hoppity, Blog Hop on it's Waaaayyy....

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: You, Me and Baby Makes Three!

Digital Tuesday Challenge #48: Scallops

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Vintage

Digital Tuesday Challenge #47: Card for Mum

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Going in Circles

Digital Tuesday Challenge: All Things Girly

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Sweet Treat

Digital Tuesday Challenge: It's All About Animals

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Love is in the Air & a DT CALL!

Papertrey Ink Anniversary Challenge

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Digital Tuesday Challenge: Try a Different Fold

Tutorial: String Embellishment

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Winter Blues

Digital Tuesday Challenge: Funny Guy

Stamptacular Sunday Challenge: Pop Up Cards

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