Stamp Simply Celebration HAS BEGUN!!

Today is the 1st of several fun filled days over on Sharon Johnson's blog and you are all invited!!! Sharon has set up a TAB on her blog (called THIS IS PARTY CENTRAL) where you can go to see what is scheduled for each day of this celebration! The tab is located in the top right corner above her banner picture ... or you can click on the word TAB above to get you there. Keep in mind, this is a guideline of what's to come ... but won't be activated until the actual day of the event.

Anyone can play ANY of the challenges by ANY of the hostesses during our 12 days of Stamp Simply Celebrates!!! You DO NOT have to have a Blog to play — uploading your project to SCS (Splitcoaststampers.com) is not only permissible, but HIGHLY ENCOURAGED. When doing so, use the KEYWORD SSC08. Thanks!

FIRST up is Janine Orchard- 2bKrafty with a COOKIE RECIPE EXCHANGE!!


We were to choose our favorite cookie recipe ... bake them up ... then package them up nice & pretty! Please check out Janine's blog for all the details. (She has even more fun up her sleeve than what I've told you here!!! )


Here is my contribution! My daughter makes all the "fancy" holiday cookies ... I make the old favorite "Chocolate Chip". I have put a little twist to the recipe though ... I've added "Macadamia" nuts & some "white chocolate" morsels along with the chocolate morsels in my recipe. Otherwise, it's the recipe on the Nestle's Toll House morsels bag. My gift box is 6 x 6 x 2 and I've used my new JustRite (Christmas Stamp Ensemble) to help me decorate the lid. I also used a snowflake stamp by Inkadinkado stamped with Versamark and a little diamond Stickles for the sparkly centers. I thought it would be nice if I had a little matching candy box made from clear acetate to go along with the cookie package. If you'd like more details, just leave me a comment and I'll get that information to you!

Don't forget to check out the samples made by a few other members of the CHALLENGE gang:

Jennifer Buck - The Buck Stamps Here
Deb Saaranen - Dream In Color
AJ Otto - The Willow Garden
Barb Schram - Explore. Dream. Discover
Jerri Jimenez - A Touch of Grace
LeAnne - Wee Inklings

ALSO ...

Sharon Johnson - No Time To Stamp? - Has a BLOG CANDY offering today that would be JustRite for anyone!


Thanks so much for stopping by! Please come back tomorrow when it's MY turn -- you won't want to miss it!!

Stamp Simply #63 - Give Thanks!

Here is my card for Sharon Johnson's Stamp Simply Challenge - Give Thanks! I had several different Kinkade images stamped waiting to be colored and thought this one was perfect just as it was! I added the Thank You using India Ink Black (since the image is on glossy white paper) then cut the image out using my SU Bigz Top Note diecut and mounted it onto glossy black for the matting. The bg paper is from a SU print pack and I outlined it using a Creative Memories round black marker and paper pierced the upper corners. Add a few brads and my card was complete.

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog! I am so far behind on my google reader but I promise to get caught up on all your blogs this coming week.

Don't forget to watch for Sharon Johnson's STAMP SIMPLY CELEBRATION starting tomorrow! There is going to be so much to see and do ... you won't want to miss a single day!! Lots of wonderful holiday ideas, recipes, games, challenges and much, much more!! And I'll be doing my part in these festivities too ... see you at the party!!

Featured Stamper Dawn *flowergal36*

I was so thrilled to see that Dawn (flowergal36) was chosen as today's Featured Stamper over on SCS. I've never met Dawn in person but she has been so supportive of me throughout Mark's cancer that I consider her a friend in deed! She never leaves a comment on one of my cards that she doesn't include a statement of encouragement or ask how Mark is doing!

HERE is the card I chose from Dawn's gallery to case. I'm quite happy with the outcome of this card. I rarely think to make "winter" cards ... always go right for the Christmas images! Hope you like it too! Thanks for stopping by!

It's Almost CELEBRATION time!!

Have you heard??? The incredibly talented Sharon Johnson (Stamp Simply Guru) hit the 1 million milestone on her blog counter this past week! As a way of saying thanks to all her loyal followers, she has asked her very talented design team and a few others (me included) to help her (behind the scenes) to set up what she's calling a STAMP SIMPLY CELEBRATION!

You MUST check this out ... you will me amazed at all the fun, cool things that are planned!! The fun begins on Monday, December 1st and will run for 12 days!! Each day offering new projects, blog candy, challenges ... WOW !!! So, be sure to check out Sharon's blog bright & early Monday morning to get in on the fun and prizes!!

How Blessed!!

Hello All! What a wonderful Thanksgiving DH & I had with "the kids". We only have one daughter, SIL, 2-grandkids, so we refer to them as "our kids". The day was PERFECT!! The kids walked in just as we were carving the turkey and ready to eat!! We finished eating when my granddaughter (Morgan) said "Nanna, you didn't take any pictures!" So I handed her the camera and told her to try and capture the day as best she could at this point! (There are several more photos that I'm not showing here ... Mo wasn't familiar with my camera and some came out a bit blurry)

As you can see the turkey isn't as pretty as it was prior to everyone digging in ... but the desert table was still in tact. DH searched the TV for something we could all watch until time for the Dallas game (kids like Dallas ... we're Steeler fans) to come on. He found "Alvin & the Chipmunks movie" on HBO on demand and it was so cute! We all enjoyed it and had some good laughs!! We also found time to play a couple rounds of RACKO with the kids ... by the look on Morgan's face, she's loosing again. Brother, Jonathan is very competitive and won the previous game!!

How blessed we are to have the loving family we have and the food bounty in front of us! Praise the Lord!!

Happy Birthday Amy!!!

Today is Amy Johnson's birthday as well as MY ANNIVERSARY!! A few weeks back Amy had made mention of her birthday being on the 28th so I contacted her and we agreed to send each other cards for our occassions and post them on our blogs ... I know, call us crazy but we thought it was a fun idea!!! Check out Amy's blog and give her a little birthday love. She is VERY crafty and has some really cool project to share!!





Here is the card I sent to Amy. We both enjoy Crafty Secrets products so that is what I chose to use for her card! Isn't this image adorable ... when's the last time you baked a cake while wearing a dress??? The bg paper is also Crafty Secrets (radiant pack) and the image is from their (girlfriends) booklet. This paper is reversible (love that) so I cut a scrap piece and stamped the sentiment (by Impression Obsession) on the polka dotted side.

I'm not real sure how OLD Amy is today (and you don't ask a lady her age), otherwise I would have inserted a number and answered the question proposed!! Age doesn't matter anyways ... it's how you feel and how you live your life that counts! I have never met Amy in person but hopefully someday I'll have that opportunity but until then, I'm so happy she has become "one of my many" online friends!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMY ... Have Fun Today!!!

Thanksgiving Blessings!

Here is probably the only post I'll have for today!! Many more Thanksgiving preparations to be done today (i.e. pies) so I'd better not dilly dally or we won't have anything on the table tomorrow besides paper & ink!! LOL

Had to combine challenges today (saving time you know). This card represents the sketch challenge over on SCS as well as the Color Throwdown challenge. My main image is actually a "cotton scrap image" by Crafty Secrets. If you've never used these, you really should give them a try ... they are awesome! I will worn you however, they are addicting!! These real cotton images really give a card a warm, homey feeling!! The flowers are Prima and the "fuzzy" brad is by Petaloo. The ribbon is Hobby Lobby grosgrain and I've scalloped the edge of the main image using the new SU scallop edge border punch. Please check out these two awesome challenges ... you won't regret it!!

We here in the Pavlick household wish you all a HAPPY THANKSGIVING! We have so much to be thankful for this year. With DH's cancer "slowing down" and his eye surgery such a success, we have been totally blessed!! Thanks for stopping by!!

OH YEA, just wanted to give you a heads up on an amazing, upcoming Celebration! Sharon Johnson has reached a 1M milestone and has a huge STAMP SIMPLY CELEBRATION planned starting December 1st. There will be TONS of ideas, challenges, blog candy, and much, much more throughout this celebration which will run the first two weeks of December. You don't want to miss this!!!! MORE INFO TO COME!!

Crafty Secrets Challenge #44

Here is my card for today's Crafty Secrets challenge over on the SCS forum, hosted by Joanne (angelnorth). Joanne has requested a DIY Christmas - a Christmas or winter holiday project BUT NO Christmas/winter stamps or image booklets. These are FORBIDDEN ITEMS.





We can use: any other CS stamp set, non-Christmas papers, punches, die cut or premade embellishments (including snowflakes, gift packages, stars, etc.,) and ribbon, buttons, lace, etc.

The holidays always mean cooking & baking so that is what I based my card around. As you all know, I am a huge fan of Crafty Secrets products and I just received some awesome items from Sandy Redburn (thanks Sandy) which I couldn't wait to use! These "little people" are from the What's Cooking Sticker Pack (aren't they adorable ...). The background paper is from the CS Earthy design paper pack. Isn't it beautiful?? It's two sided and how convenient that it was red on one side and green on the other!!! I decided to "create a kitchen" using a Basic Grey Ambrosia scrap for the floor and another CS Earthy piece for the kitchen wall. The wallpaper border was created from the CS Kitchen Classics set. The accents are felt snowflakes by Creative Impressions and I used a touch of gold Stickles for a bit of sparkle.

Thanks for stopping by! Now I really must get some work done around here if I'm every going to be ready for company on Thursday! Hope to see you later!

Cuttlebug Challenge

Here is a card for the Papercraft Planet Cuttlebug Challenge #3 - Fall/thanksgiving theme. Your card must have an embossed background or border! I chose the Cuttlebug "thanks" embossing folder for my background and the new Cuttlebug diecut/embossing folder "maple leaf" for my card. The bg paper is made using glossy white cs and brayering with Kaleidocolor - autumn leaves. The ribbon is Hobby Lobby grosgrain and the "blessings" sentiment is from the SU set "country blessings". An easy card to make yet I think a card that "says it all!"

Thanks for stopping by!!

Color Challenge on Papercraft Planet

I know, you all must think I'm a "challenge junkie" ... right??? OKAY ... I admit it ... I AM!!! But what fun and what a great way to get your creative juices flowing!!!

Here is a card for "yet another" challenge. This one is sponsored by Treehouse Stamps - Ashley Bowen over on Papercraft Planet. The colors today are: vanilla, chocolate chip, cameo coral, and robin hood red. Never in a million years would I have put these colors together and it took me a little while to get this worked out, but I'm very happy with the results. What are your thoughts??

The card consists pretty much of only these four colors, punched and layerd. The punches used here are Martha Stewart doily lace punch and the branch punch. The only stamping is this cute image by Crafty Secrets (vintage christmas set) and I colored it with SU watercolor pencils and a blender pen. I did add a little liquid applique to the furry accents on her coat & hat.

Hope you like it ... all comments are welcome!! Have a great day!! I'd better go get my work done... OH GOODNESS, look at the time ... I'll definately have to speed clean today!!! Happy Stamping All!!

Papercraft Planet sketch challenge

Have you been to the Planet yet? What are you waiting for?? There is ALL TYPES of paper crafting fun going on over there and you are missing it!!!

Here is my card for a sketch challenge posted by my friend Tammy Hershberger. This sketch is perfect for those "hurry up" cards you need to get done and still packs a "WOW"!!

The base card is Whisper White cardstock and the designer paper is by Anna Griffin. The matting is Basic Black cardstock and I've used my scallop ovals by Nestabilities for my main image. The image is by Paper Bag Studios and the sentiment by Inkadinkado. I have stamped both of these with Versamark Dazzle (champagne) and embossed with gold sparkle embossing powder. A few dots around the black scallop matting with a gold Pilot marker and this card is complete!!

Thanks for taking a peek and jump on over to the planet and check it out! You won't be sorry!!

DT December Collection

Here are my December submissions for the design team of Stampin' D'amour. This month I altered an address/telephone book, made a "used for anything" card and an ATC.

Don't ask me why, but this month I decided to use PINK as my base color. If you would like more detail on any of these items, just let me know ... otherwise, I won't bore you with the details.

Please do, however, check out Stampin' D'Amour's boutique for some awesome vintage (as well as other styles) products. The papers and ribbons are luscious!! Scroll down and check out the black lace used on my featured stamper card! This lace is wonderful and reasonably priced too!! Thanks for stopping by ... see you later ... lots of Thanksgiving prep yet to be done ... better get to it!!

OCC Sketch Challenge

Happy Sunday All!!

Here is my card for yesterday's Our Creative Corner sketch challenge. I really like this Stampin' Up "A Wish for Peace" stamp set and it seems every time I use it I ink it up in green ... what's up with that??? I bet it would be beautiful in gold too ... have to try that!! Anyways ... what do you think??

This card is A6 in size and the base card is white. I have used duplex hunter green/ivory cs for my matting base. The designer paper is by Making Memories (snowflake) and as it is reversable, I have used the polka dotted side as a 3rd matting on my main image. I have used diamond Stickles to add a little sparkle of "snow" as well as shimmer to the tree. (see closeup) The main image and the peace dove are popped up using dimensional tape. The ink I used is Versafine Olympia Green and after distressing the main image, I sponged the edges with the same ink.

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog ... hope you are having a wonderful, restful weekend!! I just finished my cranberry relish for Thursday now I have to go get my pie dough prepared and refrigerated. Afterall, there is stamping to be done in amongst the Thanksgiving stuff, LOL!!

Featured Stamper #94 - EBETHNEU

Here is my card for the Featured Stamper challenge over on SCS. Today's stamper is Elizabeth (EBETHNEU) and HERE is her card I chose to case.

I followed the same basic layout as Elizabeth but I changed up the colors and theme. This card is A-6 in size which gives you a little more room for creativity!! I've used Basic Grey (ambrosia) designer paper for my background , corners, and scalloped matting. The black lace was purchased from Stampin' D'Amour and I've been itching to use it on something! This owl images is from Inkadinkado and the felt snowflake is Creative Impressions.

Thanks for popping in for a look at my work and I appreciate all your comments ... really makes my day when I hear what you have to say!!! Thanks

Christmas Party Favors

As promised, here are a couple photos (you can click on the image for a larger view) of the ornaments I made for my girlfriend, Lona's upcoming Company Christmas Party.

The images were stamped onto acetate which I cut in circles using my Creative Memories cutting system (worked GREAT). Some are silouettes and others are colored in using permanent markers. I used diamond Stickles to add a little "snowflake" sparkle to each one before inserting into the "flat" round ornaments. The ornaments were purchased at Michaels but I know you can find them various places. To insert the acetate circle, I put a small hole on the top of the acetate using a 1/16" hole punch, ran a small piece of thread, cording ... whatever you have like that ... rolled it up from the side and inserted it through the ornament top. Once inserted, it pops back open and the cording is hung over the top of the ornament opening until you have put the hanging top back on ... then cut off any additional cording/thread which is hanging on the outside of the ornament. Ta Dah!!

I made 44 of these ornaments (and a few extras for myself) and will deliver them to my friend tomorrow ... sure hope she likes them!! Thanks for stopping by ...

Stamp Simply #62

Another blog challenge entry!

This one is for one of my favorites!! Sharon Johnson's Stamp Simply challenge! Today we are to Write It On Ribbon ... how cool is that!!

This was certainly an "easy peasy like dopey & sneezie" card.

The base card is real red cs which I have stamped with a snowflake stamp by AMuse using Brillance Ice Blue ink. The ribbon is satin ribbon from Hobby Lobby which I have stamped my AMuse sentiment "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" using Stazon black ink. My main image is by Great Impressions colored using prisma pencils ... stamped with Versafine black onto an oval cut using my Nestabilities scallop ovals. I used an ordinary hole punch to make the holes around the scallop. Added a few diamond stickles and liquid applique and card complete!! Like I said, very EASY PEASY!!

Thanks so much for stopping in! I love sharing my work with you all!! Hope you enjoy it too!!

Fall Card with a View

What a fun card to make today for a challenge over on Michelle Rodgers blog. You are to make a FALL card with a VIEW. (I almost messed up and made it Christmas, ooops).

I had a piece of clear acetate laying on my worktable left over from doing Christmas ornaments for my girlfriends holiday party so thought that would work perfectly for my "window". (photos of ornaments coming soon) I used an EKSuccess Photo Pen to draw the pane lines on it before attaching it to the back of the inside front flap of my card. The image is by Inkadinkado and after coloring it using my Prisma pencils, I attached it over top of the acetate piece on the inside front flap of my card. That left me room for a message inside the card. This card base is actually another scrap I had laying around which I had to rerun through the cuttlebug with a larger scallop oval to accommodate my image. A little sponging around the outside edge of this river rock card, using Ranger vintage photo distress ink and after adding my sentiment ... card complete. Hope you like it! Thanks for stopping!!

Cuttlebugged Acetate

I've inked on acetate and cuttlebugged on vellum ... but never cuttlebugged on acetate! So, I thought I'd give it a try and was thrilled with the results. I'm sure there are many others out there who have done this but I guess I just never paid close enough attention. Doesn't this look awesome!! How quick and easy too!!

Card details are as follows: Base card is Real Red cardstock. The acetate is actually a card which I've trimmed down a bit after running through the Cuttlebug. I adhered the acetate card to the cardstock with white Making Memories brads which double as centers to snowflakes. I've run a piece of Hobby Lobby ribbon around and under the acetate card and adhered inside. After ribbon and brads were in place, I used a white cs insert to hide my mechanics on the inside of my card. The circle is cut using my Nestabilities, the image is from Crafty Secrets - Vintage Christmas and was colored slightly using Creative Memories fine tipped markers. The red dots around the scallop edge was done using a Real Red ZIG marker. The faux stitching was done using a white Gelly Roll pen.

A very quick/easy card that could display a variety of main images!! So, what's your thoughts. I think I'll try using the "textile" embossing folder next ... might make for a unique wedding card. As always, thanks so much for stopping by and I always enjoy hearing what you have to say so feel free to leave a comment.

A request from Mom ...

One more post for today! My Mom called and asked me to make her a card for an upcoming wedding and this is what I came up with.

I love the look of the textile embossing folder for the Cuttlebug as the background. I've added some mini pearls by Mark Richards as well as sprays of pearls I had in my floral design stash. The image is from the Crafty Secrets "Joys of Life" booklet and the ribbon is May Arts.

I think she'll like it ... how about you?? What are your thoughts?? I don't have much call for wedding cards so I'm not sure if this is appropriate or not. Maybe I should have done white on white??? Somehow I think I'll be back in the craftroom tonight!!! Thanks for stopping by!!

SCS Sketch Challenge #203

Here is my card for today's Sketch Challenge over on SCS. This one gave me a little trouble at first but then it finally came together.

My images are by Crafty Secrets and can be found in the "Glamour Girls" set. The sentiment is by Stampin' D'Amour. The base card is Basic Black and the images were inked in Versamark Black onto Whisper White. The bordering was done with a Marvy Blue Metallic Marker and the dots were done with a white Gelly Roll pen. Added a few prima flowers and that was it!! Hope you like it!! Thanks for stopping by!!!

Color Challenge Cards

I did cards for two different color challenges today. First is my card for the Color Throwdown Challenge using Elegant Eggplant, More Mustard, Sage Shadow & Ruby Red.

My friend Tammy Hershberger is today's hostess and she came up with this color combination while sitting outside in her car waiting for her daughter to fill out a job application at Panera Bread. As many times as I've been to Panera, I can honestly say I never realized this was the color scheme they use! How about that!! Inspiration is EVERYWHERE!!

The card base is Ruby Red and I cut a strip of Elegant Eggplant on an angle for my background. My main image was Very Vanilla cuttlebugged with "leafy branch" which I inked up on the negative side before running it through. I also inked the edges with More Mustard. Double mounted using Sage Shadow and More Mustard which was distressed. The ribbon is from a Hobby Lobby $1.99 pack and the sentiment was done using my Nestabilities, a little sponging and the sentiment is by the Stamp Pad Co.

My second card is for the color challenge found over on Papercraft Planet. Here we were to use the colors Kiwi Kiss, Elegant Eggplant, Chocolate Chip, Creamy Carmel & Very Vanilla.

I used Chocolate Chip as my base card. After cuttlebugging a piece of Creamy Carmel using the Stylized Flowers embossing folder, I sponged the edges using Elegant Eggplant and did some piercing. The Kiwi Kiss panel was also cuttlebugged using one of their new border folders and was also pierced. For my main image, I used the new SU Top Note die cut which I folded in half, sponged around the edges with Elegant Eggplant and folded over the Creamy Carmel panel. The sentiment "Friends" was inked with Elegant Eggplant and clear embossed. My accent flower is from the SU "Embrace Life" set, inked with Elegant Eggplant, cut out and popped up. A dew drop was used for the center.

Thanks so much for stopping by and I appreciate your comments!!

Crafty Secrets Challenge - Thankfulness

Yesterday's challenge over on the Crafty Secrets forum on SCS was hosted by Pammyjo. Her clues on Monday were real brain teasers ... the phrase "I am truly thankful" written in four different languages ... yea, how fun was that!

Of course since I haven't used my french in over 40 years, I cheated and went to the internet and had the phrase translated. Sure was easier than trying to remember 40 years back ... heck I'm lucky to remember what I did yesterday let alone that long ago ... some of you probably know what I mean ... right!! Anyways, on to the card!!

I certainly have a LOT to be thankful for this year. We are not totally out of the woods yet, but after 1 more pet scan I'm praying that DH's cancer is GONE. We'll know the answer to that sometime in December. But after all he's been through this year, he is feeling really good right now and his double cataract surgery last week was a huge success.

My card base is duplex hunter green/ivory cs. I had a few fall colored scraps laying on my work table which I used for my background and the main image is from my Crafty Secrets Fall Cotton Scraps. The images on cotton scraps are fantastic for quick & easy cards. I've rounded just 2 of the 4 corners using my corner rounder by Creative Memories and the leaves are also made from a Creative Memories punch. The ribbon was purchased at Hobby Lobby.

Hope you like it and thanks for stopping by to see what I've been up to. Come back later to see what I can come up with for today's SCS sketch challenge ... should be fun!!!

PCP Cuttlebug Challenge

Hello everyone .... it is now 4:55 a.m. and I've been awake since 3:00 a.m. You know how sometimes you just can't get your brain to shut down ... well, seems tonight is my night for brain overload. Nothing bad or upsetting ... just "stuff".

So, here are a couple of cards I was going to upload in the morning ... and since it is "MORNING", I may as well get them done now. (will give me more time to play later, lol)

This is a card I did for the PCP (Papercraft Planet) Cuttlebug Group challenge. Vicki posted 3 folders (swiss dot, perfect paisley, leafy branch) and asked us to use at least 1 of these on a card. I had 2 of the 3 so used them both. The upper panel was done by coloring the negative side of the leafy branch folder using a ZIG green marker ... spritzed lightly then ran it through onto ivory cs. The lower panel was done basically the same way except I covered the entire negative side using my real red pad then ran it through onto ivory cs. I put the two together, matted onto glossy black cs and used 2 ribbons (both from Hobby Lobby) where they joined. The main image is by Paper Inspirations, stamped using Versafine black the colored using chalks and a make-up applicator. I added a little red Stickles for dimension. The outer edge of the whisper white card was edged using a gold Pilot marker. Hope you like it.

Eggs for "Eggette"

Here is a "cutsie" card for a challenge called the Creative Name Featured Stamper (CNFS) from SCS over on the CCEE Stampers blog. Charlene (LilLuvStampin) is the hostess for the month and her selection is Bonnie (eggette).

Apparently Bonnie gathers chicken eggs from over 12,000 chickens on their farm. (WOW, what a woman!!) Her favorite embellishment is ribbons and she loves the color green. So, the instructions for this challenge was to make a card that had an EGG on it somewhere, shades of green and ribbon.

I drew great inspiration from the team over on the CCEE Stampers blog but when I started looking through my stash my brain stalled out! Check out some of the other ladies work like Tosh, and Cindy just to name a couple ... the other gals did a remarkable job too!! I decided to just use a plain white card base and the eggs I stamped across the bottom are actually (bird) eggs from the Crafty Secrets - bird lover set. My daughter has chickens and she has one breed that lays what they call "Easter Eggs" and they are actually green, yellow, pink & blue so I didn't have any problem coloring a couple of these eggs "green". Of course, we've all seen brown eggs! The chicken/eggs is a $1 stamp I purchased at Pat Catan's a long time ago. I used Creative Memories letter/number stickers for the "sentiment". Hope you like it ... it was fun!

Please stop back tomorrow when I will have my creation for the Crafty Secrets forum challenge hosted by Pammyjo. Her clue to us today was: the same clue written out four different times in four different languages ... none of which were English! Had to do a little research on this one!! See you tomorrow!!!

Blog Challenge by Heather

Last post for today ... I know, you probably don't think I do anything but stamp ... and sometimes that is true! Like today ... the only work I've done is make a run to the grocery store to get what DH wanted prepared for dinner ... we just finished dinner (shrimp alfredo over pasta) and I'm back.

I made this card right before preparing our dinner and just had to share!! I made this card for a blog challenge over on Heather's blog (Scrappy Dayz Are Here Again). We are to make any type of card using Certainly Celery, Regal Rose, ribbon, brads, and any image other than floral. She's running this challenge until the 26th at which time she'll draw a name and send some goodies to the winner.

There is actually NO stamping or inking on this card. My image and designer paper are from Crafty Secrets. The image is from the "Girlfriends Images & Journal Notes" and the paper is "Pastels". The sentiment is a part of the image which I cut, positioned brads and popped up with dimensional tape. The other portion of the sentiment is on the inside of the card and reads: "My dearest wish could not come true ... Unless today brought joy to you". I did faux stitching with a "regal rose" marker and a ruler. Wrapped and tied a pretty bow made from Stampendous sheer white ribbon ... added a few more brads and here you have it!! A quick and easy card that will work perfectly for an upcoming birthday! Thanks for stopping by ... I can't tell you how much it means to me!! Hope you've had a wonderful weekend.

Kreativ Blogger Award

Thanks to Heather (scrappinmominky) for this awesome award!!


Please check out Heather's blog ... she is very talented and deserves a some extra "stampin love".

Here are the instructions on this award:
1. The winner may put the logo on their blog.
2. Put a link to the person who sent you the award.
3. Nominate 5 blogs.
4. Put links to their blogs.
5. Leave a message for your nominees.


I will be back later to let you know what 5 nominees I have selected. Thanks again Heather ... I am so honored and thrilled that you like my blog. Please come back!!!


WOW ... I just found out that I was awarded this honor a 2nd time ... by my Crafty Secrets Challenge friend DRU. Thanks girlfriend ... I am so honored. PLEASE check out Dru's blog (garden of dreams) ... she is SO talented and also deserved extra "stampin love".

I'm back with my five nominees. I will have to give this award again because there are SO many others who are so deserving of this honor.

1. Marissa (marisa-isa)

2. Heidi (embellished dreams)

3. Amy (amy's creative pursuits)

4. Lori Lynn (just a note)

5. Joanne (Ambrosia & Iron)

Please check out these ladies blogs for some wonderful ideas and fun!! Thanks again Dru and Heather!!!

More Holiday Cards

Here are a couple more cards I came up with for my friends and family.

This card was fun to make. The images are from the SU mini catalog "Winter Post". I just love the "vintage" appeal of this set and these skaters are fun to color. I used my Nesties for my main image panel and added a little Stickles icicles for the snow. I'm trying not to get too carried away with my new Martha Stewart branch punch ... this time of the year you could just use it on everything!! Just a few springs here to "set the mood". I found this awesome Provo Craft Candy Cane designer paper at my friend Tammy Herbergers store (Toyrifix) and couldn't wait to put it to use. The ribbon came from a pack of "leftover ribbon pieces" I purchased from Hobby Lobby for the price of $1.99. There is a TON of ribbon in one of these packs ... very narrow to very wide ... certainly worth the $2. What do you think??

okay ... moving on ....

This is a card I started playing with because I had cut the Nesties piece I needed for the card shown above and decided (after I'd cut it) to use it for a card of it's own. Had I thought of this earlier, I would have centered it better ... hence the use of the white ribbon!!

I also have been working on 44 tree ornaments for my friend's business holiday party (future posting) and had a piece of clear acetate laying on my worktable that was BEGGING to be used!! This card, however, will be a prototype. I didn't have any Stazon White so used craft white (which never dries on a glossy surface), clear ep & heat gun. Some acetates do not like the heat gun as you can see in this photo. I was very careful, but there was still some buckleing going on.

Here is my card in "open" form. The main image is by Northwood and was colored using prisma pencils. There is just enough room at the top and bottom (which will be covered by the front cover) for well wishes and signature. I love this concept, but certainly need to work a little more at perfecting it!! The snowflake stamp is by Inkadinkado and the Merry Christmas sentiment stamp (on front) is by AMuse. The green sprigs are from the Martha Stewart branch punch, the red snowflake is a punch by EKSuccess and the white ribbon is by Darice ... purchased at Joanne's.

Back to the craftroom to work on today's Featured Stamper challenge over on SCS (and more of those 44 ornaments) ... so glad you stopped by ... please come back! Happy Stamping!!

Papercraft Planet & OCC Challenges

Here is a card I did for a couple of challenges over on the Papercraft Planet. I found the sketch challenge to be intriguing and the colors for the color challenge (put on by the Treehouse Stamps - Ashley Bowen group) are some of my favorites.

Have you checked out the Papercraft Planet yet? I am still loving everything going on over on Splitcoaststampers, but am also enjoying some of the additional freedoms and styles of this new site. Check it out!! I'm sure you'll see some familiar faces ... at least one - mine. HaHaHa!!

This card is 5-1/2" square and the base card is Old Olive. The second panel is 5-1/4" and cut from Very Vanilla. I sponged around the edges using old olive. The designer paper used for the third panel is by Making Memories (snowflake Falala) which I purchased from my friend Tammy Hershberger at Toyrifix and the main image is by Stampendous. The snowflakes are by Creative Impressions and I inked them with old olive & certainly celery. I used a little diamond Stickles for a touch of sparkle and distressed the edges of the main panel before matting it with old olive.

This was a fun card and really liked the combination of colors and layout! What are your thoughts?? As always, thanks for stopping by and hope to see you again soon!!

My friend Tammy (mentioned above) also clued me in that this card fits the OCC challenge for this week Silouettes. I had this challenge printed out to work on but forgot what the topic was!! (memory isn't what it used to be, LOL!) Thanks Tammy!! This is another fun challenge ... when you get a chance, please check it out!!

Stamp Simply #61 - Fun Folds

Can you believe I nearly missed doing Sharon's challenge this week ... OMGoodness, where is my head!!!

Sharon Johnson's blog challenge (notimetostamp) was to make some fun folds. Well, I couldn't seem to get my mind wrapped around this very well so I decided to make a "card within a card". That's fun folds ... right!! (sorry Sharon, I'm fold challenged today)! Please check out Sharon's card on her blog and don't forget to take a peek at what the other ladies on her DT came up with too ... awesome work!!

So, here's what I came up with. The image on the left is the card in "closed" form. The center image shows the main image 3" x 3" card with verse inside and the last image is a view of both cards opened. Kind of different I thought, it was fun to make, and very simple. The main image is a stamp by Seaside Stampin and I colored it using make-up sponges and chalks. The verse inside the small card is by Stampendous and the verse inside the A-2 card is by Great Impressions. The base card is duplex huntergreen/ivory cardstock and the designer paper is by Making Memories Snowflake Falala. I was visiting my friend Tammy Hershberger at Toyrifix yesterday and found some GREAT new holiday paper ... this one included. Couldn't wait to get creative with it. Tammy is also a member of Sharon's design team ... check out her blog for the card she made ... it's really clever!

Hope you like this card and thanks for stopping by! My day is complete when I hear your comments ... thanks for that!!!

Dropped from DT - how sad!

A quick note on the subject and that's all I'm going to say about it!

Today several of us on The Rubber Cafe Design Team got our pink slips. The team was rather large (20 ladies) and the owner felt the need to cut it in half. Unfortunately I was included in the half that was cut. I only had the pleasure of designing with this group for a short 2 months, but in that length of time I made some new friends and learned some new tricks. I am not bitter ... only disappointed and feel somewhat like I have failed the team in some way but better days are ahead and I am looking in that direction. I wish all the remaining girls on the team "good luck"!

Okay ... moving on now!!

Cuttlebug Christmas Cards

Here are a couple cards I made for a new group/challenge over on the Papercraft Planet (PCP). It's a group for "Cuttlebuggers". This looked like a good group to join ... can always use more information and hints on using my cuttlebug folders as well as things like Nestabilities!! Should be great fun ... will let you know if I learn any really cool tricks & tips!!

Here is a closer view ... not really much to this card other than cuttlebug swiss dot embossing folder (ef), scor-pal and a few images (Inkadinkado). I did decide to embellish it with my new Martha Stewart leaf sprig punch and a snowflake from the EKSuccess snowflake punch that I had laying on my worktable.

The burgundy card didn't come out very good on the embossing ... needed a steadier hand with the Versamark pen! But, you get the general idea. Thanks for stopping by!!

Color Throwdown #19

Here is my card for the challenge over on the Color Throwdown blog! I would not have put these colors together but LOVE how this card turned out!! The colors today are: Not Quite Navy, Bravo Burgundy, Bordering Blue & White.

I chose to use Stampin' Up's "Home For Christmas" as my main image. I inked it up with Not Quite Navy onto glossy white cs then mounted it onto Not Quite Navy cs. I used Creative Memories fine tip markers to do a little coloring around the door. The snowflake ribbon I purchased yesterday at Michael's and the snow flake punch is by EK Success. What do you think??

Colorful Cardinal Christmas Card

Here is a card made to cover two different location challenges. First today's Sketch Challenge over on Splitcoaststampers and then the PCP Color Challenge over on Papercraft Planet.

I flipped the sketch in order to use this beautiful cardinal image which is in the new SU "A Cardinal Christmas" set. The color combination is one I would have NEVER put together but am really pleased at the outcome. The colors are: Riding Hood Red, Really rust, Basic Gray (or going gray) and Whisper White. The three images used on this card are all from the same set.

What do you think?? I'm really pretty happy with this card ... may have to use this layout again soon! Thanks for stopping by and saying hello ... always good to hear from you!

Crafty Secrets Challenge - Punches

(Ooops ... I was supposed to tag this to post on Tuesday ... oh well, it's been a long day and I messed up ... so you get to see this post late Monday night .... sorry!)

Today's Crafty Secrets challenge over on SCS is hosted by "yours truly" and I've asked the gang to be creative in using their punches along with their Crafty Secrets product!! Why not come play along ... it's great fun!!!

I have seen SO many awesome ideas on everyone's blogs lately using corner punches, border punches and even images punches. I can't wait to see what these talented ladies come up with!!

On my card I have used the ever popular Martha Stewart doily lace border punch. My main image panel is made by cutting a 2-3/4" square piece of cs then centering it in the punch on all four sides. My image & Happy Birthday sentiment are from the Crafty Secrets Glamour Girls set and the other sentiment is by Hero Arts. I've used ocean green vellum with peach satin ribbon from Hobby Lobby, Hero Arts gems and Prima flowers. It's difficult to see in the photo (you can click on the image to enlarge) but I used a ZIG ocean green marker and did faux stitching across the bottom which is actually on the inside of the card.

Thanks so much for stopping by ... hope to have a few more things to share with you later in the day. Happy Stamping!!

Paper Craft Planet Color Challenge

Being a new member of the Papercrafters Planet (click on the side bar badge to view "my page"), I have joined in on a few groups. I am still finding my way around but having fun in the process. Today I noticed that the color challenge (in the Treehouse Stamps Group - Ashley Bowen) was to use kiwi kiss, baja breeze and white (or colors close to that).

So, not having the new SU - IN colors, I used old olive, soft sky and white. I also used a new SU set called "Nature Silouettes". The designer paper I used is Basic Grey-Boxer and I even took the time to clip out around the end flowers to give it a little more dimension. (you can click on the image for a larger view) The sky is a stamp by Ala Art and I made the moon by stamping a large sponge pod into summer sun and rocking one edge in pumpkin pie.

I'm happy with the outcome ... what do you think?? Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!!

Stampin' D'Amour challenge with a RAK

Kris Dickinson (parkerquilter) over on Stampin' D'Amour has posted a "Get Ready for Christmas" challenge! (Yikes! Christmas is only 45 days away!!!) Kris is giving us until Nov. 17th to make/post a card and qualify for the awsome RAK she is putting together for this challenge. How great is that!!! If you are not familiar with Kris's work, please check out her BLOG which is jam-packed full of wonderfully creative projects. I am always in AWE of her work ... such a talented artist and sweet, sweet lady!!!

Anyways, back to the challenge! All you have to do is make a card, tag or ATC following these three simple guidelines: 1) Must be a Christmas Theme ... 2) Must use RED somewhere ... and 3) Lets see some sparkle or bling. That's it! So, what are you waiting for??? Get those sparkley, red, holiday card juices flowing and "show us what's you've got!!"

Oh yea, here's my contributions to the challenge. I used the same Stampendous image on both the tag & card.

The tag is sponged using SU real red ink ... image stamped using versamark then embossed with gold sparkle ep. Edged with a gold Pilot marker ... added a couple sprigs of ribbon and ta dah ... tag!

My card is whisper white and the Christmas red cs has been bordered using a gold Pilot marker. The image was stamped with Versafine Black and embossed with clear ep. I stamped the image again on whisper white and using my swivel craft knife, cut out the baby Jesus so I could use pop dots for dimension and focus! The ribbon is Jo Ann's gold organdy and the gold gems are from Michael's.

Thanks so much for stopping by and saying hello! I always LOVE hearing from you all!!

SCS Featured Stamper #92

OMGoodness ... this is my 3rd upload today!! Hope I'm not overloading you!! I've just finally had some time to play!!

Here is my card for today's Featured Stamper (Wendy Bell) over on SCS. Wendy has a great style and it was fun casing one of her creations. THIS is Wendy's card I cased and made it my own!!

My santa image is from the Vintage Christmas set by Crafty Secrets ... the HoHoHo is by Our Lady of Rubber and the stockings (3 on the stamp) is by Brother Sister Design Studio. My base card is actually basic black (hard to tell in the photo unless you click for a larger view) and the scene was created on glossy white which I inked using various SU inks and sponge pods. I cut out a circle using my Eclipse masking for the moon and positioned before sponging. I stamped the stockings on whisper white paper then cut around them with a swivel craft knife. I colored them using Creative Memories fine tip markers and attached using Making Memories brads. The snow is Icicle Stickles. Thanks again for stopping by and being so kind with your comments ... LOVE hearing from you when you have the time!!!

Papercraft Planet Sketch Challenge

Here is a card I made for the sketch challenge going on over on the Papercraft Planet ... have you checked out this site yet??? You really should, it's great fun and you'll probably see someone you know!!!

This was a "simple" sketch that really packed a PUNCH when completed!! The image is just a simple $1 stamp I picked up in my travels and I wished the photo showed it better, but I have embossed it using "black opal" embossing powder and it really has a festive sparkle. The red cs has a sparkle to it also and the designer paper is by The Paper Studio. I bordered the red matting circle with a silver Pilot marker (not the best job) but it helped make it stand out from the red bg without using another layer.

The sentiment is from Rubber Stampede and after stamping with SU real red, I cut it out using Fiskar postage stamp scissors ... mounted it onto the same green as the card and cut again. The snowflakes are from a EK Success punch. I'm happy with how this turned out and I can check another Christmas card off my list ... how great is that!!! Thanks for stopping by ... always good to hear from you!!!