Thank you My Friend

It's not often you can have a true friendship with someone you have never pesonally met, but when it happens, I feel one is truly blessed, as I am with my on-line friendship with Claire Brennan of Waltzingmouse Stamps. Claire is a truly gifted crafter and one awesome stamp designer. Just look at her newest releases!

I recently received her latest releases, Irish Blessings and Celtic Heritage and I'm so excited to have these warm and rich images that reflect her homeland, Ireland. Claire's unique style and eye for classic design are apparent in these images that are much more than those used for your typical St. Patrick's Day cards. They reflect, love, joy, happiness, luck and friendship with a warm feeling that isn't reserved for the Irish alone.

When these two sets arrived in the mail, I immediately ran to make a quick little card. Using one of the Irish "knots" I created background images on my cardstock and then quickly dusted them with Perfect Pearls which have them a wonderful shimmer.

From this angle you can see the shimmer and the way the light reflects and changes the colors are you tilt the card.

Thank you Claire for these wonderful images and most of all for your frienship! I feel as if I have a true "Irish Blessing" in you!

Have a fantastic day!

{Supplies}

Stamps: Irish Blessings and Celtic Heritage (Waltzingmouse Stamps)

Paper: Retro (Club Scrap), Soft Sand (Gina K Designs)

Ink: Handsome Hunter

Accessories: Rope Border Punch (Fiskars), Double Stitched Twill, Buttons, Small Petitte Scalloped Oval and Petitte Oval Nestabilities, Perfect Pearls (Ranger) Foam Tape

Oh Happy Day

It's always a happy day on Friday. It's also another jean's day at work. Apparently our floor of the building achieved the greatest amount of recycling so we are rewarded with the privilege of wearing jeans to work! YIPPEE! I just adore jeans day. It makes getting ready for work so easy. I normally fret each day over what to wear, but with jeans, I only have to think about being comfortable! Ah, the simple pleasures in life that make me happy.

Another thing that makes me happy is when I discover that something will turn out the way I hoped it would. This card started out as an experiment of sorts. I got this awesome Ruche paper from Paper Temptress. I love the awesome texture in this cardstock, but wasn't sure how it rub-ons would take to it. I had a bunch of these rub-ons that are just hanging around and wanted to use a few of them up, so I thought I'd give it a try with this heavily textured paper. As you can see, it worked perfectly. No missed spots, or problems adhering the rub-ons onto the cardstock.

As you will note, there is only a minimal amount of stamping on this project, but that's ok...I can stamp anytime, but it's not everyday that I have a project where I can use rub-on's. It will be years before I use up all the rub-ons that I have, and by that time, they will be so far out of style it won't matter...lol

Have an awesomely fantastic Friday!

{Supplies}

Stamps: Ribbon Stripes (Gina K Designs)

Paper: Yellow Ruche Cardstock and Green Pop Tones (Paper Temptress), Pure Luxury White 80# (Gina K Designs)

Ink: Wild Wasabi

Accessories: Love & Happiness Rub-ons (SU!), 1/2 Circle Punch, Scallop Border punch, Mini Pop Dots, Earth Elements Brads

Lucky Seven Blog Hop

Are you feeling lucky? Well you should because today kicks off a very lucky event for you and Gina K Designs. The Senior Design Team is taking part in the Lucky Seven Blog Hop featuring 7 of Gina's creative stamp sets. More about that below. First I want to tell you a little about my card.

This card features an image from the Many Happy Re-turns stamp set. Since I chose to use the sewing machine image, I wanted to bring in some fabric into this design. Fabric on cards is a trend that you are seeing and most likely, will see more and more.

The bottom panel as well as the fabric that I stamped my sentiment are pieces of fabric taken from a discarded wallpaper sample book. Paint and wall paper stores often get rid of out dated sample books, and they were all to happy to have me carry away a few. In the back were these great samples of fabrics that coordinated with many of their wallpapers. These are great to use on cards because many of the samples are already mounted on heavy cardstock, making it a breeze to apply them onto cards.

I colored my sewing machine with Copics and added a layer of Crystal Lacquer giving it a pretty close resemblance to what my Grandmother's sewing machine looks like. I was lucky to inherit her treasured machine when she passed away. It must have been one of the first models of Singer after they went from a trundle to electricity. It looks exactly like this image and to this day, sews like a dream. They just don't make 'em like that any more.

As you can see, I took another piece of sample fabric, and using Stazon, I stamped my sentiment directly onto the fabric. The three buttons attached are vintage, taken from a very old garment and added to my stash. I feel very lucky to be able to use them on this card.

Now - more info about how YOU can get lucky. Gina's Lucky Seven Sale begins NOW and ends midnight Monday, July 13th.

Lucky Seven Sale Event

Buy any three of these seven stamp sets (regularly priced at $23.95 each) for $49.95 and you can choose from one of these normally priced $19.95 stamp sets for free! (A value of $91.80) OR, for an even more amazing deal: Buy them all for $125! Purchase all of the Lucky Seven stamp sets and you will receive all 4 of the free stamp set choices for free! (A total value of $247.55)

Lucky Seven Stamp sets available for this sale event:

Many Happy Returns

How Sweet it Is!

Jumping for Joy

Zoo Animals

Christmas Blessings

Whatever Floats Your Boat

Cuddles and Hugs

Stamp sets available for free with the purchase of 3 of the Lucky Seven Stamp Sets:

WhooHoo!

Rectangle Greetings

Heartfelt Hits 1

Kindred Greetings for Kids

To take advantage of these sale prices, look for the Lucky Seven Button on Gina K's Online Store!

Check out the Gina K Designs Senior Design Team blogs tonight for projects made with these seven Lucky Stamp sets!

Many Happy Returns: Joanne and ME! :)

How Sweet it Is: Gina and Carolyn

Jumping for Joy: Cathy and Lee

Zoo Animals: Asela and Donna

Christmas Blessings: Kurtis and Emily

Whatever Floats Your Boat: Erika and Jessica

Cuddles and Hugs: Melanie and Theresa

I'm so glad you stopped by! I feel like the LUCKY one. :)

{Supplies}

Stamps: Many Happy Returns (Gina K Designs)

Paper: Soft Sand, DCWV Paper Prints

Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Stazon Jet Black

Accessories: Fabric from wallpaper sample book, Rick Rack (Bazzill), Large Scallop and Small Square Nestabilities, Ribbon, Crystal Lacquer, Vintage Buttons, Airbrush, Copic Markers, Singer Sewing Machine

Shining Star - That's What you Are

Hey everyone! Each month on Paper Craft Planet, the Design Team selects a theme in which to focus our efforts. This month, we decided that when we thought of the month of July, the thing that came to mind was Red, White & Blue...the colors of ole Glory. That was the basis of this card.

Along with the patriotic colors associated with our nation's flag, my mind is drawn to stars. It could be that stars and stripes (or in this case polka dots) just go together.

With a card base of white, I stamped polka dots using white Craft Ink onto blue cardstock and then stamped three adorably smiling happy stars from Molly Stamps' Out of this World onto white cardstock using blue ink and then went over each star with a clear Spica glitter pen. (impossible to see, but it's there...lol).

There are many people in my life who I consider to be a shining star. They are people who bring laughter and joy to me and my sometimes trying existence. I know you must have people like that in your life...they are those who make our life a real blessing.

One blessing I have is your visit to my blog. Thanks for being my "shining star" today! Be sure to check back later tonight for some exciting news for a "lucky" opportunity.

{Supplies}

Stamps: Out of this World (Molly Stamps), Polka Dot Backgrounder (CHF)

Paper: In The Navy and Rocket Red (Gina K Designs), Whisper White

Ink: Night of Navy and White Craft Ink, Lady Bug (Memento)

Accessories: Star Eyelet (Stash), Adhesive Dots (Mark Richards), Threading Water Border Punch, Satin Ribbon (Ribbon House), Stampin' Dimensionals, 1" & 1-1/4" circle punch

Take Two

I love ice cream! There, I said it. But in my defense, I don't think I'm alone. There is just something comforting about a nice cone or bowl of this yummy frozen concoction. Having this delicious treat just makes me feel better, even if I'm sick. And that is why I created this get well card.

I love this sentiment and I thought it fit perfectly for this "get well" card. So I created this project to send to an ailing friend in hopes that they will take this doctor's advice to "take two of these and call me in the morning!". (No, I'm not a real doctor although when someone I know is sick, I do offer advice on how to feel better quick..lol)

These yummy images are from the Gina K Designs' 100% Sweet stamp set. I stamped the two ice cream cones onto Pure Luxury Ivory cardstock and colored the top with Copic markers. For the cones I stamped the ice cream images onto a scrap piece of Soft Sand cardstock using brown ink and then cut the cones out and paper pieced them onto the colored cones.

These two cones were then die cut and applied to a piece of 100% Sweet patterned paper, which is a digital paper pack, FREE from Stamp TV. To finish the project, I added a sentiment with a little ribbon and it's ready for that person who could use the "feel good" power of ice cream...and the caring thoughts of a friend. :)

Have a fantastic day...which I hope will include a little ice cream - just because I know it will make you feel better...even if you aren't sick!

{Supplies}

Stamps: 100% Sweet (Gina K Designs)

Paper: Barely Banana, Pixie Pink, 100% Digital Paper Pack, Pure Luxury Soft Sand

Ink: Coffee Bean (Vivid - Gina K Designs)

Accessories: Labels Four Nestabilities, Double Ended Tags (Spellbinders), Brads (Pretties Kit by SU!) Striped Ribbon (American Crafts) Crystals 2mm (Gina K Designs)

My Best Bud

Hi all! I hope this finds you having a great Tuesday. One really good thing about Tuesdays is that it's not Monday any more. HA!

One thing that I really admire are people who are blessed with a green thumb. Their flower gardens grow with gusto and and sprinkled with such a beautiful array of colors and greenery. I use the excuse that I work full time to excuse myself from not having the type of yard and garden that I so admire. Who knows if I would have a heavenly garden, even if I had more time, but that doesn't stop me from appreciating the beauty around me. I may not have the time or patience to grow the garden of my dreams, but I can create paper blossoms, that don't require much time, watering, care and are impossible to kill (well, except those flowers that didn't turn out like I want - HA!)

This flower is for my best bud - giggle - who always brings sunshine and happiness to my life. I put together this card by using a scallop circle cut from Wisteria patterned paper from Basic Grey. I stamped a blossom along with the sentiment into the center of the scalloped circle and then clipped each petal. Underlining "my best bud" are three crystals by Zva Creative - these crystals come in so many sizes and designs - it was hard to choose which ones I wanted to use.

I also cut my stem and leaves from the same Wisteria paper . I attached the sentiment to my cardbase using two of the smaller glazed brads also from Basic Grey.

Do you have a best bud that could use a little sunshine? Why not send a little love in the mail...it may not smell as sweet as the real thing, but gifts from the heart are always welcome.

Have a great day.

{Supplies}

Stamps: Bold Flowers (Gina K Designs)

Paper: Lavender Moon, Wisteria (Basic Grey from I {Heart} Papers

Ink: Pear Tart (Memento), Bravo Burgundy

Accessories: Threading Water Border Punch, Crystals (Zva Creative), Round Scallop Nestabilities, Wisteria Glazed Brads (Basic Grey), Small Oval Punch, Mini Glue Dots

TLC228 Stand Up Card

I trust that you all had a fantastic holiday weekend. We did have some rain on the 4th, but that didn't damper our spirits any!

I have a fun fold to share today. It's called a stand up card, for obvious reasons, and it's another great use for your Scor-Pal, although you can also use any scoring tool to create this design as well. I hope that you'll join me today on Splitcoaststampers.com Try a New Technique for today's challenge complete with instructions from the creative crafter, Penny Wessenauer.

My sample card uses a fun, sweet array of delectable images from Gina K Designs, 100% Sweet set. Who can resist cupcake images...certainly not me - I can't get enough. I stamped these images onto Pure Luxury 80# White cardstock and then colored and cut them out. I used the Top Note Bigz Die to create the base, stitching along the outer edges, adding some ribbon, my sentiment and a flower.
I've included of how the backside of this fold looks, and when I get ready to send this card to someone, I'll attach an additional piece of cardstock for my personal greeting.

This type of card is wonderful for those who love to display cards they receive, like I do. Whenever I'm graced with a card from someone, they sit on my piano for quite a while so I can admire them.

Thanks for stopping by today!

{Supplies}

Stamps: 100% Sweet (Gina K Designs)

Paper: Groovy Guava Textured Cardstock and Groovy Guava Patterned Paper (SU!)

Ink: Coffee Bean (Vivid)

Accessories: Wide Oval Punch, Flowers (Prima Marketing), Sateen Flowers (Gina K Designs), Ribbon (Michael's) Bead from Stash, Top Note Bigz Die (SU!), sewing machine

Techniques: Rock and Roll

Celebrate Independence Day!

Greeting and Happy Independence Day to all of my fellow Americans. It's a day for family, backyard barbeque's and fireworks. I hope you have some plans to spend the day celebrating this lovely patriotic holiday. Later this afternoon I'll be hanging with my Italian mob and enjoying some BBQ yumminess as well as just spending time with my adorable in-laws. I miss spending time with my side of the family, especially on holidays (any holiday), but I guess that's the way it goes when you live so far away from your children. I haven't seen my son and his family since Christmas, and it's been over a year since I've seen my daughter. BUT...I don't want to dwell on that, but rather the many blessings of the day.

I could bore you for days with all the things that I am blessed with. Instead I hope that you will take a moment and consider all of YOUR blessings...no matter how small. Today, I'm thinking of the blessing of being an American. While I feel that our country is in a huge time of change, I still love this country, it's patriots, the courage and dedication of our founding fathers and those who continue daily to insure that our freedoms and not stripped from us. May God bless them all and may God bless America.

This card was created using a few different star punches as masks that I used to apply inky stars to my card base with daubers and ink. Every now and then I break out my Creative Memories wavy cutter thingy and did so to create my little wavy strips of paper that run across and behind the sentiment.

No matter what you do today, what plans you may or may not have, we can all celebrate in one way or another. If nothing else, say a prayer for those who are, and continue to be, in areas of danger, who proudly wear the badge of courage and represent our nation in all forms of the military.

Have a safe and happy holiday!

{Supplies}

Stamps: Lazy Days of Summer, Heartfult Hits 1 (Gina K Designs)

Paper: Pure Luxury White 120#, In the Navy, Rocket Red (All Gina K Designs)

Ink: Inky Blue, Real Red

Accessories: Small and Large Star Punches (SU!), Mini Star Punch (Marvy), Creative Memories Wavy Cutter, Ribbon and brads (Eclectic Summer Stamp TV Kit), Large Pinking Circle Nestabilities, Petite Oval and Large Circle Nestabilities, Sponge Daubers, Mini Pop Dots

Pot Luck Friday - Punchmania

Hi! It's a happy Friday for me because I'm off work in observance of Independence Day! A three day weekend...what's not to love about that?

Today I'm hosting the Pot Luck Friday challenge on Stamp TV. Today's challenge is to use your punches on your card. I know you have punches...probably several kinds in various shapes and sizes, so break 'em out and join in the punchmania. Tune into Stamp TV and check out the challenge HERE. You could even win a free stamp set!

My card consists of four small stars punched in my card base of Pure Luxury In The Navy cardstock along with a border along the bottom. I adhered a little of Gina K's Stars & Stripes (Free digital papers, which can be found and downloaded HERE) on the backside of the front of the card so that the stars would show through the punches. I also added a little band of striped paper from the same Stars & Stripes digital paper pack on the bottom of the card so that you could see it from the front.

My sentiment is from Sporty Accessories with the addition of some Thicker foam letters that I applied glitter. To top is all off, I used a piece of red gingham ribbon that came in my Eclectic Summer Stamp TV kit. If you look closely, you'll even see some crystal rhinestones that were added for some additional "bling".

I certainly hope that you're like me and enjoying your Friday. Having a 3-day weekend ROCKS!

{Supplies}

Stamps: Sporty Accessories (Gina K Designs)

Paper: Pure Luxury-In the Navy and Pure Luxury-White (Gina K Designs), Stars & Stripes (Free Digital Paper on Stamp TV)

Ink: Night of Navy

Accessories: Small Star Punch (SU!), Scallop Diamond Punch, Doodlebug Glitter (Gina K Designs), Thickers Foam Letters

Relax

I can't believe that I've neglected to post this project on my blog. I made this card weeks and weeks ago for a sketch challenge on Stamp TV and I guess I've just had other projects to post and nearly forgot about this card.

Acetate is such a great element to use for cardmaking. I love the clear view that it adds to a project. For this card I adhered a panel of acetate that I had stamped with white Stazon ink onto the front of my cardbase. From there I stamped three images from Perfectly Polished, a set designed by Rupa Shevde, and applies those to mats. I used a combination of Copic markers and Prismacolor pencils to shad the images, and even added a little white flock to the dressing gown in the center.

I'd like to welcome the new Center Stage Spotlight Team for July. What a great group of creative ladies. Be sure to check out the work of Brenda Turner, Dawn Lusk, JenMarie Taylor, Shannon Bracken, Sue Morris, and Sue Walsh. Welcome ladies!

Today is my Friday since I'm off work on Friday in observance of Independence Day. Yippee skippy - a 3 day weekend. It doesn't get much better than that. I appreciate you stopping by today and I hope that you find a little time today to "relax". Until next time, have an awesome day.

{Supplies}

Stamps: Perfectly Polished (Gina K Designs), $1 Michael's Flourish stamp

Paper: Raspberry Tart Patterned Paper (SU!), Pretty in Pink, Acetate

Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Stazon Cotton White

Accessories: Crystals (Mark Richards), Sateen Flowers, Button from Stash, Mini Pop Dots, Ribbon (Creative Impressions) White Flock, Quickie Glue Pen, Small Circle Nestabilities

Leave a Trail

Clean and Simple is new to me. It hasn't always been that way though. Once upon a time, when I was new to stamping, I didn't know any other way OF stamping, but Clean and Simple. But time went on, I learned new techniques, I discovered ribbon, buttons, Prima flowers, Nestatilibites and Copics. The style of Clean and Simple went the way of the dinosaurs. But not any longer. Clean and Simple has made a resurgence, and with good reason. It's a great design. There is plenty of wide open spaces so that the focus can be directed to the image.

There are some stamp images that just naturally lend themselves well to the Clean and Simple design principle, and Happy Camper, one of the newest sets recently released by Gina K Designs is just one such set. These images are realistic with clean lines that look just as beautiful filled with color as they do just stamped in a solid color.

So I've come full circle, back to the style in which I first began stamping, Clean and Simple. It isn't as easy as it once was, for now I have to fight the urge to reach for my Copics, or to put a flower here or a ribbon there. Oh, don't get me wrong - I still love those tools, but sometimes it's refreshing to get back to basics. I guess you could say it makes me a "Happy Camper". :)

Have a fantastic Wednesday.

{Supplies}

Stamps: Happy Camper (Gina K Designs)

Paper: Pure Luxury Soft Sand (Gina K Designs)

Ink: Coffee Bean (Vivid)

Accessories: Antique Brass Brads (Making Memories), Chocolate Chip Stampin' Write Marker

Bring on the Bling Challenge

It's challenge day for the i {heart} papers Design Team and I was happy to learn that our challenge was to use bling on our projects. That's pretty easy since most cards I make contain a fair amount of bling.

My Mom always told me that if you have one or two good friends that you could always count on in life, you were truly blessed. She was a wise woman because had it not been for the love and support of some very loyal friends thoroughout the years, I would have been one lost soul. A true friend may live in another state, or even another country, but is always only a hearbeat away, which is why I chose to use the Zva Creative Crystyals in the word Friends. I added a few hearts to my card to show how much this friend has touched my heart. Two of these hearts are punched from the same cardstock as the cardbase, with the small scalloped heart cut from fun foam using my Nesting Hearts.

My card base is a piece of double sided Sorbet Cardstock and I stamped the circular image across the bottom using an image from Dotty Daisy and then free-hand cut a scallop around the images. With this lovely double sided paper, I wanted the inside to show so I thought this might be a nice way of doing that.

I added some Zva Creative Crystals to the center of each little flower, as well as a border along the border of the card. I added some Satin Reversible Blue/Brown ribbon running it through the sentiment and then adding a bow by using a brown paper clip that I had in my stash. The ribbon matched beautifully with this paper!

Be sure to check out the blingaliciousness inspiration that the other Design Team members had cooked up today:

Cathleen Torina

Loretta Lock

Amber Kroening

Lori Tecler

Deb Felts

Tracy Schultz

Meredith Socha

Carolyn Mustopa

Dee Jackson

Kate Baldwin

{Supplies}

Stamps: Dotty Daisy (Stampendous - I{heart}Papers

Paper: Turquoise/Brown Sorbet Cardstock (Paper Temptress)

Ink: Coffee Bean (Vivid)

Accessories: Long Scallop Rectangle (Spellbinders - I{heart}Papers, Zva Creative Crystals (I{heart}Papers, 1-3/4 Heart Punch, Nesting Heart Nestabilities, Satin Reversible Ribbon (May Arts), Slot Punch

TLC227 Burnt Edges

Howdy partner...I'm not horsin' around when I tell ya, I'm glad you took the time to mosy over to my blog today. It's another Try a New Technique Monday and this week's technique is The Faux Burnt Edges Technique. This technique was first introduced to me by none other that the technique guru herself, Pat Huntoon and the Technique Junkies February/March 07 Newsletter.

I used Out West, a great set full of cowboy and western images - created by Theresa Momber for Gina K Designs. The patterned paper is a digital paper pack called Special Fathers and is also available from Gina K Designs. I'm happy with the western feel that I got from the technique, and no matches or horses were harmed in the making of this card. HA!

To get all the lowdown on how to create the look of a burnt edge, pop on over to Splitcoaststampers.com and check out today's Technique Challenge. It's easy and lends itself to lots of different applications, such as vintage images, western themes, treasure maps, Egyptian artifacts or anytime you want the look of something old and burnt.

Have a rootin'-tootin' Monday y'all. It's a four-day work week for me, and that just makes me happier than a pig in a mud bath! *grin*

{Supplies}

Stamps: Out West (Gina K Designs)

Paper: Very Vanilla, Bravo Burgundy, Wood grain (Cosmo Cricket), Special Fathers Digital Paper (Gina K Designs)

Ink: Old Paper, Vintage Photo (Ranger Distressing Inks) Tuxedo Black & Potters Clay (Memento)

Accessories: Large Deckled Rectangle Nestabilities (on sentiment) Twill Tape, Hodgepodge Hardware, sponges, brads (Making Memories)

A Summer Sunday

Hello friends. I hope that your weekend is going great. Yesterday was a real scorcher here in St. Louis with temperatures reaching the high 90s with oppressive humidity. That's summer in the Midwest.

With the temperatures so warm, it made for a great day to stay in the basement and make a few cards. I was happy to be able to use some of my not-so-new Basic Grey paper...happy because two new paper packs from Basic Grey are available to order from i {heart} papers - Lemonade and June Bug. I ran right over and ordered both of them as soon as I knew Kate had them. I {heart} Basic Grey. :)

Back to my card - using all Granola paper, with the exception of the card base, I created a series of backgrounds, mats, and embellishments. I took a scrap piece of paper and folded it up all wonky and then stitched across and thought it would make a fun embellishment.

The butterfly image is from Basic Grey as well, but when I went to go find it to link to it, I couldn't find it, so it must be sold out! It's called Flutter, and it's a small clear stamp set with adorable butterfly and flourish images.

The flower was created with two elements, the Zva Self Adhesive Crystals (LOVE THESE THINGS!) and these wonderful Heavy Silk Flowers. I created a center for my bloom with a scrap from the paper along with a Build-A-Brad.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I hope your day is full of sunshine and happy thoughts!

{Supplies}

Stamps: Flutter (Basic Grey)

Paper: Granola (Basic Grey), Brocade Blue

Ink: Coffee Bean (Vivid)

Accessories: Crystals (Zva Creative), 1/4" Silk Ribbon (May Arts), Heavy Silk Flowers (Zva Creative), Build-a-Brad, Large Circle Nestabilities, 1-1/8 Circle Punch

Miss you Much

Normally, this would be the day that I post my Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge, but with Taylor moving, she is taking the next few weeks off from the challenges, and so we will begin again in mid July. Good luck with the move Taylor...I don't envy driving across country with two cats!

I wanted to share this card with you because it's been on my desk for well over a week, and I thought it was a perfect time. To me there is just something very feminine and elegant about vellum and if you couple that with white and pink, you come up with a card something like this. Using the luscious Laser Glossy paper from Paper Temptress as my base, I followed that up with some yummy shimmery Rose Quartz Metallic cardstock that I die cut with my Top Note Bigz die. Upon that I created a scalloped envelope from the Marble White vellum at Paper Temptress sells (all of which is on special during the month of June so be sure to stock up!)

With little note tucked inside the vellum envelope sits a note to let my special friend know how much I miss her. With a little ribbon here, a layer of lace there, and it's ready to go.

It's been a crazy busy week for me, and now that most of the fury has died down, I'm hopeful to catch up on some sleep, clean the mess that IS my craft room, and get my mojo running! I hope your Friday is an especially wonderful one!

{Supplies}

Stamps: Tropical Flowers (Gina K Designs)

Paper: Laser Glossy Lustre, Rose Quartz Metallic, Pop Tones Pink, Basic White

Ink: Chartreuse (Palette) Tuxedo Black (Memento)

Accessories: Pink Taffeta Ribbon (SU!), Lace (Hancock Fabrics), Royal Butterfly punch (Martha Stewart), Scallop Envelope Bigz Die, Top Note Bigz die (SU!), Blossom & Leaves Flowers (Creative Impressions by i{heart}papers), Button from stash, White Paper Flower-colors with Copic Marker (Gina K Designs

Gina K Peeks - Day 3

Hi everyone - I'm so glad you decided to stop by today. It's the last day of previews of the newest sets to be released by Gina K Designs. Be sure to join us tonight for the release party over on Splitcoaststampers.com with the fun beginning at 7:00 PM central with challenges, lively conversations, more inspiring projects, and of course gobs of opportunities to win free stuff.

The first project that I'd like to share with you is from Asela Hopkin's newest set, The Journey. This set is in true Asela style with classic designs and some of the most inspirational images and sentiment. I chose the door sentiment for my project which I stamped onto Gina's newest cardstock, Soft Sand and colored sparingly with Copic markers. I added a border of Bashful Blue punched with my Eyelet Lace border punch.

I thought that the key embellishment complimented the sentiment nicely, which I love, and believe with all of my heart. For without faith, we are all just lost in our lives. It is my faith in God that has gotten me through some very rough times and sustains me in the everyday struggles of life.

My second project contains images that hold special meaning to me; the dandelion. To many, the dandelion is merely a weed that is a menace to any well manicured lawn, but to me they are a fond remembrance of childhood and the wishes made as I blew the seeds to the wind. Gina's newest Free with Three set, Many Wishes is a real favorite of mine. Not only do I love these dandelion images, but the set also contains many sentiments that will fit just about any occasion.

I stamped my images using Versamark and then heat embossed with white embossing powder. To give the dandelion a shadow, I used a sponge dauber and applies Versamark around the images for a subtle look. This image was mounted onto a piece of Moss Burlap from Gina's new digital ppaer, The Great Outdoors.

You won't want to miss all the inspiration that the Gina K Senior Design Team has for you today so be sure and stop by their blogs.

Gina

Asela

Cathy

Carolyn

Cindy

Donna

Emily

Erika

Jessica

Joanne

Kurtis

Lee

Melanie

Theresa

In addition to the Senior Design Team, Selma Stevenson and Pam Imholz of the June Center Stage Spotlight Team also have projects for you, so be sure to check out their blogs.

I'm so happy you stopped by, and I hope I see you tonight at 7:00 for the release party!

{Supplies for The Journey project}

Stamps: The Journey

Papers: Soft Sand, Bashful Blue, Chocolate Kiss

Inks: Rich Cocoa (Memento)

Accessories: Copic Markers, Stripped Ribbon (American Crafts), Key (Tim Holtz) Mini Pop Dots

{Supplies for Many Wishes project}

Stamps: Many Wishes

Papers: Soft Sand, Moss Burlap (Gina K The Great Outdoors Digital Paper)

Inks: Versamark, Always Artichoke

Accessories: White Embossing Powder, White Lace, White Silk Ribbon, Sizzix Tag Die, Micro Button, Branch Punch (Martha Stewart)

Gina K Peeks - Day 2

Welcome to Day #2 of the Gina K peeks into the new sets that will be released this Thursday (tomorrow) June 25. Be sure to join us on Splitcoaststampers.com from 7:00 - 10:00 PM for tons of fun, challenges, inspiration and a chance to get free Gina K Design goodies!

This first card was made using Melanie's newest set, Arranged with Love. What a great image that works so well with a variety of coloring mediums...Copics, water coloring, embossing...you name it and this set will look stunning.

I stamped two of the same image onto Pure Luxury cardstock 80#, and the first one I colored my images with Copic markers and with the second image, I cut out three of the flowers, colored and applied them on the first image using foam dimensional dots to raise them up and give them dimension. I did the same with the center sentiment. By the way, this set has many sentiments that are all sized to fit perfectly within this text space!

Melanie has three talented guest designers who have created some wonderful samples using Arranged with Love, so be sure to stop by and visit Selma Stevenson, Denise Marzec, and Dawn Lusk.

My next project is from Nina's new set, Bug Me Anytime. This set is full of fun and whimsical designs that can be used in so many ways. Nina has a real flair for designing eye-catching images. I created a card and a desk note card holder using several images from the set. I can't wait to see what Nina Bracket does with her set. You can see her project today too...so be sure to stop by her blog.

Don't miss seeing even more creations using these two sets. Be sure to check out what the other Design Team members and the Center Stage Spotlight Team have on their blogs today.

Senior Design Team

Gina

Cathy

Carolyn

Cindy

Donna

Emily

Erika

Jessica

Kurtis

Lee

Melanie

Theresa

Center Stage Spotlight Design Team

Carla Suto

Melisa Waldorf

I hope you will join me tomorrow for more previews! Until then, have a fantastic day.

{Supplies for Arranged with Love project}

Stamps: Arranged with Love

Paper: Barely Banana, Cameo Coral, Pure Luxury White Cardstock 80#

Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)

Accessories: Copic Markers, Mini Pop Dots, Crystals (Mark Richards - Gina K Designs)

{Supplies for Bug Me Anytime project}

Stamps: Bug Me Anytime

Paper: Soft Sand (Gina K Designs), Pure Luxury White cardstock 80#, Chocolate Kiss, Patterned paper from SU!, Small Round Nestabilities, Pure Luxury Ivory Layering Weight (cards in desk set)

Ink: Coffee Bean (Vivid), Tuxedo Black

Accessories: Corner rounder punch, Always Artichoke Grosgrain Ribbon, Mini Pop Dots, Scallop Border Punch, Swirl Ribbon (Creative Impressions) Copic Airbrush System

Gina K Peeks - Day 1

Hi and welcome. Today begins the previews for the Gina K Designs release coming this Thursday. The Design Team is highlighting projects using two of the six sets that will be available for purchase Thursday evening at 10:00 p.m. Central.

The first set is the newest set from Theresa Momber, Happy Camper. You're really going to be a happy camper when you see this set. I used two small images from the set to create my camp fire and roasting marshmallows. What fun memories this brings back - as a child we went camping rarely, but when we did, it was sure a special occasion, and roasting marshmallows was the best thing after a day of fun - so sit and watch my marshmallows come ablaze (never did get the technique quite right) and to taste that yummy gooey goodness.

I thought this would make a great masculine card so I went with a background stamp that looks like worn flannel. It's difficult to see, but I put just a teeny bit of liquid applique on each of the marshmallow. HA!

The second set that some of the Design Team is highlight is Rupa's newest set, 100% Sweet, and it really is a sweet treat. Speaking of sweet treats, I created a sundae kit - all that's missing is the ice cream. I covered the frappuchino carrier with some of the freebie papers that Gina offers on Stamp TV. It's called Neapolitan 2 and you can download them by clicking HERE.

Using the sundae image from 100% Sweet I created the image for the front on my container, as well as the card that goes along with the sundae kit. It makes me hungry just looking at this image. This new set is filled with images to satisfy the sweet tooth of anyone.

What sundae kit is complete without a few recipes for some of the most delicious sundaes you'll ever sink a spoon into!

Be sure to check out the other design team members, who will have their projects posted using this set - including two of this month's Center Stage Spotlight Team - Carolina Buchting and Jennie Harper.

Gina
Asela
Cathy
Carolyn
Cindy
Donna
Emily
Erika
Jessica
Joanne
Kurtis
Lee
Melanie
Theresa

Thanks for stopping by today - I hope you'll return tomorrow when I'll have preview of more of the new Gina K Design sets. Be sure to mark your calendar for the release party for lots of fun, challenges and prizes on Splitcoaststampers.com - Thursday, June 25, 7:00 - 10:00 PM Central.

{Supplies for Happy Camper Project}

Stamps: Happy Camper (Gina K Designs), Flannel Plaid (SU!)

Paper: Soft Sand, Straw Burlap (The Great Outdoors Digital Paper), Old Olive

Ink: Old Olive,Coffee Bean (Vivid)

Accessories: Copic Markers, Airbrush System, Hodgepodge Hardware, Jumbo Brads, Scallop Oval Nestabilities, Classic Oval Nestabilities, Twill Tape, Liquid Applique, Mini Pop Dots

{Supplies for 100% Sweet Projects)

Stamps: 100% Sweet (Gina K Designs)

Papers: Neapolitan 2 (Digital Freebie from Gina K Designs/Stamp TV), Pretty in Piink Textured Cardstock, Chocolate Kiss, Bittersweet (Basic Grey), Vellum

Ink: Coffee Bean (Vivid)

Accessories: Pink Rick Rack, Small & Large Tag Punch, Ribbon (American Crafts), Silver Cord, Felt Flowers, Brads, Circle Punch, Scallop Punch, Scor-Tape, Self Adhesive Crystals (Mark Richards - Gina K Designs), Scallop border punch, Mini Pop Dots

TLC226 Faux Denim

For me, next to pajamas, blue jeans are probably the most comfortable article of clothing that I own. The soft feel of well-worn denim just makes me happy. Today on Splitcoaststampers.com I'm sharing a technique where you can make a background that very closely resembled the look of denim. This kind of background works well for any country feel, western look, or even a masculine card. Be sure to pop on over to the challenge forum thread HERE to get all the details on how you can make your own denim.

My sample for today's technique uses a stamp from Molly Stamps, Paper Dolls set. After creating my denim background, I added a couple of rows of double stitching and a copper brad. I thought that I'd dress my paper doll in a pair of cowboy boots and add some hay to her hey greeting. It's actually a small piece of raffia which I glued to her hand and around my panel. The gingham panel just seemed right for this style.

I hope you will play along or if you're inspired and create something using this technique, I'd love to see your project, so either upload it to SCS or drop me a comment with a link so I can see what you've made!

Starting tonight - right after midnight, I'll have some samples for you using the new releases from Gina K Design. Gina's release party will begin THIS Thursday at 7:00 PM Central time on the Gina K Members Company forum.

Hope y'all have a "hay-day". HA!

{Supplies}

Stamps: Paper Dolls (Molly Stamps), Gingham Backgrounder (Cornish Heritage Farms)

Paper: Brocade Blue, Purely Pomegranate, Pure Luxury white 80# (Gina K Designs)

Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) Purely Pomegranate, Brocade Blue, Night of Navy, Colorbox Frost White

Accessories: Rivet Brad (Making Memories), Raffia, Blue Ribbon (Ellen Hutson) 1/2 & 3/4" Circle Punch, checker Board Border Punch (Martha Stewart), Corner Rounder, Photo Corner Punch, Foam Dots

Techniques: Faux Denim

Cheer Up!

First I'd like to wish a HAPPY FATHER'S DAY to everyone, although I doubt many fathers are reading my blog. I guess this is more directed to those of you who will be celebrating the day with their dear ole Dads. We will be spending the afternoon with my in-law and some quality time with my father-in-law enjoying some home cooked Italian food...yummm

Ready! OK! I feel like it's about time I posted this card...since the new Gina K release party will be happening this Thursday. I made this card for the last release and it's a homage to my old high school colors of White & Blue. When putting together this outfit from Melanie's Sports Accessories. I couldn't resist adding the "H" in the center of her uniform for my high school. Yes, it's still standing...lol Melanie's set is perfect for any sport enthusiast but this cheerleaders outfit so closely resembled the look of my own high school's cheer uniform that I knew I'd have to make a card using it.

If you look closely (by clicking on the photo) you can see the little accents of glitter that I added to the uniform. What fun. Since I don't have kids in school any longer, and my granddaughters aren't in high school yet, I wanted to use this design as a little encouragement to someone that may be feeling just a little down. I hope it does the trick.

To the memory of my dear Dad: It is not flesh and blood but the heart which makes us fathers and daughters. Thanks for stopping by today - I hope your Father's Day is a great one! See you tomorrow for another TLC Challenge.

{Supplies}

Stamps: Sports Accessories, Ribbon Stripes

Paper: Pure Luxury, In the Navy, Rocket Red, Stars & Stripes (free digital paper on Stamp TV)

Ink: Night of Navy, Real Red

Accessories: Doodlebug Glitter, Dimensional foam dots, Threading Water Border Punch, Labels Four Nestabilities, Crystals from Michael's

TECC73 The Right Accessories

Hello darlings...it's Friday and that in itself is reason to celebrate. So put on those party shoes and grab your designer bag and let's get with it!

It's time for another Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge and I didn't go with a cupcake this time, but rather opted to use a new craft stamp that I received from Janlynn's where I go for all my Stamp Happens stamps. I especially love the sentiment because it's so true, right? With the right accessories, I can do anything!

For me today the right accessories include a great sketch from Taylor, paper, ribbon and stamps. I created an embossed background for my focal image using my Scor-Pal and then highlighted it by strategically placing the crystals for a twinkly background.

Are you ready to give this sketch a try? Create a card based on the design elements of the sketch which can be found on Taylor's Blog and post it to your blog or gallery and then return to Taylor's blog and leave her a comment and a link to your creation. You could be selected as Taylor's Featured Cupcake Sampler. This week's Featured Sampler is Rachel Sztonyk. Check out her blog today and see what she has done with Taylor's sketch.

For even more inspiration, please visit the awesome Cupcake Crew who never disappoint with their awesome creativity!

Donna Baker

Jami Sibley

Jackie Pedro

Vicki Chrisman

Stephanie Hargis

Monika Davis

Sherrie Siemens

and don't forget Taylor!

Thanks again for stopping by - your visits are the highlight of my day!

{Supplies}

Stamps: Right Accessories (Stamps Happen by Janlynn.

Paper: Black, Pure Luxury 80# White (Gina K Designs), Flower Ledger Patterned Paper from Mamking Memories, Going Gray

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories: Copic Markers, 1-1/2" Grosgrain Ribbon by Creation Station, Crystals (Zva Creative by i{heart} papers), Small Square Nestabilities, Scor-Pal, Inkssentials Opaque Gel Pen, Pop Dots

That's it for today...I'll be busy this weekend, crafting up a storm getting ready for the Gina K Design team previews which begin Tuesday, so no resting for me, but the fun frenzy of working with new rubber! Now THAT'S the kind of work I don't mind at all!

Bleachy Butterfly

It's been a very long time since I used the Bleach Technique on any cards, so I thought it might be fun to see what would happen with this butterfly from Flutter Bitsy Stamp image by Basic Grey. I stamped the image onto Bravo Burgundy cardstock with Versamark and heat embossed with clear embossing powder. Then using bleach, I painted on the bleach in areas of the wings which removed the color leaving a lovely pale highlight.

The paper is also Basic Grey from the Wisteria collection sold at i{heart}papers. The panel was created using my Arch Lattis border punch which was a nice place to adhere these beautiful swirl of crystals by Zva Creative. My last embellishment was done by combining some lovely olive satin ribbon by May Arts and stitched a Heavy Silk Flower and finished it off with a glazed brad also from the Wisteria collection.

Kate, at i{heart}papers is making room for new items that she will get from CHA and has just reduced her prices on all the Nestabilities, Piercabilities and Impressionabilities. She has also cut prices on a ton of other products ranging on markdowns on nearly all stamps including Just Rite. So hop on over to i{heart}papers and be sure to check out the Sale Items. You won't find lower prices on items that are hot, hot, hot!

Speaking of HOT - the summer is really coming in with a sweltering reminder of what summer is all about with temps in the 90s and a head advisory. I don't think they need to advice me of the heat...I know it's HOT. Crank up the A/C. I hope your week is going well and that there are plenty of things in your life that make you smile. Just your stopping by today has really given me reason to smile.

{Supplies}

Stamps: Flutter Bitsy - Wisteria (Basic Grey)

Paper: Wisteria 6 X 6 Paper (Basic Grey), Bravo Burgundy

Ink: Versamark

Accessories: Moss Green Satin Ribbon (May Arts), Olive Vine Ribbon i{heart}papers), Wisteria Glazed Brads, Heavy Silk Floral Embellishments and Crystals (Zva Creative), Arch Lattic Border Punch (Martha Stewart), Clear Embossing Powder, Bleach

Techniques: Bleaching

Vase on Vellum

For me there is nothing more elegant than the look of vellum. Any color you might use just screams class and sophistication even when combined with a whimsical image like this vase from the Sassy Stems set. And because I love vellum so much, you can imagine how excited I was to learn that Patricia at Paper Temptress has her entire line of vellum marked down 25%! What a bargain, and I took advantage of that and stocked up on several colors, some with patterns, like the vellum I used in this project.

I used Blue Sky Stripes vellum in two ways for this card. The layer that sits atop my card base was embossed using my Swiss Dots Cuttlebug folder, adding a sweet little patterned to the existing stripes in this vellum. I stamped my focal image onto another piece of vellum, heat setting the ink, and then flipped the piece over and using a soft foam pad, outlined the image using an embossing stylus to give the image more dimension on the front. A word of caution when heat embossing vellum - keep your heat gun moving. With the thin and fragile properties of vellum, it's easy for the paper to burn or curl up if the heat is applied too long in one area.

With a little shading in the vase, a coat of stickles on the petals, and a pearl to each flower center, my focal image was ready to be applied to a base of white cardstock.

If you're in the market for some awesome vellum, be sure to check out the special deals at Paper Temptress this month. Not only has Patricia marked down her vellum but she has sliced the prices of her entire Incandescent line to 35% ...and if you scrapbook, you will be pleased to know that it's "hip" to be square and Patricia is celebrating that fact by adding 12 X 12 sheets to her store. So if you are looking for that extraordinary paper for that special layout, be sure to see what Paper Temptress has to offer.

Thanks for stopping by today!

{Supplies}

Stamps: Sassy Stems (SU!)

Paper: Neenah Classic Crest, Blue Sky Stripes Vellum

Ink: Noir (Palette)

Accessories: Blue Taffeta ribbon, Doily Lace Border Punch, Pearl Square (Buttons Galore & More), Waterfall Blue Stickles, Small Long Classic Scallop Nestabilities, Swiss Dot Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Self-adhesive Pearls (Zva Creative from i{heart} papers.

Hope it's Da-Bomb!

Well over a year ago I saw this adorable treat bag idea. Since our household is a big fan of bomb pops, I thought they were adorable and wanted to make something for some of my co-workers for the upcoming 4th of July holiday. While grocery shopping last weekend, I saw these saltwater taffy candies packaged in these adorable themed wrappings, so I picked up a few.

To make my bomb pops, I cut two long strips of paper just a tad smaller than the opening of the punch so that I could slip the paper in from the under side. I punched both ends creating the tag punch at both ends. I then cut each strip of paper in half to create two bomb pops from each strip.
I then applied red and blue ink to all the tags using a small sponge dauber. Once completed, I used regular sized popsicle sticks and cut them in half and using liquid glue, I adhered them to the back of each tag.
For the sentiment I used on each topper, I typed out the sentiment on my computer and printed them out. I wanted a different edge, so using my arrow punch, I used the large arrow, slipped my sentiment end into the punch and presto; it gave me a perfect "V" shape. I learned this little tip from Diana Gibbs - she's such a clever and creative crafter. (thanks for the tip Di...you ROCK!)
The rest of the toppers were made by cutting In The Navy blue cardstock and folding them in half. I adhered some fun Stars & Stripes paper, which is a freebie from Gina K which can be found on Stamp TV. After stamping out the stars which is from the Lazy Days of Summer, (a free set when you buy 3 from Gina K), I cut them out and attached them to my topper, along with the bomb pops. They were quick and easy to put together, and I'm sure my co-workers will appreciate the little treat I'll have for them.

Thanks for stopping by today! Come back and visit again soon.

Stamps: Lazy Days of Summer (Gina K Designs)

Paper: In the Navy, Pure Luxury 80# White, Stars & Stripes Patterned Paper (all by Gina K)

Ink: Inky Blue and Brick Red (Vivid Dye Ink - Gina K)

Accessories: Small Tag Punch, Arrow Punch (both from SU!), popsicle Sticks, Cello Bags-Medium, Saltwater taffy, Glue dots, PVA glue.

TLC225 Faux Handmade Paper

Hello all – I trust you had a wonderful weekend and are ready to begin a new week. Are you are like me and love the look of handmade paper? The colors and textures are outstanding. But when I buy these papers I almost hate to cut them up to use because they are just so awesome, almost like a work of art within themselves. Today on Splitcoaststampers.com's Try a New Technique I'll show you a way to make Faux Handmade Paper and the best part about this type of paper is that you can always make more, quickly, easily and in any color you need. I first learned about this technique from Pat Huntoon and her Technique Junkies Newsletter about a year ago.

If you click on the picture and look at my card base of my card, you will see the little bits of texture and fiber that handmade paper is famous for. You can achieve this look without all the fuss and mess of making paper the traditional way. Want to know how?

I hope you will visit the TLC group on Splitcoast and have a little fun. Thanks so much for looking in today. Your visits are so important to me, and whether you leave comments or not, I'm just happy you took time out of your day to stop by. Enjoy your Monday!

{Supplies}

Stamps: Tropical Flowers (Gina K Designs)

Paper: So Saffron, Real Red, Toilet Tissue

Ink:Red, Orange, Yellow and Metallic (Gold) Acrylic Paint, Adirondack Sunset Orange, Brick Red (Vivid), Pear Tart (Memento)

Accessories: Pure Poppy Grosgrain, Buttons from stash, Embroidery Floss, Sakura Glitter Pens, Orange Ribbon (Michael's)

You Got Me Goin' in Circles

Hi everyone and happy Sunday and Happy FLAG Day. If you have Old Glory, why not show her to the neighborhood. The "Stars and Stripes" was officially adopted by the Continental Congress as our national flag on June 14, 1777, but we didn't celebrate Flag Day for another 100 years. Our first flag had 13 stars and 13 red & white stripes, representing the 13 original colonies. Although our number have states have grown to 50, the 13 stripes remain. I had a patriotic project I was going to post, but that will have to wait for another day as I really needed to get this card posted. So now that you've had your history lesson for today, let's move on. HA!

This card was created out of necessity...the necessity to use up stuff on my table. (hehe) I had a bunch of bits and pieces of this patterned paper and the left panel had been made already. Sometimes when you begin working on something you discover that it won't really work for that particular application and that is exactly what happened with the left panel of this card. It didn't work for the other project, but I thought I'd be able to use it here. After all, I had gone to the trouble to attached that pretty vine ribbon and attach these sweet little plastic flower along with painstakingly placing a tiny crystal in each of the flower centers, I wasn't about to toss it. So I laid it on my table in a pile of UFO's (un finished objects) in hopes that I'd be able to use it on something else. Well today was that day.

Using some patterned paper, I punches a variety of circles and attached them to the card - some flat and some popped up. The butterfly was punched onto vellum and heat embossed for my raised edges, then colored with Copic markers. Lastly I added my sentiment punched from the same vellum - adding a little phrase of encouragement.

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend...until next time - be happy!

Lynn

Supplies:

Stamps: Wings & Things - Small (Molly Stamps)

Paper: Old Olive, Vellum (PTI), Maine Blueberry Double Sided Pattern Paper

Ink: Not Quite Navy - Classic and Craft

Accessories: Crystal Gems (Taylored Expressions) and Hero Arts, Plastic Flowers (Buttons Galore & More), Floral Lace Border Punch, Vine Ribbon (i{heart} papers), Foam Dimensional Dots

PCP Sketch Challenge

Good morning everyone and welcome to the weekend! It's a busy one for me - no lounging around - at least until later this afternoon. The morning is full of running errands (UGH), but things that must be done. I wanted to post my card for you before running out the door to start my busy morning.

Today I'm hosting the Sketch Challenge on Paper Craft Planet. All the members on the Paper Craft Planet Design Team take turns submitting a sketch challenge each Saturday. My card today doesn't have a single lick of stamping on it. Yep, that's right. Several years ago I belonged to a monthly kit club with Club Scrap. The papers and sentiment are all from their Ivory Elegance kit. This particular kit has the most luscious paper with a velvet feel. Once you touch this card, you don't want to put it down. Within this kit were die cut, pre-stamped sentiments, so once I had my sketch, this card was a breeze to put together, and just right for those moments when you need to make a quick card to get sent to someone.

I hope you will join me over on the "planet" and play along. Click HERE for a link to the challenge forum. Just create a card using the sketch below as a guide. Remember that the ribbon elements on the sketch are just place holders for any embellishment that you would like to use. Once your have your card or other project completed, just hop on over and post it using the keyword sk061309.

That's it for today! Go out and make it a fantastic weekend!

Stamps: Not a one lol

Paper: All papers from Club Scrap's Ivory Elegance Kit

Ink: none

Accessories: Gold Flower Ribbon from LSS, Brown Satin Ribbon (Taylored Expressions)

TECC72 Happy Birthday Taylor!

Hello and happy Friday everyone...my favorite day of the week. I trust that your week has been a good one and that you're preparing to have a fantastic weekend. No matter what I do, or the plans I have for the weekend, weekends are always fantastic. I love to have the option of staying up late and not having to wake to an alarm for two days...ahhh, the simple pleasures in life!

Speaking of simple pleasures - there isn't anything more pleasurable than helping a friend celebrate a birthday and today is TAYLOR'S birthday and I'd love to help her celebrate by wishing her the best birthday ever! BIG WISHES for an awesome day, girlfriend! How lucky to have a birthday on a Friday (how'd you do that Taylor?)

It's time for another Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge. I must have had some sort of mental block when it came to Taylor's sketch this week. I just had no vision for anything truly creative, so I hope the Cupcake Crew and Taylor will overlook my lack of Mojo this week. It certainly couldn't be the sketch throwing me off, as all of Taylor's sketches ROCK. Mojo's just sometimes take a hike.

I was happy to use one of Taylor's newest releases, For the Love of Cupcakes which I just adore. She has taken everything wonderful about cupcakes and put them all into one yummy set.

Are you ready to give this sketch a try? Create a card based on the design elements of the sketch which you can see HERE and post it to your blog or gallery and then return to Taylor's blog to leave her a comment and a link. You could be selected as Taylor's Featured Cupcake Sampler. This week's Featured Sampler is Bonnie Sharp. I've been a fan of Bonnie's for a long time. Many of you know her as one of the current Dirty Dozen on Splitcoaststampers.com. Check out her blog today and see what she has done with Taylor's sketch.

For more inspiration, please visit the awesome Cupcake Crew who are sure to WOW you!

Donna Baker

Jami Sibley

Jackie Pedro

Vicki Chrisman

Stephanie Hargis

Ana Wohfahrt

Monika Davis

Sherrie Siemens

and don't forget Taylor!

Thanks for checking in today. Have a wonderful day.

{Supplies}

Stamps: For the Love of Cupcakes (Taylored Expressions)

Paper: Rose Red, Flip for Sun (Cosmo Cricket)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories: Copic Markers, Spring Flower Bouquet Punch, Large Gemstones (Michael's), Small Gems (Taylor's Tiny Twinkles) Paper Piercer

Techniques: Paper piercing

Slow Down - you move too fast...

It seems like I'm always wishing my life away. My first thought on Monday is that I wish it were Friday, or I'm counting the days until CHA, or I can't wait for this event or that holiday to get here. I need to remember that every day I wake up, and have an opportunity to do some good for others, is an chance I shouldn't miss or wish away. It is always a helpful reminder that each day is a gift, and we should cherish every moment...the good moments as well as the bad ones. That's what this sentiment means, "Take time to smell the flowers".

With these wonderful papers from Basic Grey, I created a panel of three mounted onto a mat of Chocolate Chip which was then mounted onto a shimmery Bling cardstock from Bazzill. I just had to use some of my silk 1-1/2" ribbon...I'm seriously in love with this stuff and it's a good thing that i{heart}papers has lots of it. I want it in all the colors! HA!

I added a couple of Heavy Silk flowers topped with a couple of buttons from my stash to embellish my sentiment which was cut from the same cardstock as my base using my Labels 4 Nestabilities.

I sincerely hope that you will take a moment today to truly appreciate the small things in life that bring you joy...the laughter of a child, a white puffy cloud, or the kind word from a friend. Just enjoy! Thanks for stopping by today!

Hugs - Lynn

{Supplies}

Stamps: Take Time (Little Paper Shop)

Papers: Pink Bling Cardstock (Bazzill), Chocolate Chip, Sultry (Basic Grey)

Inks: Coffee Bean (Vivid)

Accessories: Heavy Silk Floral Embellishments (Zva Creative from i{heart}papers), Buttons from stash, Labels 4 Nestabilities (i{heart}papers), Royal Butterfly punch (Martha Stewart), Silk Ribbon (May Arts from i{heart}papers), Crystals

Ship Ahoy!

With my warped sense of humor, I find it humorous to combine a serious image with a not-so-serious sentiment.  Case in point, this card that I created using the boat image from Gina K's Lazy Days of Summer, which is free when you purchase any 3 other stamp sets.    I colored my boat with Copic markers, and then airbrushed a blue/pink sky.  I thought that the stripes would make a nice panel to go along with my nautical theme.  These stripes and other great images perfect for borders or backgrounds can be found in the Ribbon Stripes set.

The sentiment was one that I have had in my stash forever, but hadn't yet used, mainly because I didn't have an image that would fit, until now.  I think we have all thought, "I hope my ship comes in before my dock rots". HA!  Gotta love a little sarcasm. 

There's no sarcasm in my voice when I say, "Happy HUMP Day!

{Supplies}

Stamps:  Lazy Days of Summer, Ribbon Stripes, Dock Rots (River City Rubber Works)

Papers:  Pure Luxury White 120# and 80#, Black, Soft Sky, Taken with Teal

Inks:  Tuxedo Black (Memento)

Accessories:  Large Labels, Brads (Making Memories) Ribbon (Creative Imagination), Rick Rack from stash, Stickles, Copic Air Brush System

Fathers are Timeless

It seems like I made this card ages ago, and I guess in my crafting world, a card sitting around waiting to be posted for more than a week is old...lol.  I created this card using two of the newest releases from Gina K Designs; Special Fathers and Ribbon Stripes.  It's not very often that I make a single layer card with no embellishments other than the small amount of paper piercing below the sentiment. SHOCK...I know, it's so not my typical card, but I just wanted to experiment without distracting from these classic images.  I kept the shading to a minimum and even so, I like the way the card turned out.

Clean and simple means there's not much to say about the process of putting this card together. So I won't blather on and on, but rather I'll wish you a fantastic day and thank you for stopping by!

{Supplies}

Stamps:  Special Fathers, Ribbon Stripes (Gina K Designs)

Papers:  Kraft

Inks:  Rich Cocoa, White Craft Ink

Accessories:  Paper piercer, Koh-i-noor Pencils, Gamsol for blending