Blog Awards and Blog Candy

Hi there and Happy Monday to you! I wish I could say that my week has started out well, but I am currently battling a nasty cold, blech! I felt a out of sorts yesterday and by the time I went to bed, it was clear that I was getting sick. Not part of my plans this week either. Grrr! Anyhoo, I don't have a card to share today but wanted to take the time to thank some folks who have been so sweet to share blog awards with me. PLUS, if you hang around to the end of the post there is some BLOG CANDY waiting there! Yahoo! 

I was honored with the "Stylish Blogger Award" recently from:

• Tammy Clarke from Stampin' Rx 
• Laurie from Hiding in My Craft Room
• Melissa Hedine-Toodle from Mommy's Stampin' Creations
• Diane Oliver from Rubber 'n Rafters
• Nicki Shopis from Ink, Paper, Stamp

Thank you so much, ladies! Please stop by and visit their blogs, too. They are all unbelievably talented and very stylish bloggers themselves. :) Now I am supposed to share 8 things about myself. That's a lot for my stuffed-up head to handle today, so I am just going to share one "crafty quirk" with you:   

-Whenever I finish a project, I always have to clean my desk off completely. Right down to wiping it off with a Clorox wipe! (but ONLY an orange-scented Clorox wipe, they are my favorite!) Even if I am going to immediately start another project. Everything must be put away in it's home first! Nine times out of ten, I end up dragging the same items out again, but at least I know where they are. 


I'm also supposed to share this award with 8 more blogs. I always hate that part, because I can't just pick 8. So here is what I'm going to do. If you are reading this post...I am bestowing this award on YOU! Then I can spread the bloggin' cheer to everyone! :)


Now, about that BLOG CANDY!! Instead of giving a bunch of treats away all in one pop, I am going to share small "bites" of candy at a time. I think that is so much more fun that way. Today, I am offering up 4 yards of ribbon (3 are from the Occasions Mini catalog) to one lucky reader. You will receive: 1 yard of Daffodil Delight Pom Pom Trim, 1 yard of Poppy Parade Stitched Poly ribbon, 1 yard of Rose Red Seam Binding and 1 yard of Pear Pizzazz Seam Binding. Ps: there will also be a handmade card in the package, too. I just don't know which one yet. :)

How do you win it, you ask? That's the easy part. Just leave a comment on this post telling me what your absolute favorite crafting supply is. Is it bling (like me)? Is it an embossing folder? Maybe it is one particular stamp. Just share what your favorite item is and on Saturday, March 19th I will select one random, lucky winner to ship this ribbon off to. So be sure to come back and see if it is YOU! 

That's all for today! It's time for more cold meds. *sniff, sniff* Please, stop by tomorrow for my card for the new Hand Stamped Sentiments challenge. Enjoy your day today! :)

Paper Players Challenge #38-Color Challenge

Hi there and Happy Sunday to you! Did you remember to set your clocks ahead (if you are on Daylight Savings Time, that is) ? Boo, for that lost hour of sleep, huh!? Today I am sharing my card for the color challenge over at The Paper Players. So excited to be back joining them again as a member of their DT. The lovely Ann Schach, has chosen the color combo below, to inspire some creativity: 

How pretty is this color mix? I know, I loved it and can't wait to use it again soon. For my card, I decided to use a fun, easel card design using the Build-A-Blossom set and matching punch from the Occasions Mini Catalog. I love this set because it is a quick and easy way to make gorgeous flowers in a flash. I decided to dress up my card with some new Baja Breeze Glass Glitter, around the edges for some added sparkle. The center of the flower was decorated with Basic Pearls. Yes, I am still hooked on sponging the edges of everything, too. Why NOT? Almost every layer was distressed with Classic ink and a sponge to add some extra shading to the card.

I used Baja Breeze Seam Binding to create a pleated border around the sentiment. Yes, I know that the right hand side is a little wonkey, I am left-handed and should have remembered to turn the project upside-down when creating the left hand side. Usually, the perfectionist in me would have ripped the card apart and started over...but I think it gives it some character. It IS hand-made after all, so I'm hoping it just adds to the charm. Haha! :)

Finally, here is a look at the card, all propped up. I usually decorate the inside of my cards, but with this one the inside, is also part of the card design. There is a small area to jot down a hand written note. I made two of these cards so I do have one available for purchase, if anyone is interested. There is a PayPal button below the photo. 

While I was taking photos of my card, look who snuck by my side! That isn't all that shocking because he is usually close by. But today, I captured a shot of my little Ozzy, looking so sweet. He really needs a haircut, by-the-way! 

That's all I have for today! Please join us over at The Paper Players this week with your colorful creation. Please stop by and have a look at what the rest of the Design Team has created to inspire you. I know I owe ya'll a Blog Candy post...things have been REALLY busy for me recently and I haven't had as much extra time as I have needed lately. Please hang in there. I promise, it is coming soon...I just need a few more hours in the day! Does anyone out there have any to spare? Eeek!!!  

Also, I have to announce that starting NEXT week my usual "Keep it Simple Sunday" post will be moving to the "Keep it Simple SATURDAY". Since The Paper Players challenge goes live on Sundays, I have to shift it around. Please stay tuned for that this coming week. :) 

Thanks for visiting today! Please leave a comment to say hello before you go. If you have any questions about the card don't hesitate to email me. Have a very HAPPY day today! 

Friday Mashup Guest Designer-Sketch Challenge

Hi there! It's finally Friday and I'm so excited to share my card today! Last week, I was chosen as the "Mashup! Maven" over at Friday Mashup! for THIS card. As a special treat, their "Maven" is given the distinguished honor of being a guest designer, on the next week's challenge. How cool is that? This week they are sharing an awesome, sketch challenge. Please check it out and I hope you get the chance to play along! These gals are just so F-U-N! :) 

I used (another, really neglected set) Baroque Motifs, for my creation. I just love all of the flourishes in the main image. I decided to heat emboss the image then add some butterflies from the Beautiful Wings Embosslits Die. I finally ordered this die and am so happy I did. I layered the butterflies, folded them for dimension and added some pearl accents to dress them up. I'm still on my "Sponging  Streak" and am using my sponges to distress just about everything I create. I'm actually getting ready to "sponge" the walls in one of our bathrooms, this weekend, too. Nothing is safe!  Haha! 

The sentiment is from the You're A Gem set from the Occasions Mini Catalog. I seem to be using it a lot, lately. The ribbon is a retired Old Olive taffeta ribbon. There are quite a few Basic Pearls on this card, too.   

Finally, here is the inside....with more "butterfly-goodness": 

Before I wrap up, I wanted to share another photo. Yesterday, I spent the day with some amazingly, creative gals (for a much-needed, "girls day").  When I arrived home, I discovered that my sweet husband had a little spring surprise for me. He said that when he saw these flowers, they reminded him of me..."because they were so HAPPY"! This guy really knows how to put a smile on my face, I tell ya! :)

Well, that's all I have for today. Please visit Friday Mashup! and try out the sketch challenge, this week. Thanks for dropping by and before you go, please leave a comment and say hello. I love hearing from you and it gives me a chance to visit and share some bloggin' love, too. :) Tomorrow, I will finally be sharing some (much anticipated) BLOG CANDY! Want a chance to win? Be sure to come back on Saturday! 

Have a very HAPPY day today! 

Vintage Vogue Spring Flowers

Hi there and Happy *wonderful* Wednesday to you! The weather has been gorgeous here in Texas, this week. I know some of you out there aren't experiencing such nice weather, unfortunately. :( I actually got a bit of a sunburn yesterday, while out for a walk with my neighbor and our dogs. Emmitt and Ozzy are just smitten with her two Schnauzers, it's so cute. 

As soon as I saw this beautiful color combo announced at the Color Throwdown this morning, I knew exactly what I wanted to make. I LOVE this mix of colors and will definitely be using them again!    

My theme for the card was inspired by this week's challenge at The Paper Players, "Spring has Sprung". I have great news to share, too. I gave a little hint on Sunday, but I wanted to officially announce that Lesley and the fabulous gals over at The Paper Players have invited me to be on their design team for the quarter. I will be designing with them through the end of June 2011 and couldn't be more excited. Thanks, ladies!! Please stop by the site and check out the fun challenges. I hope you will play along! :)

All of the supplies used are listed below, but here are a few details:

• I busted out my Paper Snips to cut out all of these flowers from my (very neglected) Vintage Vogue set. I'm not usually fond of cutting out small images but I had a lot of coffee this morning, so I was pretty amped up. These are fairly easy to cut though, and they add so much dimension to the card this way, popped up on Stampin' Dimensionals.
• The large flowers were inked up first in Soft Sky, then around the edges in Baja Breeze, then just barely around the outer edge in Crumb Cake, using the Rock n' Roll Technique.
• I'm in a phase right now where I seem to be sponging ink around everything lately, haha! EVERY single part of this card (except the pearls and the ribbon) were sponged with Crumb Cake ink. 
• The sentiment, stamped in Crumb Cake ink, is from the Friends 24/7 set. I then took my Blender Pen and shaded the letters with Baja Breeze ink for some more color.

Here is a close up of the pleated ribbon:

Finally, the decorated inside of the card (yup, I sponged that, too):

That's all for today! Thanks for stopping by and having a look. Before you go please leave a comment and say hello. Come back and visit again soon. (PS: I am getting some blog candy ready to share in the next couple of days!) I do hope you are enjoying your week so far. Have a very HAPPY day today!  :)

Stampin' Up! Supply List: 

Stamps: Vintage Vogue and Friends 24/7

Ink: Crumb Cake and Baja Breeze Classic ink

Papers: Sunny Garden DSP, Baja Breeze, Daffodil Delight, Soft Sky (ret.), Crumb Cake and Whisper White card stock

Accessories: Basic Pearls, Paper Crimper, Scallop Border punch, Boho Blossoms XL punch, Paper Piercer, sponges, Blender Pen, Stampin' Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots, Sticky Strip (for ribbon), Daffodil Delight 3/8" Taffeta ribbon and Paper Snips

Non-SU Accessories: 2 large pearls in the center of the big flowers

Hand Stamped Sentiments Challenge #58: Go for the Green

Top O' the Mornin' to Ya!

It's Tuesday, so that means it is time for another fun-tastic challenge at Hand Stamped Sentiments. This week we are Goin' for the Green, using St. Patrick's Day as our inspiration. This was a bit of a challenge for me, as I have somewhat of a lack of St. Patrick's Day-themed stamps. Today, I'm sharing a sweet and punchy leprechaun, whom I have nick-named "Paddy". I'm not going to lie, leprechauns actually tend to scare me a little (not as much as clowns, but close). I think I saw a really bad horror movie about a leprechaun once, yikes! This little guy isn't scary though, he just looks like he has had a little too much coffee, with those eyes! Haha! :)

• Paddy's pot o' gold was pretty time consuming to create. I started out using gold leaf...I have only used it once before, with not-so-great results...but a leprechaun just needs a pot o' gold! After adhering the gold leaf to my card stock,  I punched out about 1,000 tiny coins. Maybe it was more like 35, but it felt like a lot more. 
• After I got the coins positioned, I felt like they needed something else, so I squirted a little glitter glue on a few of the coins to give them some added sparkle.
• But why stop there? Lol! Then, I just went ahead and added Crystal Effects over each and every coin to really make Paddy's gold stash really stand out! I also added some Smooch Illuminating Top Coat to the "pot" to give it some extra pop. 
• Edited to add: I kept thinking something was missing from Patty. Then I figured it out...FRECKLES!! I added them, with a Tangerine Tango marker, after I originally posted this. It gives him a LOT more character. 

• While waiting for the Crystal Effects to dry...which seemed to take forever, btw...I went ahead and created a little sparkly shamrock for Paddy. It was the perfect touch to match his glittery "vest".
• All of the punched layers were sponged with ink to give them added dimension, too. 
• Finally the Top Note die "rainbow" finished it off. The positioning took a little indecision on my part, but luckily my good friend, Kristina, was there to offer advice, via the iPhone. (I think I sent her photos of 6 different variations, before a decision was made) Thanks, K...you are the best!! :)

• A total of 15 punches were used to create Paddy, including 2 "bird" punches. Really! All supplies used are listed below.
• Finally, the inside of the card. I left the sentiment off the front of the card because I thought it was pretty obvious what holiday the card was being sent for. Haha! I used my scraps left-over from the front to wrap it all up. Didn't want to waste that fabby rainbow! 

Well, that's it for today! I sure hope you will join us at Hand Stamped Sentiments this week and Go for the Green! Have some fun and play along! 

From the looks of the over 30,000 visits to my blog (WOW, thank you!)...there will be some blog candy coming up really soon. I said I would do it...I actually didn't think it would happen this quickly, though!  Eeek! I do want to say a BIG thank you for stopping by to visit today. I appreciate the time you take out of your day to pop in. Please leave me a comment to say hello, before you go. I would love to come by and share some bloggin' cheer to you, too! :) Have a HAPPY day today! 

Stampin' Up! Supply List: 

Stamps: Teeny Tiny Wishes (inside sentiment...that's it!) 

Ink: Garden Green, Wild Wasabi, Tangerine Tango, Blush Blossom (ret.) and Basic Black Classic ink

Papers: Real Red, Tangerine Tango, Daffodil Delight, Wild Wasabi, Garden Green, Tempting Turquoise, Elegant Eggplant, Whisper White and Basic Black card stock

Accessories: Sizzix Top Note Die, 1 3/8" x 5/8" Oval punch, 1 3/4" x 7/8" Oval punch, Ornament punch, 1 1/4" Square punch, 1 3/8" Square punch, 1 3/4" Scalloped Circle punch, Word Window punch, 1 1/4" Circle punch, 1 3/8" Circle punch, Two-Step Owl XL punch, Two-Step Bird XL punch, Small heart punch, Tag Corner punch (ret.) , Itty Bitty Punch Shapes pack (circle and flower), Sticky Strip, Stampin' Dimensionals, Perfect Polka Dots Embossing folder, Basic Black Stampin' Write Journaler, Crystal Effects and Smooch Illuminate Top Coat

Non-SU! Accessories: green glitter, gold leaf, gold glitter glue, pink alcohol-based marker (for cheeks) and green bling

Keep it Simple Sunday, Week 4

Hi there! I'm into my fourth week of Keep it Simple Sunday, where I focus on creating CAS cards in 30 minutes or less. I don't know about you but one of the most time consuming processes for me, is picking out patterned papers to match my projects. So, today I just decided to eliminate them all together and focus on the image. This way, it gives me a chance to show off my awesome coloring and shading skills...umm...NOT EXACTLY!! I'm trying to get better and that's all that matters, right? Haha! 

I think the details are pretty self-explanatory, so I'm only going to mention a couple things. I used a glitter pen on the heart and then added some Crystal Effects to give it a little pop.The baker's twine on this card was actually sent to me by one of my bloggin' friends, Cheryl. (click her name to visit her blog, you will be glad you did!) :) Here's the inside of the card:

I'm also submitting this one to That's Krafty Thursday at The Spotted Chick's blog. It's a fun challenge that asks participants to use Kraft (Crumb Cake) on their projects. Love it! :)

That's all for today! Thanks for stopping by and please visit again soon. If you have a chance, please leave a comment and say hello before you go. Have a great rest of your day! 
(PS: I have something to share...take a peek at the top of the left sidebar...right above the clock! I got the ok to post it a little while ago. Eeek! I will "officially" let the cat out of the bag soon, but I was too excited not to give a hint today!)

Stampin' Up! Supply List: 

Stamps: Morning Cup

Ink: Basic Black classic ink

Papers: Cherry Cobbler, Crumb Cake and Whisper White card stock

Accessories: Scallop Trim Border punch, Square Lattice Embossing folder, Crystal Effects and Stampin' Dimensionals

Non-SU! Accessories: heart brads, baker's twine (thanks, Cheryl!!), button, red glitter pen and alcohol-based markers

A *Very* Supportive Thank You

It's finally Friday! Hooray! I wanted to share a quick card I made today for a dear friend (...to say thank you for always being so awesome). Because she is! :) I based the design on this week's sketch at Card Patterns. I originally wanted to make the card taller, like the sketch implies, but since I am mailing it, I knew I didn't have an envelope to fit. I'm not sure I am ready to start making my own "custom" envelopes yet. Haha! 

This set, called Fashion Statements, is retired. I purchased it a few years back and let me tell you, this little bra stamp has been inked up a LOT. It's so stinkin' cute and is a perfect way to show your appreciation and get a little giggle. For that reason, I am also submitting this card to the Happy Monday Challenge, where the theme this week is to "Share a Smile".

Here is the decorated inside, left blank to add my personal note: 

Sticking with the "sharing a smile" theme, I thought I would also share a recent photo of Ozzy during his bath last weekend. (My sweet hubby is finally in a photo, too!) I snapped it at just the right moment and he looks like he is sticking his tongue out at me. I love this photo! :) 

That's all for today. Thank for stopping in for a visit. Before you go, please leave me a comment to say hello and let me know what you think about today's post. I always enjoy hearing from you. Well, I'm off to get ready for a fabby "Girls Night Out" with some friends tonight. These gals are the absolute best and I can't wait to share some good laughs, good food and yummy margaritas with them tonight. Talk to you soon! :)


Stampin' Up! Supply List: 
Stamps: Fashion Statements
Ink: Basic Black Classic ink
Papers: Sunny Garden DSP, Peach Parfait, Pear Pizzazz, Daffodil Delight and Whisper White card stock
Accessories: Peach Parfait 1/2" Stitched Poly ribbon, Basic Pearls, 1 1/4" Square punch, Dotted Scallop Border punch, Pear Pizzazz and Peach Parfait Stampin' Write markers 

Sweet Summer Sparkles

Hello there and Happy Thursday! I wanted to share a card I made for a good friend that I had lunch with earlier this afternoon. Since she now has the card, I can post it so I don't ruin the surprise! Haha! I liked this card so much, I made a few of them to have on hand. I was completely inspired by the color challenge and photo inspiration at the CR84FN Challenge, this week. I don't know if I have ever mentioned before that I love, love, LOVE anything PINK! Really, it's true, I DO! Shocking, I know! ;) Isn't this color combo f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s? 

I paired it with this week's sketch from Clean & Simple Stamping (fall-to layout #129). I almost didn't add an extra layer to the base of the card...ALMOST. I'm still trying to get better at these CAS cards, I promise. It's still pretty close to the sketch, isn't it? 

Now, we get to the bling. *sigh* Originally, I had planned to dress up the flower centers with some glitter, but there was a brand new package of Basic Rhinestones sitting on my desk...it was all downhill from there. 

 Lastly, here is a shot of the simply decorated inside of the card: 

Hope you like it! Thanks so much for taking the time to pop on by today. Don't forget to leave a comment and say hello before you go. As I mentioned in my post yesterday (click it), I have a blog give-away coming up, so please stop by again, really soon. "Benny and Tomas' Big Give" will officially be announced once we reach 30,000 visitors. It's getting sooo close, so stay tuned...


Enjoy the rest of your day today! :)


Stampin' Up! Supply List: 
Stamps: Sweet Summer  (Sale-A-Bration) and Something to Celebrate (level 2 hostess set, Occasions Mini)
Ink: Melon Mambo, Pretty in Pink and Pear Pizzazz Classic ink
Papers: Melon mambo, Pretty in Pink, Pear Pizzazz and Whisper White card stock
Accessories: Perfect Polka Dots Embossing Folder, Melon Mambo 1/2" Polka Dot Grosgrain ribbon (ret.),  Basic Rhinestones and Stampin' dimensionals
Non SU! Accessories: Oval die cut, scalloped oval die cut and dotted border punch

Distressed Nature Walk

Hi there and Happy Wednesday! I wanted to share a card today that I really had some fun creating. The design inspiration came from the sketch over at Our Creative Corner. They also challenged participants to "Distress to De-Stress" on their projects, too. I was pretty excited to rough up the edges of this one, as I usually do not use distressing a whole lot in my projects.

I also paired it up with the fabby color combo from Friday Mashup! I don't know about you, but when Cherry Cobbler is involved, I'm always ready to play. As soon as I saw these colors, I knew that my Nature Walk stamp set was going to be inked up for the first time today. 

Here are a few of the details:

• I distressed the edges of all of the cardstock layers on the card using the Cutter Kit. The 7-Sided Distressing Tool in that kit makes it easy-peasy to get a little rough around the edges. Then, I sponged the edges with Early Espresso ink to help them show their age a little more. :)
• I used Botanical Gazette DSP and decided to emboss a few of the pieces with the Square Lattice embossing folder for some more texture. 
• I inked up the image in Early Espresso ink, wiped off the ink on the little flowers and colored them with my Cherry Cobbler marker. After stamping the image on Very Vanilla, I used my blender pen and ink pads to color the flowers in Cherry Cobbler and the leaves in So Saffron. 
• The distressed edge around the main image was created using the Color Spritzer and a Crumb Cake marker, then sponging So Saffron ink, then Early Espresso ink, on the very outer edge. It was a lot of steps but I love how it turned out. 
• I know I have used this little, cut-out bee before on another project. He fit so perfectly on this one that I brought him back for an encore performance. Of course, I didn't foget to glitter up his wings! ;)

 One last shot of the inside of the inside of the card, with more distressing 

(that DSP took on an odd color in the photo but, trust me, it's Cherry Cobbler): 

That's all for today! Thanks so much for stopping by. Be sure to visit again really soon. My 2 furry felines (<---see the side-bar) helped me clean up my craft room the other day and they have decided that "Benny and Tomas' BIG Give" will be coming up soon. It's their catchy name for blog candy. They completely stole the name from Oprah, too. While there will NOT be a car given away, we will have some fun, crafty-goodness to share. (Sorry, I do not have Oprah's budget, lol!) Stay tuned! Have a HAPPY day! :)


Stampin' Up! Supply List: 
Stamps: Nature Walk, Teeny Tiny wishes (sentiment)
Ink: Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler and So Saffron Classic ink
Papers: Botanical Gazette DSP, Early Espresso, Cherry Cobbler, So Saffron and Very Vanilla card stock
Accessories: Word Window punch, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Cherry Cobbler Seam Binding, Blender Pens, Crumb Cake Stampin' Write Marker, Color Spritzer Tool, Sponges, Basic Pearls, Scallop Border punch (inside), Square Lattice Embossing folder, Antique Brad, Cutter Kit (distressing tool) and Stampin' Dimensional
Non SU! Accessories: circle and scalloped circle die cut