OCL Sneak Peeks ... day #1

It's time for ... NEW STAMPS!!!!  Woohooo! 
That's always a great thing ~ don't you think? 

Today, Our Craft Lounge is sneak peeking half of the new sets from this summer's CHA release.  Not only that ~ but we have a brand new product! They are Crafty Cling Singles ~ red rubber mini sets!  Each little set has one large main image along with a few coordinating sentiments.   The images are nice and big and perfect for shading with Copics or paper piecing and they retail for around $9.95!  How great is that? 

My project today uses the great new Single called Fall Sunflower ~ and I LOVE IT!!!!  I added some Coffee Bean Brown Sparkly Fluff to the center of the flowers & I love how they turned out!

There are lots of girls playing along today so check out the complete list on the OCL Blog.  AND... don't forget to leave some love along the way because we'll have blog candy to give away this week & all of your comments count!

Supplies from i{heart}papers:
Stamps ~ Our Craft Lounge (Fall Sunflower)
Sparkly Fluff ~ Our Craft Lounge (Coffee Bean Brown)
Copic Markers
Ink ~ Palette
Nestabilities
Twine ~ May Arts

Quick & Easy ...

This weekend, I was browsing through the September issue of Cards Magazine for inspiration.  I saw a cute card using the pattern paper & alphabet stickers from the Echo Park kit called For the Record & thought I'd CASE it since I have tons of it.  My card turned out a bit different because I added some fun trim from May Arts and Maya Roads but I like the extra pop the trims add to the card.

Super simple and no stamping!  It's fun to change things up a bit some times.

Make sure you check back tomorrow ~ the sneak peeks and blog hop for Our Craft Lounge begin and I know you won't want to miss a single thing!  Here's a little peek-a-boo for you...

See you tomorrow...

Sweet Baby Girl...

WOW ~ Monday is already here!   When everyone is home all weekend and underfoot, sometimes it drives me crazy.  However, this past weekend everyone needed to have some down time after an insane first week of school.  Also, the weather here in Northern Indiana was gorgeous, so it was a lovely weekend of family time & now we are on to another insane week of events.  This new high school schedule is just nutso ~ so glad it won't be like this all year long.

I was peeking around in some folders on my computer this weekend and found a bunch of cards that I haven't shown you yet!  I even double checked my blog to make sure ~ so it's bonus time!  LOL!  This sweet little card is from the Circus, Circus set by Our Craft Lounge.  I colored my image with Copic markers and then added some Brown Sugar Sparkly Fluff to the dots on the sweet giraffe.

Hope you have a great first day of the week!  I've got lots of FUN things planned for this week, so make sure you check back.

my sweet blessings...

the first day of school...

 
and i have a freshman in high school
when did that happen?

and a 6th grader...

i blinked ... and they grew up

time is going way too fast

Whimsy on Saturday...

Whimsy & Stars Studios ~ Posie Fairy

OCL/May Arts Day #5... OCL DOT Challenge

I'm sad to say that Day #5 of the OCL/May Arts week is here and it's the last day for the Blog Hop. However, May Arts will still be showing projects through Monday & blog candy is still up for grabs!  Not only that, but make sure you come back next week because we will be having Sneak Peeks and a Blog Hop for OCL's new CHA release.  The fun just never stops does it?

OK ~ so on with the fun for today!  Not only are we still showing great OCL/May Arts projects, but it's also time for our Friday OCL Challenge.  This week our challenge is Clean & Simple with DOTS!  I adore Polka-Dots and they are everywhere right now!    Want to play along on the challenge too?  Well it's easy peasy!  Just make your card and add it to the OCL Blog anytime in the next week.  We have a new challenge posted each week and we can't wait to see what you come up with.

Here's my bright little project for today.  I used the adorable Sunshine Cheer set and added the pretty white lace trim and some sheer black/white polka-dot ribbon from May Arts. 

You'll want to check out the OCL Blog  because we have a list of  designers who have projects to share.   And the May Arts Blog has some great OCL sets up for grabs so don’t forget to leave some love everywhere each and every day!

Now for the blog candy details!!  May Arts sent us extra spools of YUMMY ribbon & we sent them some extra OCL Stamp sets to share with all of you!   WOOHOOO!  OCL will have 3 BIG prizes to give away at the end of the day today!    You still have lots of ways to enter + one BONUS entry!    

Each day, leave comments…

1.       1) on the OCL Blog,

2.       2) on each designer’s blog (from the list of those playing along that day), and

3.       3) on our Facebook page. 

BONUS ENTRY:   If you “LIKE” OCL on Facebook, you’ll get a bonus entry (as long as you tell us you did it).  

The winner will be announced on the OCL Blog & FB page next week.

Supplies from i{heart}papers:
Stamps ~ Our Craft Lounge (Sunshine Cheer)
Sparkly Fluff ~ Our Craft Lounge (Sugar)
Pattern Paper ~ Echo Park (Summer Days)
Ink ~ Palette
Copics (Y17, Y32, C1, R29)
May Arts ~ Lace Trim, Sheer Dot
Nestabilities ~ Blossom
Embossing Folder ~ Quickuts

OCL/May Arts Day #4 ... Pretty Trimmings

Here we are on day #4 of the OCL/May Arts week!  The week is winding down, but the project just keep coming.

My project today uses two great OCL sets ~ Dandy Days & Butterfly Kisses (for the text background).  I think they pair up perfectly with the cream crochet trim, the natural twine and the green velvet crochet trim by May Arts. 

You'll want to check out the OCL Blog  because we have a list of  designers who have projects to share.   And the May Arts Blog has some great OCL sets up for grabs so don’t forget to leave some love everywhere each and every day!

Here we go again with the blog candy details!!  May Arts sent us extra spools of YUMMY ribbon & we sent them some extra OCL Stamp sets to share with all of you!   WOOHOOO!  OCL will have 3 BIG prizes to give away this Friday, August 26th!    You have lots of ways to enter EVERY SINGLE DAY this week + one BONUS entry!    

Each day, leave comments…

1.       1) on the OCL Blog,

2.       2) on each designer’s blog (from the list of those playing along that day), and

3.       3) on our Facebook page. 

BONUS ENTRY:   If you “LIKE” OCL on Facebook, you’ll get a bonus entry (as long as you tell us you did it).  

Come on back tomorrow because I'll have another fabulous OCL/May Arts treasure to share with you & the new OCL Challenge for this week!

OCL/May Arts Day #3 ... Clean & Simple

Day #3 is here already!  Have you been hopping around the last few days?  It's been fun to see all the creativity our team has with the fabulous OCL images and May Arts ribbon paired up! 

My project today uses one of my favorite sets ~ Pretty Petals and the sentiment is from Big Birthday Wishes, another must have set!  I went super clean and simple today but I love how bright and bold the card turned out.  Then I added some Rockstar Red Sparkly Fluff to the flower centers so they would POP!   I used the pretty green gingham check ribbon from May Arts and just double wrapped it around the card ~ easy peasy and super pretty!

You'll want to check out the OCL Blog  because we have a list of  designers who have projects to share.   And the May Arts Blog has some great OCL sets up for grabs so don’t forget to leave some love everywhere each and every day!

Now for the blog candy details!!  May Arts sent us extra spools of YUMMY ribbon & we sent them some extra OCL Stamp sets to share with all of you!   WOOHOOO!  OCL will have 3 BIG prizes to give away this Friday, August 26th!    You have lots of ways to enter EVERY SINGLE DAY this week + one BONUS entry!    

Each day, leave comments…

1.       1) on the OCL Blog,

2.       2) on each designer’s blog (from the list of those playing along that day), and

3.       3) on our Facebook page. 

BONUS ENTRY:   If you “LIKE” OCL on Facebook, you’ll get a bonus entry (as long as you tell us you did it).  

Come on back tomorrow because I'll have another fabulous OCL/May Arts treasure to share with you!

OCL/May Arts Day #2 ... Perfect Little Posies

Welcome back to day #2 of our fun OCL/May Arts Week.  My project today uses two stamp sets by Our Craft Lounge ~ Say it with Flowers & Build-A-Bouquet.   I also used 3 of the fabulous ribbons May Arts sent us ~ Lace Trim, Red Polka-Dot Grosgrain, and a gorgeous sheer ribbon with Rosettes.  I trimmed a trio of sweet little rosettes from the ribbon and placed some stamped leaves under them.   The sentiment is a clear stamp so I attached it to my block in a curvy pattern ~ too fun!  The final touch was to add some sweet clear gems to the flowers and sentiment. 

You'll want to check out the OCL Blog & May Arts Blog because both blogs will have samples and list of  designers who have projects to share.   Don’t forget to leave some love everywhere each and every day because there will be lots of blog candy going on!

Now for the blog candy details!!  May Arts sent us extra spools of YUMMY ribbon & we sent them some extra OCL Stamp sets to share with all of you!   WOOHOOO!  OCL will have 3 BIG prizes to give away this Friday, August 26th!    You have lots of ways to enter EVERY SINGLE DAY this week + one BONUS entry!    

Each day, leave comments…

1.       1) on the OCL Blog,

2.       2) on each designer’s blog (from the list of those playing along that day), and

3.       3) on our Facebook page. 

BONUS ENTRY:   If you “LIKE” OCL on Facebook, you’ll get a bonus entry (as long as you tell us you did it).  

Come on back tomorrow because I'll have another fabulous OCL/May Arts treasure to share with you!

OCL & May Arts Team Up!

I am so happy to announce that this week Our Craft Lounge and May Arts are teaming up to show you some amazing products from both companies!   I've peeked at the projects by the OCL designers and "WOW"  is the word that comes to mind!  I know the projects by the May Arts designers will be equally impressive. 

My project for today uses a pretty set called Nature's Notes.  The set has been around for a long time, but it's actually the first time I've used it ~ and it won't be the last!  I stamped the background with Vanilla pigment ink and I heat embossed the butterfly and colored it with Copic Markers and then added some blue and green Pearl Ex.   I really love how this card turned out!  The May Arts products I used ~ blue crochet trim (361-58-34) and this cool natural jute (QW09).  

You'll want to check out the OCL Blog & May Arts Blog because both blogs will have samples and a list of designers who have projects to share as well.   Don’t forget to leave some love everywhere each and every day because there will be lots of blog candy flying around this week!

Thanks so much to Bethney and May Arts for sending our designers such FANTASTIC ribbons and trims to play with this week!

Now for the blog candy details!!  May Arts sent us extra spools of YUMMY ribbon & we sent them some extra OCL Stamp sets to share with all of you!   WOOHOOO!  OCL will have 3 BIG prizes to give away this Friday, August 26th!    You have lots of ways to enter EVERY SINGLE DAY this week + one BONUS entry!    

Each day, leave comments…

1.       1) on the OCL Blog,

2.       2) on each designer’s blog (from the list of those playing along that day), and

3.       3) on our Facebook page. 

BONUS ENTRY:   If you “LIKE” OCL on Facebook, you’ll get a bonus entry (as long as you tell us you did it).  

Come on back tomorrow because I'll have another fabulous OCL/May Arts treasure to share with you!

Supplies:
Stamps ~ Our Craft Lounge (Nature's Notes)
Ribbon/Trim ~ May Arts (361-58-34 Blue Crochet Trim 5/8"; Natural Jute QW09)
Copics ~ BG10, BG72, BG75, YG17
Pearl Ex ~ Aqua Blue, Bright Blue, Green
Pigment Ink ~ Vanilla, Black
Embossing Powder ~ Clear
Gems ~ Kaiser (Clear - colored with BG72 Copic)
Nestabilities ~ Circle, Big Scallop Circle
Foam Dots

Just Because {13}...

a new one from my daughter...

 

Good Luck Shout Out!

Just a little Saturday Shout Out to you!

 

Shout it Out! by Our Craft Lounge

OCL Challenge #79... Supply Challenge

It's time for a supply challenge and this week we are using LACE trim ~ or any type of trim.  This was a fun theme ~ I love using trims because they add so much to projects.

Here's my project using the Pins & Needles stamp set ~ perfect set with lace trim huh? I stitched it on with my sewing machine. My hubby gives me such a hard time about only using my sewing machine on paper & I swear he ALWAYS comes down to my work area when I am using it & it's the same way with my iron too! He just laughs at me & I usually make some comment about how pretty my card is ~ LOL!

Shhh... don't tell anyone, but I used this cute little sentiment from an upcoming OCL set that will be peeked very soon ~ stay tuned for all that fun!

OK ~ time to show us your stuff!  Go on over to the OCL Blog and leave your link to project for your chance to win!

Last Ad Lib...for now!

Here's the last of my cards using the Ad Lib collection from Bo Bunny.  I pulled out OCL's Build-A-Bouquet set for this one and just popped up the flowers off the already very cool pattern paper.  For the flower centers, I punched out circles form the pattern paper and then added some gems.  The fun sentiment is from the Say it with Flowers set.

Tune in tomorrow for the new OCL Challenge ~ it's a fun one!

Whimsy Wednesday... at the beach

Since summer is almost over & my kids go back to school next week, I think it's time for a little trip to the beach!  This adorable little guy from Whimsy & Stars Studios is called Floaty Boy.

OK ~ I'm off to find the sunscreen and my cool shades!

IHP Challenge Day ... Keeping Cool!

Today is the monthly i{heart}papers challenge and this month it's all about staying cool in the summer months!  It's been HOT, HOT, HOT this summer and my favorite way to keep cool is to ... EAT ICE CREAM!  At least that's my plan & I'm sticking with it!  So my little project is a gift card holder and I used the ice cream cone from this adorable set from My Cute Stamps called Sweet Chocolate.

Okee-dookie ~ it's time to see what the rest of the team made for our snappy summer challenge ~

• Carolyn
• Deb
• Gretchen
• Kendra
• Loretta
• Lori
• Lynn
• Tracy
• Kate

Supplies from i{heart}papers:
Stamps ~My Cute Stamps called Sweet Chocolate.
Pattern Paper ~ Echo Park (Summer Days)
Ink ~ Palette
Copic Markers
Embossing Folder ~ Quickuts
Ribbon ~ May Arts

Picking Posies...

Welcome to Monday ~ another new week.  We only have one week until school starts & I'm not really sure where summer went.  After our trip to Alaska in June, it seems like the kids have been involved with so many things & summer just flew by. 

My card today is another one from my Ad Lib play date from a few weeks ago.  I pulled out Fabulous Florals and Say it with Flowers from Our Craft Lounge for the flower and sentiment.  Just a fun and playful little card.

Have a great week!

just because {12}...

what it's all about...

Here Come the Marching Minutemen!

My daughter just finished her first month of Marching Band & LOVES IT!  They have put in some very LONG, HOT weeks & now they get to enjoy performing.   Here are some pictures of their very busy week!

Parent Preview Night ~ Marching Minutemen
209 Members
Concord High School


And now for their first parade performance at Cedar Point!

Megan is in the flute section, can you tell?  LOL!

~ Here are some pictures of band camp in July ~

A special treat at the end of week #2 ~ they were there from 8-4 every day in 100* heat.

OCL Challenge #78 ... Color Challenge Time!

It's time for a color challenge for the OCL Challenge this week (OCL#78)!  Can you believe we have had almost 80 challenges?  WOW!  So I love the pictures for the color story today & the colors too!  They are... Periwinkle Blue, Eggplant, and Pistachio ~ aren't those YUMMY?

So I had this pretty paper by My Mind's Eye in my stash of 6x6 paper packs & tons of scraps (because I've used it a TON.  But I knew this paper would fit the bill for this color challenge.  It's not quite Periwinkle Blue, but pretty close.  I decided to use the OCL set called Tea Time for my challenge card today ~ I just LOVE paper piecing this set!

Now it's your turn to play along and add your card to this fabulous color challenge!  Make sure you add your direct link to the OCL Blog this week.

IHP & Unity Team Up!

The Design Teams for i{heart}papers and Unity Stamp Co. are teaming up today to show you some FABULOUS Unity creations.

My page today uses one of the Unity Store Exclusive Kits that Kate has in stock called Throughout All Generations .  I paired it up with a gorgeous 6x6 paper pad from My Minds Eye called Hazel. 

My kids just adore their grandma and grandpa & Megan calls them G-Ma and G-Pa.  She had such fun on our last family vacation with them and really wanted to get this portrait done.  I was thrilled with how it turned out. 

Now it's time to tour around and see what all the other girls have put together for their Unity creations.  Oh... and don't forget to visit the Unity Blog for their team links.

• Carolyn
• Deb
• Gretchen
• Kendra
• Loretta
• Lori
• Lynn
• Tracy
• Kate

In celebration of this little hop, ALL full-sized kits at i{heart}papers are $12 or less! But, there is VERY limited inventory and these past kits will not be restocked so don’t wait or you might miss your chance to get them at this price. Happy hopping and happy SHOPPING!

Whimsy Wednesday...

Welcome to a Whimsy & Stars Wednesday ~ this delightful little image is called Little Girl Garland.  I paired her up with some fun papers from My Mind's Eye.  I just LOVE this paper pack called Happy Go Lucky.

Have a happy, cheery day!

Ad Libs...


This weekend I was having fun with some paper I bought a few months ago from Bo Bunny called Ad Libs. It's fun, funky and fresh & was begging to be played with! So I pulled out this patterned paper ~ which is probably my favorite of the pack, and my Fabulous Florals set from Our Craft Lounge .  So this is what I came up!   I have a few more funky little cards from my play time to show you later this week!

a new place...

Hello Peeps ~ you know I usually love Mondays; however, it was such a nice quiet weekend, so I'm sad it's over already.  Over the weekend I had a chance to glance through some card magazines and found a cute card by Mariana Grigsby in the latest Paper Crafts issue that I really wanted to re-create.  So here's my version using the Our Craft Lounge set called New Digs.

Have a great Monday!

just because {11}...

this was perfect for my amazing daughter this week. she is finding a new, somewhat unexpected path as she enters high school ... and i have to say to myself, "it's ok, mom ~ it's going to be a great path for her".