Thursday, February 28, 2013

New Stamps from Crafter's Companion

I have an adorable sneak peek to show you today for a new line of stamps from Crafter's Companion called Party Paws.  This sweet little guy's name is Bamboo and he is included in all 8 new sets which are equally full of cuteness!  These sets will go online in both the US and the UK on March 6th.



Spectrum Noir Pens:
Bear ~ TN1, TN2, TN3
Starts ~ CT1, CT2, CT4
Blues ~ TB1, TB2, TB3, TB4, IB2
Grey Outline ~ IG1

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Hambo is Cookin' Up Some Fun!

Today the Hambo Team is cookin' up some fun birthday wishes with this adorable Bear Cupcake digi image.  The additional challenge is to use large and small elements on your card...I used buttons!  Take a peek at the Hambo Hoedown Challenge Blog for all the details.

After printing my image, I colored this sweet bear with my Spectrum Noir markers.   Originally, I had the background white, but it seemed to stick out a bit too much, so I took light pink marker (PP4) and colored the background.  The pattern paper is from My Minds Eye and I used my Cuddlebug embossing folder on the side of the card to add some texture. Since I printed the image a bit too large for my standard card, I offset it so it wouldn't overtake the buttons and the sentiment (which also comes with the digi image). 



There's a change on the Hambo Hoedown starting this week!  You can now use ANY images to play along in the challenge.  Make sure you play along and add your creation to the blog.
Spectrum Noir Markers that I used:
Bear: TN1, TN2, TN3, TN4, TN7, 
Oven Mitts, Apron & Background: CR4, CR6, CR9, CR11, PP4, PP5, 
Chef Hat: IG1, IG2, IG3


Tuesday, February 26, 2013

SP & Co. Challenge Page

Time for a scrapbook page!  I wanted to scrapbook yesterday and also use some new stamps that arrived in the mail from Scrapmasters Paradise & Company (SP & Co.).  I used the Chevron Chase background stamp and inked it up in white pigment ink.  While I was at it, I thought I'd play along on the SP & Co. challenge this week, which is to use Washi Tape along with their stamps.  I pulled out an Echo Park Collection (For The Record 2: Tailored) for the papers and sticker elements and the Washi Tape is from My Minds Eye.

I adore this photo of my daughter that I took while we were in Rome and decided to print it up and get it scrapbooked!  I really love how this hodge-podge page turned out... not everything needs to be clean and simple ~ LOL! 



~ Thanks for stopping by ~ 

Hope you have an amazing day!

Monday, February 25, 2013

GRS Color Challenge

Color Challenge Time at Gourmet Rubber Stamps!!!  

ARE YOU READY TO PLAY ALONG????  



My card today uses the Just Wanted To Say stamp set for the main image and sentiment.  However, I also used the various Hi & Hello sentiments from a few other sets by Gourmet Rubber Stamps to add inside each word bubble on the pattern paper ~ Just Words, Everyday Sayings, and Swingin' Spring.  BTW ~ the pattern paper is from the Seen & Noted Collection from Pebbles Inc.




Here's the color challenge ~ and I just have to say...
I WANT THIS KITCHEN!!!!



Come play along with us this month & then post your creation on the GRS Facebook page.  To get you started ~ go peek & see what the designers came up with...


Sunday, February 24, 2013

Mom is a Busy Bee

Just a quick post today to show you this card I made
using the new Queen Bee set by Gourmet Rubber Stamps.


Buzz on back tomorrow because the GRS designers are having a fun color challenge!

Saturday, February 23, 2013

love is in the air...

This month on the Crafter's Companion Challenge Blog, the theme is Love in the Air.  I decided that since Valentine's Day is over, I would go a different direction with my card and use a sentiment with the word "Love" in it (from the Dreamy Daisy set) & the die cut butterfly represents the "in the air" part.  The flower image is from the Silhouette Wildflowers set (Sheena's A Little Sketchy Collection).



So here's how I made the background... first I selected my Spectrum Noir markers.  You'll want to pick several shades from 2 coordinating color groups.  I selected oranges (OR1, OR2, OR3) & gold/browns (GB2, GB3, GB4, GB6, GB7).  I started with the darkest shade of orange (OR3) on the bottom of my circle and colored back and forth a few times with the chisel tip.  Then I add the next color (OR2) and then the lightest orange (OR1).  When coloring just go to the edge of the previous color and then color in a circular motion to blend the colors.  Then I started adding the gold/brown colors the same way.  I used the lightest markers (OR1 & GB2) to do most of the blending.  Just keep adding color until you get it to look the way you want.  It's really easy and it's a great way to practice your blending.


Once the background was done, I stamped the floral image & the sentiment with Tuxedo Black Memento Ink.   The die cut butterflies were added by using a small glue dot in the center and I added a black gem to the center.

I decided to make a second card to practice a bit more with shading, but this time I used a sentiment from the Sentiment Swirls set.




Have a great weekend!

Friday, February 22, 2013

Crafter's Companion New Release...

Hey There Crafty Friends!

Today Crafter's Companion has a brand new line of stamps coming out called Crisalis Collection.   Each set in this collection has beautifully detailed stamps and are made up of borders, sentiments and one large main image.

For my first card, I decided to use one of the border images from The Perfect Day set.  I stamped it 4 times in Tuxedo Black Memento ink on white cardstock and then cut them into strips.  I colored each strip of cardstock with my Spectrum Noir Markers ~ C3, CG2, BT4, GT2 using the chisel tip of the pen.  I used the Die'sire Petite Dot Embossing Folder for the bottom of the card and flipped the dots so they are face down.  Then I added a sentiment from the same stamp set.



Now my next card is a complete departure from my normal style.  I used the set called Wedding Day and after I colored the image with my Spectrum Noir markers, I ran it through my Xyron machine ~ image side DOWN.  I know ...that a little scary huh?  Then I dipped it in glitter so the entire image sparkles!



Here's a close up of the sparkly image.

Dress & Flowers: CR1, CR2, CR3, CR7, CR8, CG1, CG2, CG3
Skin: FS1, FS2, FS3
Hair: TN2, TN6, EB3

Check out the CC Blog and the other DT girls blogs for all kinds of inspiration with this new collection!

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Way 2 GO!

Some days cards just go together FAST & that was the case for this card.  Actually, I didn't plan this card out at all other than the two stamped images I wanted to use ~ Bubble Sentiments & Just Wanted To Say from Gourmet Rubber Stamps.   I just threw elements together on and glued them down as they touched my hands.  I rather like how the card came together.



Some days you just need to do this!
Try it...you'll have fun!

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

A little "froggy" today...

This little froggy called Frog Boy is so adorable and he is the perfect way to tell my friend how terrific {or terribbit} I think she is!  This is the digi image for the Hambo Hoedown this week and the challenge is to use "bumps" or texture on your project.   After I colored my sweet little frog, I cut him out and popped him up on an embossed background.  Then I also embossed the background of the card with an additional embossing folder.  The final texture I gave my frog was to use some Ranger Glossy Accents on each of the dots on the frog ~ it's a little hard to tell on the photo, but they are super fun IRL.  



Now it's your turn to play along & I can't wait to see what you come up with for this adorable image.  Come on over and do the Hambo Hoedown with us!

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

On the phone...again!

I really love this image from Gourmet Rubber Stamps.  It's from the Just Wanted To Say stamp set!  I paired it up with papers & journaling blocks from Echo Park's original For the Record collection.



No more chit chat today...too much to stamp, too little time!

Monday, February 18, 2013

Avery Elle Challenge...

Happy Monday! 

This weekend I was playing with some new stamps and digi images from Avery Elle Stamps ~ one of my favorite new finds on the web!  Over on the Avery Elle Blog, there is a new photo inspiration challenge and I couldn't wait to play along.  So I printed off their new free digi image and pulled out my Picture It clear stamp set & made a few cards... here's what I came up with!




And here's a card with their new free digi image...



Play along and add our projects to their blog!  

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Debbie's Darling DIVAS!

My sweet friend, Debbie Corbari is now designing stamps for Gina K Designs and her collection of Divas are ADORABLE!  

My first card uses the Scooter Diva set!  I used cute Echo Park Love Story paper for my card and colored the image with my Copic Markers.



My second card uses the Balanced Diva set.  I did a resist technique for the background by stamping the images in VersaMark ink then embossed them with clear embossing powder.  After that, I inked up a my brayer on a multi-color ink pad and rolled it over the stamped flowers several times.


My last card uses the Skater Diva set.  For this card I stamped the image on red cardstock using white pigment ink and then heat embossed her with white embossing powder and used a red marker to highlight some of the areas.  I backed the image with a white doily and stamped the sentiment with Love Letter Red Memento Ink.


Go take a peek at Debbie's blog for lots of great samples using these sets!

Friday, February 15, 2013

GRS ... New Appetizers!

Hello...Hello!!!  It's the 15th of the month and time for a new Appetizer Release from Gourmet Rubber Stamps.  Once again, I love the new sets & had a blast making these projects!

First up is a card using Bubble Sentiments ~ along with the Appetizer set from last month Just Wanted to Say.  LOVE THIS!!!!  I used a collection of Washi Tape by My Minds Eye for the border along the side of the card.  Then I stamped the phone in Tuxedo Black Memento Ink and cut it out (separating the receiver from the phone) and attached black twine to each like a phone cord.  I popped them up on the card base with foam dots.  Then I stamped the "hey there" bubble sentiment with Love Letter Red Memento Ink and cut it out.  I attached it to the card base with foam dots also.


The next card uses the other new Appetizer set called Queen Bee.   I stamped the bee hive image and part of one of the sentiments on the outside of the card using Memento Ink and colored the image with Copic markers.  The rest of the sentiment and the honey comb image is stamped on the inside of the card.


inside of the card



You can see the sets on the GRS Blog and then take a peek to see what the other designers came up with today...


Today is the last day to apply for the VIP Guest Designer for March...we would love to see your work!  Come dine with us at Gourmet Rubber Stamps!

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Spectrum Noir Resist Technique

Happy Valentine's Day!
I've been creating Valentine's for months and guess what?  I don't even have a Valentine card to share with you today ~ LOL!  Heck, it's not even RED!  Just the way things worked out today I guess.  However, I do have a fun tutorial to share with you that I'm super excited about using some pretty images from Crafter's Companion.

The technique I used on my card today is called the Spectrum Noir Resist Technique.  I used my Spectrum Noir alcohol ink markers to add all of the blended color on this card.    The stamps I used are called Flower Power & Through The Rain from the Sheena Collection.  So first... here's my finished card.




Step 1: I used the 3 small solid flowers from the Flower Power set and stamped them in a scattered pattern on white cardstock with VersaMark ink.


Step 2: Cover the white card base with clear embossing powder & tap off the excess. The embossing powder will stick to the stamped images.

TIP: For embossing powders that I use often, I like to keep them in a larger plastic container so I can dip the entire project in it.  It makes is super easy to tap off the excess powder without having to put it all back inside the jar.


Step 3: Use your heat tool to emboss the stamped images.


Step 4: Select the Spectrum Noir Alcohol Ink marker colors for the project.  I selected CG1 & CG2 for the greens and PP1, PP3, PP5 & CR11 for the pinks and red.  Selecting colors in the same color family make blending a snap!



Step 5: Using the chisel tip of the marker, start coloring sections of the card base.  As you color, the flowers you stamped will start to appear.  I started with CG1 (light green) and then added a section of CG2 (darker green).  Once you have the initial layers of green down ~ take your CG1 marker and go over the top of your CG2 color.  This will blend the colors and take the darker green off the stamped flowers.


Step 6:  Next make layers of your pinks ~ PP1, PP3 and then PP5.  To blend them, use PP1 over the top of the darker colors.  Keep adding and blending color until the background looks like you want it to.


Step 7: Using the CR11 Red marker, add spots of color to the center of each flower.  To blend, use the CG1 (light green) marker on the green flowers & PP1 (light pink) to blend on the pink flowers.


Just keep adding color and blending until your card base looks the way you want it.  This is a pretty quick and simple technique, but it's also a great way to practice your blending with the markers.


Step 8: Next I stamped the sentiment from the Through the Rain set on white cardstock in Tuxedo Black Memento Ink & colored the word MUCH with my PP5 marker so it would pop.  I clipped the end with my square punch so it looked like a banner and then added some ribbon and a button.



Step 9: To assemble the card, I attached the stamped image panel to black cardstock and then attached it to the white cardbase.  I added foam dots to the back of the sentiment and popped it up on top of the stamped background piece.  VOILÁ ~ you're done!

I hope you enjoyed learning {or re-learning} this fun technique!

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

ANNOUNCEMENT...ANNOUNCEMENT!

THIS IMAGE IS SUPER CUTE &
IT'S TIME FOR THE HAMBO HOEDOWN!

OK ~ so now I'll stop shouting at ya!  The new digi image this week for the Hambo Hoedown is called The Microphone and our challenge is to use the image on a CAS (Clean and Simple) design.  Here's what I came up with...



Don't forget to play along and post your project to the Hambo Hoedown Challenge Blog before next Wednesday.

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

CAS-ual Fridays Song Challenge

Say CHEESE!!!
{click}and {print}

Don't you just LOVE these cute images from Avery Elle's stamp set called Picture It?   I was looking through my supplies for something to use on this week's CAS-ual Friday challenge (CFC89) & this new set arrived in my mailbox!!!  The challenge is to make a CAS card inspired by a love song!  The song I picked is Freeze Frame by the J Giles Band ~ is that a love song?  Maybe ~ LOL!
 



Regardless if the song really fits, I love the card & I know that more Avery Elle sets will be finding their way to my house!

Go play along on the challenge ~ they are super fun!

Monday, February 11, 2013

A little sketch...Hambo style

Today's post is a card using the cute little digital image called Love Bug by Hambo Stamps.   I made this card for the current Splitcoast Stampers Sketch Challenge (SC422).

For my other supplies, I also used this fabulous pattern paper from Bo Bunny called Love Letters and colored my image with Spectrum Noir alcohol ink markers.  There is some clear glitter on the wings and some Cherry Red Sparkly Fluff on the little heart.



I've got a cool tutorial to share with you tomorrow and I can't wait to share it!

Happy Monday!

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Sketch Time with Gourmet Rubber Stamps!

The designers from Gourmet Rubber Stamps are having a sketch challenge today and you're invited to play along.

I stamped all of my images in white pigment ink using the Happy Birthday Truffles set for the main image (which I also embossed) and the sentiment and the Confetti Truffles set for the background.   I colored a few spots on the cake with a few shades of pink markers to make it pop a bit off the pink cardstock.


Here's the sketch we're using today:

I know you'll want to see what the other designers came up with, so don't forget to hop around to take a peek!  And leave some love along the way...





You should totally play along with this sketch and post your fab creation on the GRS Facebook page so we can make lovely comments about your amazing work!


Have you heard that GRS is searching for some VIP Guest Designers?  There's still time to apply this month (deadline is the 15th),  so you TOTALLY should!  Click HERE are the details.

Saturday, February 9, 2013

SP & Company Challenge...

Yes, I've been stamping and creating like crazy & have so much to share!  Today, it's a card with an adorable little digi image from SP & Company and played along on their latest SP Trends Challenge #3 ~ which is to use hearts!  

Here's what I did ~ I printed and trimmed the free digi Cupcake Doodle image and then colored it with my Copic markers.  I added some Cherry Red Sparkly Fluff from Our Craft Lounge to the big heart on top.  I used a few different patterns from the 6x6 Echo Park Love Story paper pad and the pretty satin ribbon (which also has hearts on it} from American Crafts.




Have a great weekend!

Friday, February 8, 2013

Pretty New Florals by Crafter's Companion

Today, Crafter's Companion has another beautiful release from the Sheena Collection.  There are 6 lovely new floral sets that will be PERFECT for your spring projects.

I used the new Magnolia set for my card today and I'm super happy with the result.  I colored the image with my Spectrum Noir Markers:  Flower: PP1, PP3, PP5 & Leaves: CG1, CG2, CG3, CG4.



Take a peek at the Crafter's Companion blog today for lots of samples and information about the release.

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Another CAS Challenge Card!

The other day I showed you a new card using one of my die cut Valentine images for my Silhouette Cameo and today I have one more.    I used the "XO Heart" by Samantha Walker which I purchased from the online Silhouette store.

This one is also for the CAS-ual Friday Challenge for this week called "Love Letters" ~ ANOTHER PERFECT MATCH!


Go play along with this super fun challenge!


Edited to add:  I was just told about this other fun CAS site called CAS on Sunday where they post new challenges each Sunday ~ so I've added my card to this site as well.  Super fun!

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

My First Hambo Hoedown!

Are you ready for a HOEDOWN?  It's my first Hambo Hoedown Challenge and it's a super fun one too!

This adorable Bailey Rocks image is this week's digi & you need to use metal on your project.    I wanted to make Bailey a ROCKSTAR for this card, so I used some star pattern paper by KI Memories that I found in my stash and then I hung some metal stars on a chain from the top of the card.   I colored the images with my Copic markers and popped up the sentiment that I printed on grey cardstock.



Did you know you can earn the weekly digi images for FREE?  Go take a peek at the Hambo Hoedown Blog for the details and dance, I mean play along this week so you can earn next week's fabulous image!

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

CAS-ual Fridays Challenge...

Yesterday I realized that I had a whole bunch of die cut Valentine images for my Silhouette Cameo that I haven't used yet ~ GASP!  Gotta get cutting those babies out!  I also wanted to play along in this week's CAS-ual Friday Challenge which is called "Love Letters" ~ PERFECT MATCH!  SO this is my Clean & Simple Card for the challenge!  I used the "Love Heart" by Samantha Walker which I purchased from the online Silhouette store.






I'll have another CAS-ual Friday card to share on Thursday, but tomorrow is my first HAMBO HOEDOWN Challenge!

Monday, February 4, 2013

Time to HOP with CC!

Grab your cup of coffee and be prepared to sit down for some SERIOUS inspiration today!  The Crafter's Companion US and UK teams are hopping together today in honor of a brand new stamp line called Angelica & Friends.  There are 9 wonderful new sets and a coordinating CD-ROM.  I used the Felicity stamp set along with the following Spectrum Noir markers:

Hair/Face: TN2, TN7, TN8, FS2, FS3
Dress/wings: OR1, OR2, OR3, DR1, CR2 (I used glitter on the wings also)
Flowers/Grass: GB5, CT3, CT4, OR1, CG1, CG2, CR11

Flower Pots: TN3, TN4, TN5, TN6, TN9



Make sure you leave some lovely comments because there is a fabulous prize!!!  Blog Candy: The fabulous prize is 4 EZ Mount sets of our choice worth $40.   The prize will be awarded to ONE winner, drawn at random from a random comment on a US team members blog.  The US prize is open to US residents only and participants have until Wed, Feb 6 at 9:00 PM (PST) to enter.  The winner will be announced on CC USA blog on Thursday, February 7th.

Now it's time to HOP ~ here's a full list of hoppers, just in case you get lost along the way...


Ali Watson
Taylor Usry (US)
Rachel Brown
Chrissie Tobas (US)
Louise Welsh
Mary Dawn Quirindongo (US)
Tracy Watkiss
Stephanie Lee (US)
Bianca Shervington
Kendra Wietstock (US)
Caroline Weir
Stacy Harper-Watson (US)
Elaine Burnett
Stephanie Severin (US)
Edna Taylor
Trena Brannon (US)
Margaret Brown
Christiana Reuling (US)
Debbie Clough
Denise Coulter (US)
Donna Mosley
Khristen Foss (US)
Carol Van Der Westhuizen
Roxanne O'Brien (US)

Sunday, February 3, 2013

The Big Game!

Are you going to watch the Super Bowl tonight?  I'm so sad that football season will be over after today ~ it's my favorite sport!  Unfortunately, my teams didn't make it to the Super Bowl this year...maybe next time!  However, I do know that die-hard football fans keep tabs on the sport all year long and this great Truffles Football set by Gourmet Rubber Stamps is perfect for all the football fans in your life!

GO TEAM!




Enjoy the BIG GAME!

Sneak Peek Time with Crafter's Companion

I know it's rare for me to post on a Sunday; however, I wanted to share a sneak peek of a new image that Crafter's Companion is launching on Monday.  The new line of stamps is called Angelica & Friends and today's sneak peek is from the darling Mariella set - oh so very cute!



Keep checking both the Crafter's Companion UK and Crafter's Companion US Facebook pages for more sneak peeks!  And I'll have more to share with a fun international blog hop TOMORROW!


Saturday, February 2, 2013

SURPRISE!

Can you guess what this picture means?????



If you guessed that I'll be joining the Hambo Stamps Design Team,
then you would be correct!

For the first part of my term, I will be on Team Squeal ~ which is the digi team.
Hambo has a huge Digi Shop ~ you'll want to take a peek for sure!

The second part of my term I will be on Team Oink ~
where I'll be using the rubber & clear stamp sets.

Like the picture?  It was my daughter's brilliant idea!
I didn't have a pig in the house,
so Megan saw this fun pink mug in my cabinet
and said I should make a pig out of it ~ love that girl!


Now you can't have a reveal and not have a project...RIGHT?  So I thought I'd play with this adorable digi image called Bailey Flower.  In my photo editing software (I use Photoshop Elements), I enlarged the "SURPRISE" sentiment because I thought it fit today's occasion perfectly.  That's the great part of digi images, you can make them fit your needs! And...you get the images via email so you don't even have to wait to play with them ~ instant gratification!    I colored my image with Copic markers on kraft cardstock and the pattern paper is from the Max & Whiskers collection by Basic Grey.




Each Wednesday, you'll see my new projects posted here and on the Hambo Hoedown ~ which is Hambo's Challenge website.  You can get FREE digi images so come on over and join the fun!

Oh and I can't forget to tell you about the HUGE SUPERBOWL SALE this WEEKEND!  30% off storewide ~ you can find all the details HERE.

See you tomorrow with all sorts of fun ~ it continues to be a VERY EXCITING week!

Friday, February 1, 2013

Gourmet Rubber Stamps ~ Exciting Announcements!

ANNOUNCEMENT TIME!!!
I'm very excited to announce that I am the new Design Team & Social Media Coordinator for Gourmet Rubber Stamps!  Woohooo!  I have designed for GRS (and formerly Lizzie Anne Designs) since 2007 ~ I just can't believe it has been that long.  I love the images and I'm so honored that they thought of me for this great opportunity!

Here's a little card I made with the latest Appetizer set called Just Wanted To Say... Perfect with this phone book paper by Echo Park.




AND...there's more GRS news!  My sweet friend Melissa Cash is joining our design team starting TODAY!  Head on over to her blog and give her a big warm welcome!
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