Witty Title Here

♫ So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, good night... ♫

2012-01-05T02:08:00.002-05:00

Isn't she just too cute?? :)

Hi, everyone! Hope the first few days of the New Year have been treating you well! :)

It's getting late and I'm dragging, so I guess I'll just get right to it... I'm taking a blog break. You're shocked, right? I mean, what, the general decrease in posts in 2011, and increasing absences towards the end of the year weren't an indication of things to come?? I know, I know, it's been pretty obvious. :P

Baaaaasically, I haven't been feeling well this year, and it's taken a toll on me physically and creatively. I'm just spent. So, I figured it's time to say bye for now, and hope that once things return to "normal," I'll be back in full force here on the blog-o.

Until then...

November Paper Smooches Blog Hop - Winner!

2011-11-26T09:00:00.000-05:00

Hi, everyone! Just wanted to pop in and post the winner of the Word Salad stamp set from the upcoming Paper Smooches December release....

CONGRATS, Brandi!!!

When you have a moment, please email your address information to me at inglishrea [at] yahoo.com.

November Paper Smooches DT Blog Hop

2011-11-24T09:00:00.003-05:00

It's Pep Rally week and we are here today to share a sampling of the Paper Smooches December stamp release with you! The three NEW clear stamp sets will be available to purchase on December 1st. You will find them HERE. Follow the Paper Smooches blog for more sneak peeks.

To add extra fun to our blog hop...we are offering up a prize! Just leave a comment on any of the five design team blogs listed below for your chance to win one of the three new December stamp sets! (you do not need to comment on all blogs to qualify) You have until midnight MT on Friday, November 25th to leave a comment. Please check all five blogs on Saturday, November 26th to see if you are one of the five lucky winners.

To increase your chances of winning:

1. Leave a comment on this blog post

2. Tell us that you Facebooked about our blog hop

3. Tell us that you Tweeted about our hop

4. Tell us that you posted on your blog about our blog hop

(which means that you have up to four chances to win on each blog)

For my project today, I decided to create a scrapbook layout of my daughter's first visit with Santa. I know, I know, what kind of meanie parents make their kids wait until they're SIX to see Santa??? We've taken her in previous years, but we've either shown up when Santa was taking a break for a few hours, or the line was so unbelievably long that she said forget it. LOL! This year just *had* to work out! I mean, who even knows how much longer she's going to believe in Santa?? So, I came up with a plan. They had half days of school on Monday and Tuesday, so I picked her up from the bus stop, came home for a quick lunch, then headed over to the mall in the hopes that we'd finally get to see him without having to spend hours in line. We walk up, and no one was waiting ahead of us!! Score!! :) She had a lot of fun talking with him, and he was really sweet to just sit there and listen to her ramble on and on. :)

One of the sets that's being released this month is a fantastic sentiment set called Word Salad. I am a huge lover of sentiment sets, and this one is no exception! For my layout, I chose to use the word "JOY" from the set. A little stamping, coloring and fussy-cutting, and I have the perfect accent for my page! :)

Well, that's all for me today... Have a great one!

Supplies:

Stamps - Word Salad, Swanky Snowdudes

Paper - Kraft, Stamper's Select White, Pink Paislee (green pattern), Bo Bunny (teal dot)

Ink - Memento Black, Copics

Miscellaneous - Snowflake Punch, Rhinestones, Paper Distresser, Twine, Thickers, Sketch by Scrapbooks, Etc.

You're An All Star

2011-11-07T11:06:00.001-05:00

Hi, everyone! :) Hope you're having a stellar Monday! Just wanted to pop in and share a card I created with the new My Guy set from Paper Smooches. The images in the set naturally lend themselves to masculine cards, but I thought it'd be fun to switch it up and make something girlie. :)

And for giggles, here are a few pics of my girlie on Halloween dressed as her all-time favorite Disney princess... Snow White! :)

Have a great one!

Supplies:
Stamps - My Guy (Paper Smooches)
Ink - Versamark, Fresh Ink (Gray)
Paper - Lemon Tart, Raspberry Fizz, Hawaiian Shores, Spring Rain, Stamper's Select White
Miscellaneous - Clear Embossing Powder, Twine (Paper Smooches), Raspberry Fizz Grosgrain, Note Die Cut

October Paper Smooches Blog Hop Winner!

2011-10-29T13:25:00.001-04:00

Hi, everyone! Hope your weekend is off to a great start! :) We're experiencing some unseasonable weather this weekend, and may even have our first snow of the season. Eeek! Way, waaaaaay too soon!!! LOL

Here's the winner of the My Guy stamp set from Paper Smooches...

Congrats, Glenda! :)

When you have a moment, please send your address info to me at inglishrea [at] yahoo.com so we can get your stamp set sent out to you.

Have a great one!

October Paper Smooches DT Blog Hop

2011-10-27T09:00:00.005-04:00

It's Pep Rally week and we're here today to share a sampling of the Paper Smooches November stamp release with you! :) The three NEW clear stamp sets will be available to purchase on November 1st. You will find them HERE. (Follow the Paper Smooches blog for more sneak peeks.)

To add extra fun to our blog hop...we are offering up a prize! Just leave a comment on any of the five design team blogs listed below for your chance to win one of the three new November stamp sets! (you do not need to comment on all blogs to qualify) You have until midnight MT on Friday, October 28th to leave a comment. Please check all five blogs on Saturday, October 29th to see if you are one of the five lucky winners.

To increase your chances of winning:

1. Leave a comment on this blog post

2. Tell us that you Facebooked about our blog hop

3. Tell us that you Tweeted about our hop

4. Tell us that you posted on your blog about our blog hop

(which means that you have up to four chances to win on each blog)

For today's card I used the new "My Guy" set, which has a bunch of fun images and a few different punny sentiments. Masculine cards are usually the most challenging for me to make (LOL, probably because I always want to add PINK somewhere), but I had a blast putting this card together! :)

Have a great one!

Thanks!

2011-10-18T20:57:00.000-04:00

Hi, everyone! Hope all has been well! :) Things here are good, just busy, busy, busy and I'm so tired I find myself giving in to the urge to go back to bed after I get Lindsay on the school bus in the morning. As nice as it is to get some extra rest, it also ends up putting me so far behind on all the things that I want to accomplish. LOL, oh well, one of these days I'll be back to my old self... at least that's what I keep telling myself. :P

Today's card was created using an adorably cheeky flower from the Perky Plants set, as well as one of my favorite sentiments from the Chit Chat set (from the Paper Smooches October release). Hahaha, I totally giggle every time I spy this flower's cheesy grin. I. just. love. it!

Have a great one...

Supplies:

Stamps - Perky Plants & Chit Chat (Paper Smooches)

Paper - Kraft, Sweet Blush, Hawaiian Shores, Berry Sorbet, Lemon Tart, Stamper's Select White

Ink - Fresh Snow, Memento Black, Copics

Miscellaneous - Deco Edge Punch, Nestabilities Circle & Scallop Circle, Aqua Rhinestones, Corner Chomp

How Tweet Of You

2011-10-04T09:53:00.000-04:00

Hi, everyone! Hope you all had a great weekend. :) The weather in this area always makes me laugh this time of year. It's almost as if it's not sure whether or not it wants to get cooler, or if it should hang on to the warmer temps. So we end up having this cycle of cold days, then warmer days, then cooler days which continues for a bit until we fall head first into cold temps. Nothing keeps me from wearing my flip flops, though... Well, except for snow. :P

Today's happy little card combines images from a bunch of different Paper Smooches sets... My Peeps (bird, music notes & sentiment), Friendly Flowers (large flower), Hang Ups (small flowers) & Sunny Side Up (clouds). I absolutely love mixing and matching sets, it really gives you so many options when creating cards.

Have a great one!

Supplies:

Stamps - My Peeps, Friendly Flowers, Hang Ups, Sunny Side Up

Ink - Memento Black, True Black

Paper - Hawaiian Shores, Spring Moss, Simply Chartreuse, Stamper's Select White

Miscellaneous - Pop Dots, Turquoise Rhinestone, Copics

A Special Paper Smooches Blog Hop(e)

2011-10-01T09:00:00.001-04:00

Hi, everyone! :) As most of you probably know, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. And to celebrate World Card Making Day, the Paper Smooches DT is having a special blog hop.

So many of us know or have known someone who has battled this terrible disease; some have beat it and some have not. In honor of all of the brave women (and men) God Bless You all. May you find the love and peace you so deserve.

The goal of this hop is to spread awareness as far and wide as possible. Early detection is key. It is so important for both women and men to take initiative and get them squished! Your loved ones will also appreciate it.

We are here today to share a special set with you called HOPE.

Paper Smooches is donating 50% of each HOPE stamp set sold to The National Breast Cancer Foundation

This special stamp set will be available to purchase starting today and like all of our other stamps. it will not retire. You will find it HERE.

Please check all five design team blogs to see what they created with this timeless stamp set.

For my card today, I used several of the ribbon images and heat embossed them with either clear or white embossing powder, to create my flower in varying shades of pink (Hibiscus Burst, Sweet Blush & Raspberry Fizz). Just a sweet, simple card that let's my recipient know that I care... :)

Have a great one!

Another Day in Paradise

2011-09-26T15:46:00.000-04:00

Hi, everyone! :) Hope you had an amazing weekend... Just wanted to pop in and share a beach album I created using the super fun Splash paper collection from Echo Park. For the past few years, we've been making a trip down to the Outer Banks for vacation before our daughter heads to school, and have always been lucky enough to avoid any major storms. Unfortunately, the same can't be said about this year, thanks to Hurricane Irene and a forced evacuation. While I definitely feel like our time in the OBX was cut way too short this year, I am thankful that we had beautiful weather while we were there! :)

(I created this album a few days before our trip this year, so these photos are of our 2010 trip.)

And just for good measure, one of my favorite pics from this year...

Have a great one!

Blog Hop Winner

2011-09-24T13:48:00.001-04:00

Hi, everyone! Hope you're having a fantastic Saturday! :) Just wanted to pop in and share the winner of the Paper Smooches Hot Concoctions set...

Congrats, Andi!! :)

When you have a moment, please email your address info to me at inglishrea@yahoo.com.

September Paper Smooches DT Blog Hop

2011-09-22T09:00:00.000-04:00

Hi, everyone! :) It's Pep Rally week and we are here today to share a sampling of the Paper Smooches October stamp release with you! The Three NEW clear stamp sets will be available to purchase on October 1st. You will find them HERE. Follow the Paper Smooches blog for more sneak peeks.

To add extra fun to our blog hop...we are offering up a prize! Just leave a comment on any of the five design team blogs listed below for your chance to win one of the three new October stamp sets! (you do not need to comment on all blogs to qualify) You have until midnight MT on Friday, September 23rd to leave a comment. Please check all five blogs on Saturday, September 24th to see if you are one of the five lucky winners.

To increase your chances of winning:

1. leave a comment on this blog post

2. tell us that you Facebooked about our blog hop

3. tell us that you Tweeted about our blog hop

4. tell us that you posted on your blog about our blog hop

(which means that you have up to four chances to win on each blog)

For my card today, I used the new Hot Concoctions set (sentiment comes from Chit Chat, which is also being released on the 1st). This set features a bunch of trendy & cute hot drink images and accessories, that you can then use to dress up your cups. The images are a lot of fun, and the set even has the cutest little coffee bean and sugar cube!! Seriously, they're *adorable*. :)

Have a great one!

Sparkle & Shine

2011-09-19T17:56:00.000-04:00

Hi, everyone! :) I had some Echo Park patterned paper left after I completed a beach chipboard album I was working on, so I decided to try to use some of it up on a card.... and came up with this happy little number! :) I also used Nestaboard and Nestabling (which were new to me), and another Studio G sentiment stamp.

Tonight is back-to-school night at my daughter's school. Unfortunately, we didn't get a chance to meet her teacher before school started (due to our vacation), so I'm looking forward to meeting her tonight and hearing what she has to say about our little firecracker of a daughter. LOL, it should be interesting!! :)

Have a great one!

Supplies:

Stamps - Sentiment (Studio G)

Paper - Hibiscus Burst, Echo Park, Bazzill CS

Ink - True Black

Miscellaneous - Nestaboard, Nestabling, Rhinestone Flourish, Hibiscus Burst Grosgrain Ribbon, Nestabilities

Ever Thankful for You

2011-09-15T13:34:00.000-04:00

Hi, everyone! :) Hope this week has been treating you well! I'm getting ready to head out to the store in a few minutes, but first wanted to stop by and post a card I created. The stamped pattern on this card is a super old Stampin' Up! background called Linograph. I've had this stamp for ages, but wouldn't you know it, I haven't actually EVER used it before. Totally ridiculous... I should make it a point to go back through all my stamp sets and make a card using them... Nahhhhhh. :P LOL

I posted on my Facebook this morning about our dryer that went kaput, and the responses are pretty much 50/50. Half of the people like to match, and the other half just replace what's broken. Our washer/dryer came with the house when we moved in 6 years ago, so I don't know exactly when they were purchased. Just by looking at them, I'm thinking the washer has to be my age (seriously... lol), but the dryer is much newer (that doesn't say a lot 'cause it's pretty darn old too). On the one hand, I'd reeeeeeally like them to match (LOL, especially seeing as there would be about a 30 year difference between the two), but on the other hand, I hate to just get rid of a machine that is a total workhorse because newer appliances just aren't built to last. Oh well, it'll get sorted out... eventually. :)

Have a great one!

Supplies:

Stamps - Linograph (Stampin' Up!), Studio G (Sentiment)

Paper - Aqua Mist, Stamper's Select White

Ink - True Black, Versamark

Miscellaneous - Turquoise Rhinetsones (Want2Scrap), Clear Embossing Powder, Old Olive Grosgrain Ribbon, Nestabilities

Hope Your Day Is Fabulous

2011-09-13T09:14:00.000-04:00

Hi, everyone! :) Now that school has been back for a couple of weeks, and we're settling nicely into our routine, I think I'll actually be able to get back into a more consistent posting pattern. Yay! :)

This past summer was great... Albeit tiring. :) Life with a 6 year old who is *constantly* singing, talking and moving takes a lot out of you. LOL I just wish I had 1/10th of her energy! The key it seems, is to keep her busy. If I could've had planned activities for her 8 hours a day every day, that would've been awesome, but my wallet would've been crying. So, instead, we picked a few different one week camps for her to try out (Princess Dance Camp, Barbie Dance Camp, Gymnastics Camp), and spaced them throughout the summer. We also went to the library for stories and activities (though, I think she was almost too old for the group), visited local parks and went to the movies to see the discounted kid shows ($1 tickets). She had fun, but vacation was the highlight of her summer! :)

I created today's card as part of the Product Focus Review for Splitcoaststampers featuring items from Want2Scrap (self-adhesive pearls).

Have a great one! :)

Supplies:

Stamps - Damask Designs, Signature Greetings

Paper - Raspberry Fizz

Ink - True Black

Miscellaneous - Coral Pearls (Want2Scrap), Melon Berry Grosgrain Ribbon

Hey Gill-Friend... You're Swell!

2011-08-18T14:52:00.000-04:00

Hey guys! :) I know, I know, long time no see... I am a baaaaaad blogger. :( I love the freedom from schedules that summer brings, but well, I miss them, too! My daughter is a chatterbox, and lemme tell ya, it's not an exaggeration to say that she talks from the moment she pops out of bed in the morning until she finally gives in and goes to sleep at night. LOL I am definitely looking forward to school starting up on the 29th, but I know that I will also be sad that I won't get to spend a lot of time with her once things get going and we have school work thrown into the mix. Hahahaha, I'm such a contradiction. :P

How have your summers been? Ours has mostly been good, and it's hard to believe that it's about to come to an end! My hubby has been off of work for the past couple weeks, and duuude, I am so ready for him to go back! LOL, I love him, but I miss my free time. :P He works for Verizon, and unfortunately they're striking right now, which means our income has been reduced to zero until further notice. That blows, I won't lie. LOL The whole situation is just dumb, and I wish like crazy his union hadn't made the decision to strike. Verizon is playing hardball (they're cancelling all our health benefits at the end of the month... sure, you can get Cobra coverage, but that's like ohhhhh an extra $2k a month...) to try to get people to break the picket line and return to work, but if you do that, then you'll be harassed and threatened by union people who follow you around, block your vehicle, and shout obscenities at you while you're working. Long story short it's ugly, and neither Verizon or his union are on my nice list right now. LOL

Anyhooooooo, enough about that... You don't pop by to hear my crazy ramblings! LOL :) I just wanted to stop in and share a cute little tag I made using the Surf and Turf set from Paper Smooches. Isn't that fishy adorable?? I love Kim's images, they never cease to make me smile... See ---> :)

Well, I need to run along for now... Have a great one!

Supplies:

Stamps - Surf and Turf (Paper Smooches)

Paper - Harvest Gold, Raspberry Fizz, Sweet Blush, Summer Sunrise, Stamper's Select White

Ink - True Black

Miscellaneous - Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, Limitless Layers Die, Clear Rhinestones, Tag Die

CASE Study Anniversary Blog Hop

2011-08-04T00:01:00.005-04:00

Hi, everyone! Hope you've been having a wonderful week... :) We've been busy with summer camp (Linds is participating in a gymnastics camp this week... so cute!!), and next week she'll be attending another camp... Barbie's World of Dance! :) LOL, I can't wait!!

I'm here today to share a card I created as part of CASE Study's 1 year anniversary celebration. It's such a great challenge blog, and the design team is amazing! How could I not jump at the chance to participate?! :) Hopefully you've come to my blog by way of Eva's blog, but if not and you'd like to start at the beginning of the hop, click **here**.

Our challenge for the hop was to create a card CASE-ing *any* of the beautiful designs by the design team -- whether that card was created as part of the weekly CASE Study challenges, or simply something appearing on their blog. I chose to CASE a card by the uber talented Iwona, and used her color combo as my inspiration.

My card:

Iwona's stunning card:

Thanks so much for stopping by today... I hope you'll continue along the hop, next up is the always amazing Iwona! :) I hear there are even prizes up for grabs! Check out the DT members blogs for more info... :)

Have a great one!

Paper Smooches Blog Hop - Winner!

2011-07-30T14:31:00.000-04:00

Hi, everyone! Hope you're having a wonderful Saturday... :)

Just wanted to pop in and share the winner of the Paper Smooches Fruitastic set giveaway:

CONGRATS, Cassie!!! When you have a chance, please email your contact information to me at inglishrea [at] yahoo.com.

July Paper Smooches DT Blog Hop

2011-07-28T09:02:00.000-04:00

Hi, everyone! It's Pep Rally week and we are here today to share a sampling of the newest Paper Smooches August stamp release! The Three NEW clear stamp sets are available to purchase now. You will find them HERE

To add extra fun to our blog hop...we are offering up a prize! Just leave a comment on any of the five design team blogs listed below for your chance to win one of the three new August stamp sets! (You do not need to comment on all blogs to qualify...) You have until midnight MT on Friday, July 29th to leave a comment. Please check all five blogs on Saturday, July 30th to see if you are one of the five lucky winners.

To increase your chances of winning:

1. leave a comment on this blog post

2. tell us that you Facebooked about our blog hop

3. tell us that you Tweeted about our blog hop

4. tell us that you posted on your blog about our blog hop

(which means that you have up to four chances to win on each blog)

For today's card I used a super fun set called Fruitastic... I just *love* that cheeky smile the apple is sporting... It cracks me up! LOL I also used another set on my card to create the polka dot background o the aqua cardstock (Alphadots). I love, love, love polka dots, so you knew I'd have to find a way to include them, right??? *wink*

Well, that's it for me today, but I hope you have a great one!

Celebrate

2011-07-26T12:12:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone! :) This week is pep rally week as we gear up for the new Paper Smooches release... Normally new sets are released at midnight on the 1st, but due to a change in Kim's schedule, the stamps will be available tomorrow night (Wednesday, August 27th) at midnight! Woot!

For today's card, I used the new Alphadot set to create my sentiment... This set includes letters, numbers, punctutation, and even some fun strips of polka dots! LOL, you know me and polka dots - love 'em! :)

Summer vacation is officially half over, which means there are only 4 more weeks to go until school starts... Before that happens, we still have to squeeze in Barbie Dance Camp, Gymnastics Camp and vacation... Oh, and back-to-school shopping! :) Hahaha, any excuse to shop is a good excuse, right??? :P

Well, I need to run along for now, we've got some books on hold at the library that we need to pick up... Have a great one!

Supplies:
Stamps - Alphadots
Ink - True Black
Paper - My Mind's Eye, Kraft
Miscellaneous - Paper Distre/sser, Star Punch

Paper Smooches/EAD Designs Blog Hop

2011-07-22T11:38:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone! Long time no talk... I promise to catch up soon! :) Today I'm popping in to share a super sparkly Christmas card I made using Paper Smooches stamps and EAD Designs rub-ons. We thought it would be fun to show just how well these products work together, so take a moment to stop by and see what each of the Paper Smooches DT members has in store for you...

Blog Hops are always more fun when a prize is involved, right? All comments received before midnight Pacific time on July 24th are eligible to win a prize pack of both EAD Designs and Paper Smooches stamps. Visit the Paper Smooches Blog on Monday, July 25th to see if you were the ONE winner chosen. (You do not need to comment on all five design team blogs to qualify.) Good luck!

THE PRIZE:

1 EAD black stickerz sheet (July release)

1 EAD black rub-ons (July release)

1 Paper Smooches stamp set of your choice

To increase your chances of winning, comment to tell us that you facebooked, tweeted or blog posted about our blog hop.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great one!

Paper Smooches Blog Hop Winner

2011-07-02T23:17:00.000-04:00

Hi, everyone! Hope you're having a wonderful long weekend!! :) I'm taking a break from all the fun to post the winner of the Sugar Rush stamp set from Paper Smooches...

Drum roll pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeease...

CONGRATS, LUANNE! When you have a moment, please email me at inglishrea @ yahoo.com with your address information.

Have a great one!

June Paper Smooches DT Blog Hop

2011-06-30T09:22:00.002-04:00

It's Pep Rally week and we are here today to share a sampling of the newest Paper Smooches July stamp release! Three NEW clear stamp sets will be available to purchase at 12:01am (mountain time) on Friday, July 1st.

To add extra fun to our blog hop...we are offering up a prize! Just leave a comment on any of the five design team blogs listed below for your chance to win one of the three new July stamp sets! (you do not need to comment on all blogs to qualify) You have until midnight MT on Friday, July 1st to leave a comment. Please check all five blogs on Saturday, July 2nd to see if you are one of the five lucky winners.

For today’s card, I used the Sugar Rush set, which has a super fun assortment of sweet treat images (lollipop, popsicle, hard candy, cupcake, etc.). I love the whimsy retro-ish shape of the popsicle, and who can resist that sweet face?! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by today and have a great one!

Supplies:

Stamps - Sugar Rush (Paper Smooches)

Paper - Simply Chartreuse, Stamper's Select White

Ink - Versamark, True Black

Miscellaneous – Pink Polka Dot Ribbon

Miss You

2011-06-22T10:30:00.000-04:00

Hi, everyone! Hope your week is off to a rockin' start... Today is Lindsay's last day of Kindy before summer vacation starts. Can you believe that? Seems like just yesterday we were sending her off on the bus for the first time. And now she's a 1st grader! Craziness.

I've been trying to find some fun things for her to do over the summer, because Lindsay and boredom do *not* mix well. LOL! Wish me luck... :P

Have a great one!

Supplies:

Stamps - Sentiment Sampler (Paper Smooches)

Paper - Raspberry Fizz, Simply Chartreuse, Sweet Blush

Ink - True Black, Pure Poppy

Miscellaneous - Heart and Scallop Heart Nestabilities, Twine, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder

I Love You

2011-06-21T09:10:00.001-04:00

It's a gloomy day here in the suburbs, so what better way to inject a little sunshine than with a bright, happy card? :)

I created this card using an older paper pad from Cosmo Cricket (DeLovely)... I couldn't help myself, it has some of my favorite colors! I also used one of the new June stamp sets from Paper Smooches, Word Up. *smiles* Kim always has such cute names for her sets.

Sorry for the uber short post, but I'm supposed to be meeting up with a friend of mine for coffee... Hope the rain holds off, eek!

Have a great one.

Supplies:

Stamps - Word Up (Paper Smooches)

Paper - Harvest Gold, Hawaiian Shore, Cosmo Cricket DeLovely

Ink - Versamark

Miscellaneous - White Embossing Powder, Green Polka Dot Ribbon

Thank You

2011-06-01T21:51:00.000-04:00

Hi, everyone! How has your week been shaping up? Things here have been pretty good, though Sunday was definitely the low point in my short career as a mommy. Long story short, I ended up shutting the car door on my daughter's finger. Ugh! :( Thankfully, nothing was broken, and she was back to her normal self a short time later... But lemme tell ya, if she had told me a pony would make her feel better, I would've gone out and gotten her one... In a heartbeat. I felt *awful*.

Anyhoo... On to today's card before I dwell too long on the image that was forever burned into my brain. :\ This card was created using one of the new Paper Smooches stamp sets released today... Folkal Points. I love, love, love this sweet Matryoshka doll, she just makes me smile! I paired her up with some fun Basic Grey patterned paper, and colors that I normally wouldn't reach for together, but I am loving how they work together.

Well, that's it for me today... Have a great one!

Supplies:
Stamps - Folkal Points
Paper - Enchanted Evening, Simply Chartreuse, Harvest Gold, Sweet Blush, Stamper's Select White, Basic Grey Patterned Paper
Ink - Memento Black, Stazon Black, True Black
Miscellaneous - Copics, Stickles, Blue Saddle Stitch Ribbon, Limitless Layers Die

Paper Smooches Blog Hop - Winner!

2011-05-30T16:50:00.000-04:00

Hi, everyone! Hope you're having a wonderful Memorial Day weekend! Just wanted to pop in and share the winner selected by Random.org for a free Folkal Points stamp set by Paper Smooches.................................

CONGRATS, Jessica! When you have a chance, please email your contact information to me at inglishrea at yahoo.com.

Have a great one!

May Paper Smooches DT Blog Hop

2011-05-26T09:00:00.000-04:00

Hi, everyone! Hope your week has been going along swimmingly... :) It's Pep Rally week and we're here today to share a sampling of the newest Paper Smooches June stamp release! Three NEW clear stamp sets will be available to purchase at 12:01am (mountain time) on Wednesday, June 1st.

To add extra fun to our blog hop...we are offering up a prize! Just leave a comment on any of the five design team blogs listed below for your chance to win one of the three new June stamp sets! (you do not need to comment on all blogs to qualify) You have until midnight MT on Saturday, May 28th to leave a comment. Please check all five blogs on Monday, May 30th to see if you are one of the five lucky winners.

For my card today, I used the totally cute FOLKal Points set for the image and sentiment. I don't know about you, but I haaaaate conditioning clear stamps before using them... I just want them to be ready to go as soon as I take them off the acetate sheet. Most of the time, I just stamp and cross my fingers that everything turns out okay. LOL! But check out that thank you sentiment... I just removed it from the packaging, inked it up and stamped, and wowza, that is one fab impression. ♥ ♥ ♥ it!

That's it for me today folks, thanks for stopping by and have a great one! :)

Happy Birthday, Jessica!

2011-05-23T09:19:00.001-04:00

Hi, everyone! Can you believe that it's already Monday? I swear, the older I get, the faster time seems to fly by...

Meredith put together a surprise birthday blog hop for Jessica Knutsen, the owner of There She Goes stamps, and I am so thrilled that she asked me to participate (thanks, Meredith!). Jessica is such an incredibly generous person, and I look back on my time with TSG with such fondness! Happy birthday, Jessica, I wish you all the best!! ♥♥♥

Hopefully you've arrived at my blog by way of the amazing Danielle, but if not and you'd like to start at the beginning, please click here to go to Angela's blog...

Thanks for stopping by today and I hope you have a great one! Next stop on the hop is the ever fab Holly!

And just for fun and in case you need it, here's the complete list of participants in today's hop...

and last, but certainly not least, TSG's master of Whimsy:

Torico

Totally Hues Challenge #7

2011-05-20T23:23:00.000-04:00

Hi, everyone! Hope your week has been a fantastic one! :) Sorry for the delay in getting this up on the blog-o, I had it scheduled to post on the 6th, but for whatever reason, Blogger decided to ignore me. LOL So, rather than post it when I noticed it was missing and shorten the two week entry time, I just decided to hang on to it until today...

Without further ado, here are the top picks from the Totally Hues Challenge #6:

Britta • Jinny • Debby • Xiumaiyuki • Laura

Congrats, ladies!

Here are the colors for this round...

And here's what I came up with...

For this challenge, the corresponding PTI colors are Lemon Tart, Sweet Blush, Berry Sorbet, Spring Moss & the neutrals of your choice. If you have these colors, great! If you don't, please feel free to use whatever colors you have on hand that closest match the swatches shown above. As always, exact matches aren't necessary, this is supposed to be fun, not stressful. :)

If you'd like to play along, please feel free to link up your entries below by Thursday, June 2nd, at 11:59pm EST.

Have a great one!

There She Goes MOABH - Hello!

2011-05-08T00:01:00.003-04:00

Hi, everyone! Welcome to the 2^nd annual Mother of All Blog Hops sponsored by There She Goes Clears Stamps! Today marks the second day of the hop, and if you’ve arrived here from Judy's blog, then you are in the right spot! If not, you'll want to start back on the There She Goes team blog in order to find out what you need to do to be eligible for the prizes we are offering!

For today's card, I created this super fun background using Polka Dot Hello, and added some pretty floral elements from Dance. Such a happy card! :)

Now it’s time to hop over to Laurel's blog.

Thank you for stopping by... and have a great one! :)

Let's Hang Out

2011-05-02T17:25:00.000-04:00

Hi, everyone! Hope you had a great weekend! :) Just wanted to pop in and share another card I created with one of the new Paper Smooches stamp sets released this month... Isn't that squirrel cute?? :)

And on a fun note, here's the winner of the Perky Plants set..............................

Congrats, Jen! When you have a chance please email me your addy details at inglishrea@yahoo.com.

Have a great one!

April Paper Smooches DT Blog Hop

2011-04-28T09:14:00.002-04:00

It's Pep Rally week and we are here today to share a sampling of the newest Paper Smooches May stamp release! Three NEW clear stamp sets will be available to purchase at 12:01am (mountain time) on Sunday, May 1st.

To add extra fun to our blog hop...we are offering up a prize! Just leave a comment on any of the five design team blogs listed below for your chance to win one of the three new May stamp sets! (you do not need to comment on all blogs to qualify) You have until midnight MT on Saturday, April 30th to leave a comment. Please check all five blogs on Sunday, May 1st to see if you are one of the five lucky winners.

For today's card, I used the new Perky Plants set, along with one of the rub-ons from EAD Designs. This is one of my favorite stamps in the set, this flower's cheeky smile is just too cute! :)

Have a great one!

Totally Hues Challenge #6

2011-04-15T23:21:00.000-04:00

Hi, everyone! Whew, I'm getting this in juuuuuust under the wire! LOL :) It's the third Friday of the month, which means it's time for a new Totally Hues Challenge!

I know the last set of colors were a doozie, but you all did a wonderful job!! Here are the top picks from the last challenge...

Laurie • Therese • Cristina • Laura • Lee

Congrats, ladies!

Here are the colors for this round...

And here's my sample...

Another layout w/pics that were taken forever ago! :) It's hard to believe that my sweet little baby is going to be 6 on May 13th... Time sure flies!!

For this challenge, the corresponding PTI colors are Lemon Tart, Aqua Mist, Simply Chartreuse, Raspberry Fizz & the neutrals of your choice. If you have these colors, great! If you don't, please feel free to use whatever colors you have on hand that closest match the swatches shown above. As always, exact matches aren't necessary, this is supposed to be fun, not stressful. :)

If you'd like to play along, please feel free to link up your entries below by Thursday, May 5th, at 11:59pm EST.

Have a great one!

Happy Birthday Dad

2011-04-13T14:28:00.001-04:00

Hi, everyone! Long time no see, eh? Things have certainly been busy here, and unfortunately, it seems the blog is the first to suffer when there are time constraints.

I just wanted to pop in today with a card that I made using the new Boob Tubes set from Paper Smooches. I am so in love with the shapes of these retro televisions! I wanted to keep the retro vibe going, so I used a color combo that instantly makes me think of the Partridge Family... brown, red, yellow and blue. So cute! :)

Have a great one!

Supplies:

Stamps - Boob Tubes

Ink - True Black, Pure Poppy

Paper - Dark Chocolate, Pure Poppy, Harvest Gold, My Mind's Eye, Stamper's Select White

Miscellaneous - Circle Punch, Corner Chomp, Glossy Accents

Paper Smooches Wedding Hop

2011-04-02T09:00:00.003-04:00

Hi, everyone, I hope your weekend is off to a great start. I don't normally post on Saturdays and Sundays, but when Kryssi suggested putting together a blog hop for Kim's wedding day (today!), I jumped at the chance to participate. :) Kim is such an amazing person, and is totally sweet to boot! Even with her busy schedule she always makes time for us, and is so supportive and encouraging... It really is such a pleasure to design for her, not to mention she totally spoils us rotten! :) ♥ ya, girlie!

For my card, I used one of the greetings from the new Sentiment Sampler set, as well as one of the flower images from Friendly Flowers. LOL, after cutting out 14 of those itty bitty flowers, I can definitely say I do in fact have a love for fussy cutting! I may need to have my contact lens prescription increased, but it was well worth it! :) The congrats sentiment was originally a "congratulations", but room was a little tight in the upper corner of my card, so I inked up the congrat portion and then separately stamped the s. Easy peasy! :)

Be sure to check out what the other DT members have in store, I'm sure it's going to be FAB!

But wait, that's not all, you're invited too! If you love your Paper Smooches stamps and want to join us in blessing Kim on this very special day, then all you have do is create a wedding card and upload it for her to see!

Here are the details:

You may use any stamp, but you should use at least one Paper Smooches stamp (digital is fine too).
Upload to the Paper Smooches flickr gallery HERE. All uploads should be tagged with the keyword: CongratsKim (one word, no spaces)
Or leave a comment with the link to your blog post on the Paper Smooches blog!

Remember, your cards could land you a guest designer spot! ;)

♥♥♥ Congratulations, Kim! Enjoy your special day!! ♥♥♥

Supplies:

Stamps - Friendly Flowers, Sentiment Sampler

Paper - Basic Gray, Harvest Gold, Aqua Mist, Stamper's Select White

Ink - Stazon Black, Fresh Snow

Miscellaneous - Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Corner Chomp, Hawaiian Shores Grosgrain Ribbon, Nestabilities Circle Die, Stickles

Totally Hues Challenge #5

2011-04-01T14:46:00.000-04:00

Hi, everyone! It's been a seriously long day, and it's only 2:30 in the afternoon... LOL, can I just tell you how glad I am that it's FRIDAY??? :)

Without further ado, here are my top picks for the last Totally Hues Challenge:

Xiumaiyuki • Sarah • Kerry • Amber • Ally

Congrats, ladies!!

Here is the challenge for this week...

And my sample...

I created a layout for some photos that were taken back in September of '09... It was such a gorgeous day, and we had gone over to the local soccer field to run around and burn off some energy. LOL, okay okay, you got me, we went so my abundantly energetic 4 year old could burn off some energy! :) She had a blast running all over the place, and I got some quiet time when we got back to the house. That's a win-win if I ever saw one! *wink*

For this challenge, the corresponding PTI colors are Sweet Blush, Scarlet Jewel, New Leaf & the neutrals of your choice. If you have these colors, great! If you don't, please feel free to use whatever colors you have on hand that closest match the swatches shown above. As always, exact matches aren't necessary, this is supposed to be fun, not stressful. :)

If you'd like to play along, please feel free to link up your entries below by Thursday, April 14th, at 11:59pm EST.

Have a great one!

Supplies:

Stamps - Giddy Bugs (Paper Smooches)

Paper - Kraft, Scarlet Jewel, Sweet Blush

Ink - Versamark, Scarlet Jewel

Miscellaneous - White Embossing Powder, Green Baker's Twine, Corner Chomp, Stickles, White Gel Pen

Hello Friend & Giveaway Winner!

2011-03-28T09:38:00.001-04:00

Hi, everyone! Happy Monday!!! :) I know, I know, I'm posting early in the day... what a shocker! LOL I have a lot of things I want to accomplish today, so I figured I should get busy tackling my to-do list or else I'm going to struggle with fighting the urge to go back to bed... :)

For today's card, I used the Friendly Flowers set from Paper Smooches. I totally ♥ that plaid flower, and Kim's sentiment is adorable! Just makes for a happy little card on a super chilly day here in the 'burbs. :)

Now, how 'bout that blog hop winner? :) Out of the amazing 187 comments that were left on my last post, random.org selected lucky commenter #10!

Congrats, Rachel!!! :) When you have a chance, please send me an email (to inglishrea at yahoo.com) with your contact information...

Have a great one!

Supplies:

Stamps - Friendly Flowers

Paper - Lemon Tart, Simply Chartreuse, Stamper's Select White, Cosmo Cricket Delovely

Ink - Smokey Shadow, Memento Black, Copics

Miscellaneous - Pink Baker's Twine, Corner Chomp, Glossy Accents, Deco Scallop Punch

March Paper Smooches DT Blog Hop

2011-03-24T09:00:00.002-04:00

Hi, everyone! It's Pep Rally week and we are here today to share a sampling of the newest Paper Smooches April stamp release! Three NEW clear stamp sets will be available to purchase at 12:01am (mountain time) on April 1st.

To add extra fun to our blog hop...we are offering up a prize! Just leave a comment on any of the five design team blogs listed below for your chance to win one of the three new April stamp sets! (you do not need to comment on all blogs to qualify) You have until midnight MT on Sunday, March 27th to leave a comment. Please check all five blogs on Monday, March 28th to see if you are one of the five lucky winners.

For today's card, I used the new Giddy Bugs set (the bee and sentiment) and paired it up with Friendly Flowers. The images in this set are SO CUTE, and totally perfect for spring time or girlie projects!

Be sure to stop by the rest of the design team to see the other sneak peeks of the upcoming sets...

Have a great one!

Supplies:

Stamps - Giddy Bugs, Friendly Flowers

Paper - Blueberry Sky, Hawaiian Shores, Sweet Blush, New Leaf, Lemon Tart, Stamper's Select White, Raspberry Fizz Bitty Dot, Cosmo Cricket DeLovely

Ink - True Black, Raspberry Fizz

Miscellaneous - Lemon Tart Grosgrain Ribbon, Glossy Accents, Stickles, Silver Pearl

Totally Hues Challenge #4

2011-03-21T14:42:00.001-04:00

Spring is officially here... Woohoo! Even though we get more rain than I'd like during the months of March and April, spring is by far one of my favorite seasons. The temperatures are not too hot and not too cold, and the oppressive humidity hasn't reared its ugly head yet, so I'm going to make the most of the beautiful weather we have coming up! :)

Sorry for the delay in getting the new challenge up and running, I was down and out with the stomach flu late last week... Without further ado, here are my top picks from the last Totally Hues Challenge:

Laurie • Natasha • Britta • Becky • Wendy

Congrats, ladies!!!

Here is this week's challenge...

And my sample...

LOL, I definitely have spring on the brain! :)

For this challenge, the corresponding PTI colors are Lemon Tart, Plum Pudding, Raspberry Fizz, New Leaf & the neutrals of your choice. If you have these colors, great! If you don't, please feel free to use whatever colors you have on hand that closest match the swatches shown above. As always, exact matches aren't necessary, this is supposed to be fun, not stressful. :)

If you'd like to play along, please feel free to link up your entries below by Thursday, March 31st, at 11:59pm EST.

Have a great one!

Supplies:

Stamps - Up, Up & Away, Delightful Doilies

Paper - Lemon Tart, Stamper's Select White

Ink - Raspberry Fizz, New Leaf, Smokey Shadow

Miscellaneous - Plum Pudding Grosgrain Ribbon, Pop Dots

Paper Smooches/EAD Designs Blog Hop

2011-03-18T09:00:00.002-04:00

You may have heard that Paper Smooches has partnered up with EAD Designs to make rub-ons and stickerz. We thought that it would be fun to show just how well these products work together!

For today's card, I used the super cute monster from Falling For You with one of the rub-ons from EAD Designs. This was my first time working with their rub-ons, and I love them! They're made from a very thin vinyl material, so you don't have to press very hard to adhere them to your project surface, and the letters have a slightly raised feel.

Blog Hops are always more fun when a prize is involved, right? All comments received before midnight Pacific time on March 20th are eligible to win a prize pack of both EAD Designs and Paper Smooches stamps. Visit the Paper Smooches Blog on Monday, March 21st to see if you were the chosen winner. You do not need to comment on all five design team blogs to qualify. (Good luck!)

The 2 flowers represent the colors of the rub-ons. The clear stickers are black. If you win and you already own the Pretty Phrases stamp set, just let Kim know and she will swap it out for another PS stamp set instead.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check out what the other DT members have created for today's hop:

(On a side note... I just wanted to let you all know that the next Totally Hues Challenge is going to be delayed until Monday... I came down with a nasty stomach bug Wednesday night into Thursday, but seem to be on the mend now... Woot!)

Have a great one!

Supplies:

Stamps - Falling For You

Paper - Ivory Bazzill CS, My Mind's Eye Patterned Paper, Harvest Gold, New Leaf, Stamper's Select White

Ink - True Black

Miscellaneous - EAD Designs Rub-ons, May Arts Satin Ribbon, KaiserCraft Rhinestone

Love You

2011-03-16T15:32:00.002-04:00

Hi, everyone! Hope your week has been fab! Things here are good, just busy with the day-to-day schtuff. :)

Do you ever have moments where you look at your kids and think, hmm, something is *different* but you just can't put your finger on it? LOL, that happened to me yesterday... I went downstairs to throw a load of laundry in, and when I came back upstairs, something about Linds had changed. I'm standing there trying to figure out what could've possibly changed in the MINUTE I was gone, and then it hit me, she chopped her bangs!! LOL They didn't look terrible, but there was definitely a section that was shorter than the rest. When I asked her about it, she said "Mommmmy, the hair was in my eyes, so I got the scissors and fixed it... Now I can see!"... LOL! She's such a stinker. I know most kids go through a hair cutting phase, and goodness knows I did as a child (just ask my mom! LOL), but I thought since she was almost 6 and hadn't done it yet that maybe she wouldn't. At any rate, it made me laugh, and her bangs are all even steven now. Albeit short, but even. :)

For today's card, I used the Friendly Flowers set from Paper Smooches. I kept things kinda simple (hahaha, I know, do I make cards that *aren't* simple??), just focusing on one of the flower and stem images.

Well, that's it for me today, but I should be back tomorrow with another post! Have a great one!

Supplies:
Stamps - Friendly Flowers, Falling for You
Paper - Kraft, Sweet Blush, Harvest Gold, Fine Linen, Stamper's Select White, Cosmo Cricket DeLovely
Ink - True Black, Memento Black
Miscellaneous - Copics, Ripe Avocado Satin Ribbon, Circle Nestabilities Die, Corner Chomp

Peas, Love, Happiness

2011-03-10T10:45:00.002-05:00

Hi, everyone! How has your week been shaping up? This week has been busy busy, filled with a sickie husband, piles of laundry, clearing out items for donation, cleaning, cleaning, and did I mention cleaning? LOL I'm so glad we'll be heading into the weekend soon! :)

I'm in between loads of laundry, but wanted to pop in and share a card I created using the new Vegtastic set from Paper Smooches. I love these little happy peas! :) It's a little hard to see in the photo, but the faces of the peas were covered with glossy accents, and the white base layer has been embossed with a circle impression plate.

Well, duty calls... See you soon! :)

Supplies:
Stamps - Vegtastic
Paper - Kraft, Stamper's Select White, Hawaiian Shores, Spring Moss
Ink - True Black
Miscellaneous - Circle Impression Plate, Spellbinders Circle Nestabilities, Glossy Accents, Pop Dots

CSS Birthday Blog Hop

2011-03-08T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hi, everyone! Hope your week has been off to a great start... Today, I have the pleasure in joining in a Clear & Simple Stamps surprise birthday blog hop for the lovely Reenee! :) If you've come to my blog by way of Cristina's blog, then you're in the right place! If you'd like to start at the beginning of the hop, please click here...

For my card today, I used three different sets from Clear & Simple Stamps... Icon Extras (sentiment), Circles Plus and Fancy Wishes. To create the large medallion, I simply stamped the medium sized damask image from Fancy Wishes four times. So pretty!

CSS will be offering up two surprise packages of CSS goodies valued at $50 each to two lucky winners! To be entered for the prize, all you have to do is leave a birthday wish for Reenee on the CSS Facebook page or on their birthday hop blog post here. One winner will be chosen from Facebook, and the other from the blog! Good luck! :)

Thanks for stopping by my blog today, the next stop on the hop is Jen!

Full list of birthday blog hop participants:

Clear and Simple Stamps

Kim Howard

Cristina Kowalczyk

Heather Pulvirenti - ME :)

Jen Tapler

Susan Raihala

Sarah Martina

Dana Grothaus

Beth Matson

Tracy Schultz

Viola Mahr

Ryann Salamon

Simone Pursiful

Sue Berker

Eva Dobilas

Ayana Posadas

Maria Levine

Stephany Zerbe

Ashley Newell

Regina Mangum

Lori Tecler

Clear and Simple Stamps (Facebook page)

Supplies:

Stamps - Circles Plus, Fancy Wishes, Icon Extras

Paper - Raspberry Fizz, Kraft

Ink - Fresh Snow, Raspberry Fizz

Miscellaneous - Rhinestones (Orange, Purple, Pink), New Leaf Twill, Plum Pudding Grosgrain

Totally Hues Challenge #3

2011-03-04T01:33:00.002-05:00

Hi, everyone! Can you believe it's Friday? And that it's already the 4th of March?? I don't know about you, but I am SO looking forward to spring rolling on in and saying goodbye to winter! :) This year has just been flying by... Funny how when you're a child, time seems to practically stand still, but yet, when you're an adult, you can't keep up and time is looking at you through the rear-view mirror! LOL

Speaking of March... *wink* it's the first Friday of the month, which means it's time for another Totally Hues Challenge. Yay! :) Once again, I had a blast going through all of the entries... I think one of my favorite things about going through all of the cards is seeing how differently we all interpret colors. Some people created cards that were really bold and dramatic, while other people created cards that were very soft and delicate. Absolutely loved it!

Here are the top picks for this week:

Julie • Aimes • Amy • Cristina • Sarah

Awesomeness, ladies!!

Here's this week's challenge...

And my sample...

For this challenge, the corresponding PTI colors are Aqua Mist, Hawaiian Shores, Summer Sunrise, Orange Zest & the neutrals of your choice. If you have these colors, great! If you don't, please feel free to use whatever colors you have on hand that closest match the swatches shown above. As always, exact matches aren't necessary, this is supposed to be fun, not stressful. :)

If you'd like to play along, please feel free to link up your entries below by Thursday, March 17th, at 11:59pm EST.

Have a great one!

Supplies:

Stamps - Birthday Buddies (Paper Smooches)

Paper - Aqua Mist, Summer Sunrise, Stamper's Select White

Ink - True Black, Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics

Miscellaneous - Polka Dot Impression Plate, Summer Sunrise Grosgrain Ribbon, Pearls, Glossy Accents, Deco Scallop Punch, Nestabilities Labels Die

Love You to My Core

2011-03-02T08:39:00.003-05:00

Hi, everyone... Hooray for being mid-week! :) I am so excited we are one step closer to the weekend, even though that's mostly just because I get to sleep in a little later than I do M-F. LOL

I'm popping in this morning to share a card I created using the Falling for You set from Paper Smooches. This card is super simple, but it makes me smile... :)

Have a great one!

Supplies:
Stamps - Falling for You (Paper Smooches)
Paper - Sweet Blush, Stamper's Select White
Ink - Tsukineko VersaMagic Turquoise Gem, Versamark
Miscellaneous - Hibiscus Burst Grosgrain, Clear Rhinestones, Spellbinders Circle Die, Stickles, Copics

Love You Dearly

2011-02-28T14:19:00.002-05:00

Hi, everyone! Hope your weekend was awesome. :) I'm just popping in to share a simple layout I made using the Pretty Phrases set from Paper Smooches, and the winner of the Vegtastic set from the March release!

I used to create layouts back when I first started crafting, but quickly gave it up when I realized just how long it was going to take me to get a single album done. LOL, trust me when I say I am the world's sloooooooowest crafter. Every now and then, I get the urge to create a layout, and I no longer stress over how quickly I am able to get these pages finished. I have accepted the fact that it may take me a decade. LOL!

Okay... now on to the winner of the Paper Smooches Vegtastic stamp set... :) *drum roll*

Sharon - please email me at inglishrea@yahoo.com

Have a great one!

Supplies:

Stamps - Pretty Phrases (Paper Smooches)

Paper - Kraft, Summer Sunrise, Hawaiian Shores, Simply Chartreuse, Crate Paper

Ink - Dark Chocolate

Miscellaneous - Distresser, Harvest Gold Felt, Hawaiian Shores Buttons, Deco Scallop Punch, Hot Pink Polka Dot Ribbon

Welcome to the first Paper Smooches blog hop!

2011-02-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

Hi, everyone! It's Pep Rally week and we are here today to share a sampling of the newest Paper Smooches stamp release! Three NEW clear stamp sets will be available for purchase at 12:01am (mountain time) on Tuesday, March 1st.

To add some extra fun to our blog hop...we are offering up a prize! Just leave a comment on any of the five design team blogs listed below for your chance to win one of the three new March stamp sets! (You do not need to comment on all the blogs to qualify.) You have until midnight MT on Sunday, February 27th to leave a comment. One lucky winner will be posted on each of the five blogs on Monday, February 28... Be sure to stop by and check to see if you're one of the lucky ones!

For today's card, I am showcasing some of the images from the new Vegtastic set (the carrot and sentiment), and I also used one of the smoke clouds from Spiffy Scooters to create the clouds. Isn't this just CA-UTE??? :)

Have a great one!

Supplies:

Stamps - Vegtastic, Spiffy Scooters

Paper - Spring Rain, Dark Chocolate, Orange Zest, New Leaf, Stamper's Select White

Ink - True Black

Miscellaneous - Distresser, Green Baker's Twine

Paper Smooches March Release Sneak Peek

2011-02-22T11:14:00.000-05:00

Hi, everyone! Hope your week has been off to a great start... We had a long weekend (school was closed Friday for conferences and Monday was a holiday), so Linds was *really* hoping she'd get to go to school and see her friends today... but alas, we're home another day thanks to some new snow we received over night. LOL I'm starting to think that school's going to be extended until July to make up for all these missed days...

I have a fun little card to share with you today. We're gearing up for Paper Smooches' March release, and throughout the week the DT will be sharing sneak peeks at the three new sets being released on March 1st. For my card today, I used a new set called Spiffy Scooters, which has 3 sentiments and 13 images... And in true Kim Hughes fashion, it's totally adorable! For more details, please stop by the Paper Smooches blog...

Have a great one!

Supplies:

Stamps - Spiffy Scooters (Paper Smooches)

Paper - Basic Gray (SU!), My Mind's Eye Gertie

Ink - Versamark, Fresh Snow

Miscellaneous - American Crafts Aqua Zing Embossing Powder, Red Baker's Twine, Corner Chomp

CSN Giveaway Winner

2011-02-21T14:47:00.003-05:00

Paulina - please email me at inglishrea@yahoo.com to claim your prize! :)

Totally Hues Challenge #2

2011-02-18T01:52:00.002-05:00

Hi, everyone... Happy Friday! :) School is closed today and temps are supposed to be around 70 degrees (WOOOT!), so we're taking an impromptu trip to the zoo. Lindsay doesn't know that we're going to the zoo or that her grandparents are coming up for the day, so she's going to freak out when they show up. I can hardly wait to see the expression on her face! :)

Today is also the 3rd Friday of the month, which means it's time for a new Totally Hues Challenge. Yay! Before we get to this week's colors, I wanted to take a moment and post the cards making up the top 5 for challenge #1! I had the most amazing time going through all the entries you guys submitted for the challenge... They were AWESOME! The smile on my face was huge as I looked at each posted card, and by the end I was downright giddy! Every single entry was fantastic and I had *the* hardest time narrowing down my favorites. LOL, it was darn near impossible I tell ya! Without further ado, here's the Totally Hues Challenge #1 top 5:

Cristina • Christina M • Laurie • Terri • Britta

Congrats, ladies! :)

Here's this week's challenge...

For this challenge, the corresponding PTI colors are Aqua Mist, Ocean Tides, Raspberry Fizz & Dark Chocolate. If you have these colors, great! If you don't, please feel free to use whatever colors you have on hand that closest match the swatches shown above. As always, exact matches aren't necessary, this is supposed to be fun, not stressful. :)

If you'd like to play along, please feel free to link up your entries below by Thursday, March 3rd, at 11:59pm EST.

Have a great one!

Supplies:

Stamps - Technique Tuesday Loving Words

Paper - Vintage Cream, My Mind's Eye

Ink - Ocean Tides, Vintage Tea Duo

Miscellaneous - Raspberry Fizz Grosgrain Ribbon, Corner Chomp, Brown Rhinestones

Sending Hugs and a Giveaway...

2011-02-16T13:40:00.000-05:00

Hi, everyone! Hope all is well with you... :) I had wanted to get this posted before running out to my LSS, but well, that didn't happen! LOL

I created this card using some of my WPlus9 and Hero Arts goodies. Fun, fun! :)

Now... about that giveaway... *wink* A little back story... I have been reorganizing my craft room for what feels like a decade, and well, it still looks pretty much the same. Too much stuff in too small a space! LOL I have sold things, purged things, and even rearranged my furniture (as best I could), and yet, I still have a long way to go. My poor husband doesn't even know how to begin answering the constant "can you see what I've changed in here" question! LOL One of the (many) times I was moving my furniture, I got it into my head that I wanted to take my desk and move it from just inside the door, to a new spot in front of the windows. Me, being the stubborn I'll-just-do-it-myself person that I am, I decided to move my desk in the wee hours of the night while everyone else was sleeping. At first, it went pretty well... Until I pushed it just a little too much and the back leg of my desk broke off! LOL! Wouldn't have been so bad, but uhhh, I didn't bother to take anything off of my desk before I tried to move it (hahaha oops!), so I managed to create another huge mess entirely as the desk started to fall backwards. I caught the desk before it hit the ground, and managed to maneuver it to the area I sort of wanted it in, then rested the back corner (sans leg) on a 6" ledge that spans the wall (why is that ledge there anyhoo... is that just some weird built in the 1970's house thing??). Fast forward another 12 months, I finally get around to taking off the other back leg of the desk, propping it up on the wall and bolting it into place. LOL!

I know what you're thinking... What does this have to do with a giveaway? Well, I was approached by CSN with an opportunity to do a review of an item or have a giveaway, and I thought it would be fun to give you guys a chance to win some free stuff! CSN has over 200 stores, and you can literally find just about ANYTHING there. From items for your kitchen, to DSLR camera supplies, or (if you happen to be in my shoes...LOL) even computer desks for home...

What do you have to do in order to enter? Simply live within the US or Canada and leave a comment on this post by Sunday, February 20th at midnight EST. The winner will be chosen by Random.org on Monday, February 21st and receive a $50 gift code to use at any one of the CSN stores!

Good luck! :)

PTI Make It Monday & Color Challenge

2011-02-10T11:33:00.002-05:00

Hi, everyone! This week has been flying by, but I wanted to make sure that I got a chance to participate in at least one of the challenges Papertrey Ink has issued this week in celebration of their 4th anniversary! :)

I created this card for the first Make It Monday challenge, and combined it with one of the DT color combos (Jessica Witty's) of summer sunrise, raspberry fizz, aqua mist and soft stone. Such, fun and happy colors... You know I couldn't resist! LOL

Sorry for the short post... I need to boogie or I'm going to be late for lunch w/friends! :)

Have a great one...

Supplies:
Stamps - Friends 'Til the End, Mod Squad, Life, Embellishments, Spiral Bouquet
Paper - Soft Stone, Raspberry Fizz, Summer Sunrise, Aqua Mist, Stamper's Select White
Ink - Smokey Shadow, Summer Sunrise
Miscellaneous - Beautiful Blooms II Die, Raspberry Fizz Buttons, Aqua Satin Ribbon, Fiskars Apron Lace Punch, Mat Stack Die

Celebrate Today & Everyday

2011-02-09T12:32:00.003-05:00

Hi, everyone! Hope your week has been wonderful so far... Today, I'm popping in to share a cute little tag I made using one of the sentiments from the Pretty Phrases stamp set from Paper Smooches. :) I love the size of these sentiments, they are so great for tags and scrapbook pages.

I also wanted to take a minute to say thank you for all the words of encouragement and your enthusiasm regarding my new color challenge. I have so enjoyed seeing your entries and will be by to leave some love in just a bit!!

Have a great one!

Supplies:
Stamps - Pretty Phrases
Paper - Basic Gray, Raspberry Fizz, Stamper's Select White
Ink - Smokey Shadow
Miscellaneous - Nestabilities, Clear Rhinestones, Hibiscus Burst Grosgrain, Fiskars Apron Lace Punch, Pink Twine

Totally Hues Challenge #1

2011-02-04T12:54:00.004-05:00

Hi, everyone... Can you believe it? It's FRIDAY! Woohoo! :) Lindsay seemed a little more emotional/stubborn than usual yesterday when she stepped off the bus, so I knew something was up... I was hoping she wasn't getting sick, but alas, she woke up with a fever this morning, so we've just been getting in some extra cuddle time today. Not a super fun start to her weekend, but I'm keeping fingers crossed that she'll feel well enough to go to her best friend's birthday party on Sunday... I can just imagine the drama that'll be heading my way if she can't go! LOL

So... maybe you noticed the Totally Hues banner at the top of this post, and you're thinking, what in the world is this all about? Well... I get a lot of comments and emails about the colors I use on my cards, and how I should host a challenge, so I've finally gotten my act together and am ready to get started! :) It's been in the works for ages, but like a true procrastinator, I kept pushing back every start date I had given myself... LOL

The challenges will run bi-weekly, and be posted here on my blog on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month. I am super excited and hope that you will join me and play along! For this challenge, the corresponding PTI colors I used are Hibiscus Burst, Harvest Gold, Hawaiian Shores & Simply Chartreuse. If you have these colors, great! If you don't, please feel free to use whatever colors you have on hand that closest match the swatches shown above. Exact matches aren't necessary, this is supposed to be fun, not stressful. :)

For today's card, I also used the new Falling for You set from Paper Smooches... That acorn is one of my *favorite* images from the set... I totally puffy ♥ that plaid acorn top! :)

Have a great one!

Supplies:

Stamps - Falling for You (Paper Smooches)

Paper - Harvest Gold, Fine Linen, Stamper's Select White

Ink - Memento Black, True Black

Miscellaneous - Copics, Hibiscus Burst Grosgrain, Circle and Scallop Circle Nestabilities, Crystal Effects

***Please feel free to link your entries below... Entries due by 11:59 pm (EST), Thursday, February 17th***

Paper Smooches Co-Hop

2011-02-03T09:00:00.003-05:00

Hi, everyone! Hope you've been having a great week so far... Today, I'm participating in a blog hop with some fabulous designers to help spread the word about a great new stamp company!

Kim Hughes opened a stamp company on February 1st called Paper Smooches... On The first day of every month, she's releasing 3 new whimsical and fun clear stamp sets that she hand draws.

For today's card, I used Birthday Buddies, and gave this adorable birdie a fun banner to perch on using felt, twine and rhinestones:

Seriously cute, right? :) Paper Smooches offers high quality photopolymer clear stamps, shaped card templates, a design center and so much more... There will also be a monthly challenge on the the Paper Smooches blog, where you have the chance to win digi stamps and be eligible to be a guest designer for the following month. Super fun stuff! :)

Sit back, relax, and check out what these fabulous designers have in store for you using the stamps from Kim's February Paper Smooches release:

Michele Boyer
Alli Miles
Lori Craig
Julie Campbell
Carole Burrage
Karolyn Loncon
Kim Kesti
Betsy Veldman
Maren Benedict
Debbie Olson
Melissa Phillips
Carly Robertson
Julia Stainton
Becky Olsen
Teri Anderson
Kryssi Ng
Heidi Van Laar
Laurie Schmidlin
Lisa Johnson
Lori Barnett
Jessica Witty
Asela Hopkins
Rae Barthel

Have a great one!

Supplies:

Stamps - Birthday Buddies (Paper Smooches)

Paper - Kraft, Harvest Gold, Simply Chartreuse, Stamper's Select White

Ink - True Black, Memento Tuxedo Black

Miscellaneous - Copics, Silver Glitter Pearls, Felt (Simply Chartreuse, Hawaiian Shores, Harvest Gold, Blueberry Skies), Fuschia Rhinestones, Baker's Twine, Stickles, Crystal Effects

One-of-a-Kind Friend

2011-02-01T12:24:00.002-05:00

Hi, everyone! 2011 is off to a fast start... We've already closed the door on January and are now welcoming in February! Amazing!

Just popping in to share a card I created using an oldie but a goodie stamp set, Friends 'Til the End, and American Crafts Zing Embossing Powder in my favorite color... Cricket! :) I heat embossed the flowers with green embossing powder, then colored in the flower centers with a white gel pen before outlining the images with my T4 Copic. Fun and funky is the name of the game today... LOL :)

Have a great one!

Supplies:
Stamps - Friends 'Til the End
Paper - Kraft, Blueberry Sky, Harvest Gold
Ink - Versamark, Smokey Shadow
Miscellaneous - American Crafts Zing Embossing Powder "Cricket", Clear Rhinestone, White Gel Pen, T4 Copic Marker

Thank You

2011-01-27T12:29:00.002-05:00

Hi, everyone! The weekend is almost here, and so far this week, my daughter has gone to school once... LOL, between scheduled school closings and snow days, the past couple of weeks we've spent more time at home than at school. Actually, now that I think about it, she's been to school a grand total of 2 1/2 days since a week ago Monday. No wonder she's climbing the walls! :) We have about 9" laying around outside, and for the most part the roads look okay, so here's to hoping they'll be back at school tomorrow! *fingers crossed*

Today's card is just a simple little thank you that I put together using two of my favorite PTI colors... Hawaiian Shores and Simply Chartreuse. Love them!

Well, that's it for me for today, hope you have a great one!

Supplies:
Stamps - Damask Designs, Loving Words (Technique Tuesday)
Paper - Ripe Avocado, Simply Chartreuse, Harvest Gold
Ink - Versamark, Stazon Black
Miscellaneous - EK Success Deco Scallop Punch, Hawaiian Shores Grosgrain Ribbon, Corner Chomp, Pearls

You Fill My Days w/Joy

2011-01-26T12:24:00.002-05:00

Hi, everyone! We're finally getting our first real snowstorm of the season, and with school closed, my little chickadee is bouncing off the walls. LOL It's at times like these I really wish she had a brother or sister to play with, but our doggy (whom Lindsay refers to as her "little brother") makes for a good playmate... at least for a little while before he's ready for a nap. :)

Have a great one!

Supplies:
Stamps - Year of Flowers: Carnations, Signature Series: Blooms
Paper - Fine Linen, Hibiscus Burst, Stamper's Select White
Ink - Versamark, Dark Chocolate
Miscellaneous - Copics, White Embossing Powder, Harvest Gold Grosgrain Ribbon, EK Success Apron Lace Punch, White Pearls

Wishing You Blue Skies & Sunshine

2011-01-24T12:59:00.002-05:00

Hi, everyone! Hope you had a great weekend... My daughter is off from school today, so we've been trying to stay busy to help keep boredom at bay... My daughter *loves* going to school and is always so sad whenever it's closed. Let's just hope the love of learning continues all the way through school and not just with Kindy! LOL :)

Today's card was created using the Clean & Simple Stamping's Fall-to Layout 124 Sketch. Originally I wanted to use the leaf image from PTI's Beautiful Blooms, but when I went to get it from the case, it was GONE. I have absolutely *no idea* where the stamp is and am just hoping that it will turn up. Eeek!

Have a great one!

Supplies:
Stamps - Turning a New Leaf, Sentiment from Signature Series: Flower
Paper - Aqua Mist, Kraft, Stamper's Select White, Simply Chartreuse Bitty Dot
Ink - Dark Chocolate, Raspberry Fizz
Miscellaneous - Fillable Frames Die, Harvest Gold Grosgrain Ribbon, EK Success Deco Scallop Punch

Congratulations

2011-01-20T13:21:00.003-05:00

Hello 'ello, can you believe it's already Thursday? It's funny, I've tried typing this post about a hundred times, but in the end I keep erasing it. LOL! I have so much to say, and yet, nothing to say at the same time. Does that ever happen to you? :)

Today's card was created using the Majestic stamp set by American Crafts. I am *addicted* to these stamps... The medallion images that are included in the set are just so pretty! (I used the same set on yesterday's card to create the patterned paper strip attached to the base.) I haven't started working on the card that will appear on the blog tomorrow, but something tells me I should hide this stamp set or I'll be reaching for it yet again. LOL

Have a great one!

Supplies:
Stamps - Majestic (American Crafts), Sentiment by Hero Arts
Paper - Kraft, Dark Chocolate, Aqua Mist
Ink - VersaMagic Turquoise Gem, Dark Chocolate
Miscellaneous - Fine Linen Grosgrain Ribbon, Simply Chartreuse Felt, Prima Rose, My Mind's Eye Lush Rhinestones, Victorian Lace Die

Merci

2011-01-19T14:29:00.002-05:00

Hi, everyone... Hope you had a fantastic weekend and that your week so far has been awesome. I'm a little short on time today, but I just wanted to pop by to share a card I created using a few different stamp sets from My Cute Stamps, American Crafts and Hero Arts. Fun stuff! :)

Have a great one!

Supplies:
Stamps - Elegant Birds (My Cute Stamps), Majestic Dreams (American Crafts), Sentiment (Hero Arts)
Paper - Kraft, Spring Blush, Stamper's Select White
Ink - True Black, Raspberry Fizz
Miscellaneous - Copics, Pink Pearls, EK Success Apron Lace Punch, Hibiscus Burst Grosgrain Ribbon, Corner Chomp

FTL122 - You're My Shining Star

2011-01-14T09:31:00.002-05:00

Hi, everyone! I hope your Friday is off to a great start. Thanks for all your comments regarding my fall the other day... I am happy to report that while I may have damaged my pride, my body remained intact. LOL! I was totally preparing myself for the soreness from the fall that I was sure would set in, but it never came... Woohoo!

This card was created using the Fall-to Layout #122 posted last Friday on the Clean & Simple Stamping blog. I switched things up this week by using colors that are a little more on the masculine side, and I'm really happy with how it turned out.

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Supplies:
Stamps - Star Prints
Paper - Kraft, Summer Sunrise, Bitty Dots (New Leaf, Enchanted Evening, Hawaiian Shores, Smokey Shadow), Stamper's Select White
Ink - True Black, Pure Poppy
Miscellaneous - Silver Pearls, Star Punch, EK Success Deco Scallop Punch

Sending Warm Fuzzies

2011-01-12T12:16:00.002-05:00

Hi, everyone... Happy hump day! :) Just wanted to pop in and share a simple card I created using the bold & bright challenge colors from the Moxie Fab World blog. These colors make me so happy, and totally hungry for rainbow sherbet at the same time. LOL :) It's a little hard to tell in the photo, but the medallion image was stamped with Versamark and then heat set with black embossing powder.

So... I have this thing with flip flops. Some might even call it an obsession. I wear them all. the. time. They are definitely my preferred footwear. They're just so comfy, I can't seem to pull myself away from them. Last night, forecasters had originally predicted snow, which then turned into a prediction for sleet turning to snow by midnight. Okay, fine. I was getting ready to take our pup out to use the potty, and for a brief moment, I considered putting on my sneakers because I don't really like the cold, wet snow on my toes. I look outside, the lawn doesn't have much precipitation on it, so I figured what the hey, I'll wear my flip flops. LOL, big mistake. I no sooner stepped off of our driveway and into the yard before my SLIP flops came out from under me and down I went. Isn't it funny how you fall quickly, and yet, it seems to happen in slow motion? Hahahaha... I'm sure it must've been quite the sight! :)

Have a great one!

Supplies:
Stamps - Starburst & Sentiment by Hero Arts
Paper - Hibiscus Burst, Stamper's Select White
Ink - Versamark, True Black
Miscellaneous - Black Embossing Powder, Orange Grosgrain Ribbon, EK Success Deco Scallop Punch, Corner Chomp, Orange Rhinestones

Wonderful Friend

2011-01-11T11:45:00.002-05:00

Hi, everyone... Hope your week has been off to a great start! It has been super cold here in the DC area (so chilly I've even thought about *not* wearing my flip flops...LOL!), and I think we may finally be getting a little snow this afternoon/evening.

My daughter's school will be letting out an hour early, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed she was able to go on her field trip today. She was so looking forward to riding the bus with her friends to the library. LOL, I'll never hear the end of it if their trip was postponed. ;)

Today's card is actually another card that was created a while back but hadn't yet been shared here on the blog. I used colors that aren't my usual go-to brights, and it was fun to stretch myself... a little. LOL

I have a couple of new cards that need to be photographed and edited, so I'll back tomorrow. :)

Have a great one!

Supplies:Stamps - Round & Round (PTI)
Paper - Orange Zest, Kraft, Scarlet Jewel, Stamper's Select White
Ink - Dark Chocolate, Orange Zest
Miscellaneous - Scarlet Jewel Grosgrain Ribbon, Clear Rhinestones, Corner Chomp, Scor-Tape, Fiskars Apron Lace Punch

Thinking of You

2011-01-06T09:51:00.003-05:00

Hi, everyone... Hope you've been having an awesome week! :) I woke up this morning at 4:30am and couldn't fall back asleep, so I decided to start my day a little earlier than usual... LOL, I'm definitely going to try to squeeze in a nap before my daughter gets home from school this afternoon. :)

Today's card is *finally* done and I am so glad! After a series of mishaps, including spilling an entire bottle of white embossing powder in my lap (LOL!) and not being able to locate my embossing gun, it's finished. Phew! :)

Have a great one!

Supplies:
Stamps - Large Flower and Sentiment by Hero Arts
Paper - Pure Poppy, Hibiscus Burst, Stamper's Select White, Vellum, Basic Gray
Ink - Versamark, Smokey Shadow, Raspberry Fizz, Fresh Snow
Miscellaneous - Hot Pink Doodlebug Gem, Clear Rhinestones, Raspberry Fizz Grosgrain Ribbon, White Embossing Powder, Circle Pattern & Nesting Artisan Frames (Silhouette)

Thinking of You

2011-01-05T08:29:00.002-05:00

Hi, everyone... And a happy Wednesday to you! :) Just wanted to pop in and share a card that I created a while back but hadn't had a chance to post to the blog yet. I used a bunch of different stamp vendors for this... There She Goes (flower/leaves), PTI (background), and Hero Arts (sentiment). I absolutely *love* mixing up stamp sets, it totally helps to stretch my stash! :)

Have a great one!

Supplies:
Stamps - Dance (There She Goes), A Little Argyle (PTI), Sentiment by Hero Arts
Paper - Dark Chocolate, Ocean Tides, Aqua Mist, Kraft, Stamper's Select White
Ink - Fresh Snow, Ocean Tides, Dark Chocolate, Memento Black
Miscellaneous - Spellbinders Die, Ripe Avocado Grosgrain Ribbon, Clear Rhinestone, EK Success Deco Scallop Punch, Copics

Love You To The Core

2011-01-03T16:12:00.002-05:00

Hi, everyone! Another year has come and gone, and now we're beginning all over again. :) 2010 will be missed, but I'm hopeful that 2011 has some fun things in store.

After taking almost the entire month of December off from stamping/posting, I am ready to get back into the swing of things... It was great to have time to focus on enjoying the holidays with my family, and I even had time to keep up with my December Daily album. Sa-weet! :) LOL, maybe I'll get that posted one of these days...

Have a great one!

Supplies:
Stamps - Icons & Icons Extras (Clear & Simple Stamps)
Ink - Summer Sunrise, True Black
Paper - Raspberry Fizz, Stamper's Select White
Miscellaneous - White Satin Ribbon

Frosty Greetings

2010-12-08T17:49:00.002-05:00

Hi, everyone! Long time no see, hope you've all been well! :) I just wanted to pop in and share a card I created using the Icons and Icons Extras set from Clear & Simple Stamps. The stamps in this set are usually a square shape, but I thought it would be fun to mix it up and punch them out with a circle punch.

On a side note, all of the Stampin' Up! stamps sets listed on my for sale page are 50% off the prices shown! :)

Have a great one!

Supplies:
Stamps - Icons, Icons Extra
Ink - Raspberry Fizz, Fresh Snow
Paper - Hawaiian Shores, Stamper's Select White, Basic Gray
Miscellaneous - 3/4" Circle Punch, Clear Rhinestones

CSS December SOTM - Sending You Smiles

2010-12-01T14:56:00.003-05:00

Hi, everyone! Happy December! :) It's the first of a new month, which means it's time for the Clear & Simple Stamps December release. This month they're releasing two new stamp sets, Icons and Icons Extra.

For today's card, I used one of the sentiments in the Icons Extra set and repeatedly stamped it to create some fun patterned paper before pairing it up with the December Color Story cardstock, Emerald Bling.

This month's color story is called Emerald Bling (which includes a 3 Copic Trio, matching cardstock, ink, ribbon, and buttons)!

You can use the discount code CSS1210 to get a $1 discount on your purchase of this set during the month of December.

Have a great one!

Supplies:
Stamps - Icons Extra
Paper - Emerald Bling, A Blanc Check
Ink - Smokey Shadow (PTI)
Miscellaneous - Bazzill Flowers, SU! Circle Brad, Aqua Grosgrain Ribbon, Silver Pearls

Case Study Challenge #16 - Let it Snow

2010-11-25T01:37:00.002-05:00

Hi, everyone! Happy Thanksgiving! :) Whatever your plans for the day, I wish you safe travels, and hope that you have a wonderful time!

Today marks the last Thursday of the month, which means it's also my last post as the November guest muse for Case Study. I have had a blast this month, and really enjoyed working with you lovely ladies! :)

Have a great one!

Supplies:
Stamps - Background Basics: Retro, 2009 Holiday Tags
Paper - Simply Chartreuse, Hawaiian Shores, Stamper's Select White, Kraft
Ink - Fresh Snow, Dark Chocolate
Miscellaneous - DCWV Glitter Stack, MS Snowflake Punch, Circle and Scallop Circle Nestabilities, Basic Grey Opaline Flourish

Thinking of You

2010-11-23T08:31:00.002-05:00

Hi, everyone... Happy Tuesday! Only two more days 'til Thanksgiving, and we are psyched! :)

I have some scrappy projects that I need to get crackin' on today, but first, I wanted to pop in and share one of the cards I created using this month's Stamp of the Month set from Clear & Simple Stamps, Happy Fall. I also used the new color story for the month, A Clean Slate, which is a lovely shade of green that has the slightest bit of texture added to it.

Well, that's it for me today, but I hope you have a great one!

Supplies:
Stamps - Happy Fall
Paper - A Clean Slate, Dish the Dirt Brown, A Blanc Check
Ink - A Clean Slate, Dark Chocolate, Fresh Snow
Miscellaneous - Brown Satin Ribbon, Pearls, Fillable Frame Die

Thank You So Very Much...

2010-11-22T08:24:00.002-05:00

Hi, everyone! Happy Thanksgiving week! :) Just wanted to pop in and share the card I created for my guest post over at Tiffany's blog yesterday.

Have a great one!

Supplies:
Stamps - Majestic (American Crafts), Sentiment by Papertrey Ink
Paper – Hawaiian Shores, Spring Rain, Blueberry Sky, Stamper’s Select White
Ink – Versamark, Smokey Shadow
Miscellaneous – White Embossing Powder, Hawaiian Shores Grosgrain Ribbon, Simply Chartreuse Felt, Victorian Lace Border Die

Case Study Challenge #15 - Thanks

2010-11-18T01:15:00.002-05:00

Hi, everyone... It's Thursday again, which means it's time for another Case Study Challenge. I went a little on the wild side with my colors this week, as you can plainly see with my turquoise flowers. LOL As my precocious 5 year old would say, they exist in MY world. *wink*

To see the card we're casing, please click here. Want to play along with us? All you have to do is create a card based on the inspiration piece, post it to your blog or online gallery, then link back to your creation by Tuesday, November 23rd.

I'd love to see what you come up with! :)

Have a great one...

Supplies:
Stamps - Tall Flower (Hero Arts), Majestic (American Crafts), Mega Mixed Messages (PTI)
Paper - Vintage Cream, Simply Chartreuse, Basic Gray
Ink - Versamark, Memento Black, Copics
Miscellaneous - Medium Scallop Die, Hawaiian Shores Ribbon, Corner Chomp, Teal Rhinestones, Clear Embossing Powder

Congratulations

2010-11-16T14:39:00.002-05:00

Hi, everyone! Once again, I win the bad blogger of the week award... LOL I seriously need to get my act together. :P

Friday night we went to the aquarium, and it was so fun! Totally crowded and hot, but fun. LOL, I guess everyone else had the same idea to go during the cheapie hours. *wink*

Since I don't really have anything new to share at the moment (told you I'm baaaad), I thought I would share one of the cards I created for my CARDS October Designer of the Month feature.

Have a great one!

Supplies:
Stamps - Background Basics: Retro, Hero Arts Flower & Sentiment
Paper - Enchanted Evening, New Leaf, Stamper's Select White
Ink - Versamark, Memento Black, True Black
Miscellaneous - EK Success Punch, Hawaiian Shores Ribbon, White Embossing Powder, Button, Twine, Copics

Case Study Challenge #14 - I Miss You

2010-11-11T08:17:00.002-05:00

Hi, everyone... Hope your week has been going well. We're going to the aquarium tomorrow afternoon with my parents, and Lindsay has been looking forward to Friday allllll week. Lemme tell ya, I am so glad that Friday will be here tomorrow! LOL, it'll be nice to put an end to all the questions... at least for a few minutes. ;)

Today's card was created for this week's Case Study challenge... You can see the card we're casing by clicking here. Want to play along with us? All you have to do is create a card based on the inspiration piece, post it to your blog or online gallery, then link back to your creation by Tuesday, November 16th.

I'd love to see what you come up with! :)

Have a great one...

Supplies:
Stamps - Flutterby, Polka Dot Basics 2
Paper - Kraft, Raspberry Fizz, Orange Zest, Vintage Cream
Ink - Memento Black, True Black, Versamark, Copics
Miscellaneous - Stickles, May Arts Ribbon

Case Study Challenge #13 - Thanks

2010-11-04T00:39:00.002-04:00

Hi, everyone! :) Can you believe it's already Thursday? This week is just flying by... I mean, seriously, it's already the 4th of November! Eeeep!

My card today was created for the current Case Study challenge... Iwona contacted me to see if I would be interested in being their guest muse for November, and of course I totally jumped at the chance! :) I love the whole idea behind their challenges, and couldn't resist working with such a fabulous bunch of crafty girlies! :)

Want to play along with us? All you have to do is create a card based on the inspiration piece, post it to your blog or online gallery, then link back to your creation by Tuesday, November 9th.

I'd love to see what you come up with! :)

Have a great one...

Supplies:

Stamps - Turning a New Leaf, Mega Mixed Messages

Paper - Raspberry Fizz, Fine Linen, Simply Chartreuse, Stamper's Select White, Hawaiian Shores Bitty Dot

Ink - True Black, Versamark

Miscellaneous - Circle and Scallop Circle Nestablities, Periwinkle May Arts Ribbon

Halloween...

2010-11-03T14:01:00.001-04:00

Just wanted to pop in and share some of the photos of Lindsay on Halloween through the years... :)

Skunk

60's Girl

70's Girl

80's Girl

Panda

LOL, don't worry... Our pup didn't really eat Lindsay! Haha

FTL114 - Season's Greetings

2010-11-02T12:03:00.002-04:00

Hi, everyone! Hope you're having a great week so far... Well, today's the big day... It's election time! :) Maryland had early voting last week, and since my 5 year old was going to be off today, I figured I should probably take advantage of the chance to get my vote in early... LOL, I can only imagine what it would be like standing in line with Lindsay. She talks *non-stop* and to anyone who will listen, so having to wait in a long line full of strangers would be like heaven to her. Haha...

Today's card was created using Clean & Simple Stamping's Fall-to Layout #114. Want to play along with us? All you have to do is create a card/project based on the sketch and upload the link to your creation here. We'd love to see what you come up with! :)

Have a great one!

Supplies:

Stamps - Snowflake Serenade, Signature Christmas

Paper - Hawaiian Shores

Ink - Versamark, True Black

Miscellaneous - Green Gems, White Embossing Powder

CSS November SOTM - Thinking of You

2010-11-01T08:44:00.002-04:00

Hi, everyone! It's the start of a new month, which means it's also time for a new Clear & Simple Stamps SOTM set. This month, they're releasing a set called Happy Fall, and it's full of fun images and sentiments.

For today's card, I used six different stamps (a tree top, tree base, park bench, squirrel, acorn and sentiment)! :) I had a bunch of different ideas in mind when starting out with this card, but love the clean, crisp feel it ended up with by just using black, white and another single color.

This month's color story is called A Clean Slate (which includes a 3 Copic Trio, matching cardstock, ink, ribbon, and buttons)!

You can use the discount code CSS1110 to get a $1 discount on your purchase of this set during the month of November.

Have a great one!

Supplies:
Stamps - Happy Fall
Paper - Stamper's Select White
Ink - Perfect Little Black Dress, Tsukineko VersaMagic Tea Leaves
Miscellaneous - May Arts Ribbon

Happy Halloween

2010-10-29T18:59:00.002-04:00

Well... Almost! :) I've been a bad blogger as of late, but I have a plan... Let's just hope I can stick to it and get my posts back to a more normal schedule than twice a week. :)

Halloween is almost here... it's funny how once we hit labor day, it seems like the last few months of the year are a blur. Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's... They're all going to be here in the blink of an eye... And I feel so unprepared! LOL

My daughter had been going back and forth about her costume this year. First, she wanted to be a panda, then she wanted to be a cupcake, and then as recently as last SATURDAY, she was back to a panda. LOL, luckily there was still time to get something delivered, and even though she knows she absolutely cannot change her mind anymore, it'll be interesting to see if she magically wants to be a cupcake again on Sunday. Silly girl.

This card was created using the Beware set from Clear & Simple Stamps. I love the little bat image that is in the set, and embossed them onto Orange Zest, Terracotta Tile and Harvest Gold cardstock using white powder before cutting them out and adhering them to the card base with pop dots.

Well, that's it for me today... Hope you have a great weekend!

Supplies:
Stamps - Beware
Paper - Perfect Little Black Dress (CSS), Orange Zest, Harvest Gold, Terracotta Tile
Ink - Versamark
Miscellaneous - White Embossing Powder

MTSC97 - The Heart Blooms With Love

2010-10-26T00:01:00.000-04:00

Hi, everyone! I can't believe we're getting ready to close out October, which also means, sadly, this is my last week as the Guest Muse for Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge! I have had such an awesome time... Thank you, Mercy!!

Here's this week's sketch:

And here's my take:

Be sure to check out what the Muses have in store for you this week, you're sure to be inspired:

Have a great one!

Supplies:

Stamps - Ever After (WPlus9)

Paper - Kraft, Simply Chartreuse, Stamper's Select White, Orange Zest Bitty Dot

Ink - True Black, Tsukineko VersaMagic Turquoise Gem

Miscellaneous - Medium Scallop Die, May Arts Yellow Ribbon

Caring Hearts Blog Hop

2010-10-23T09:41:00.000-04:00

Hi, everyone! I'm super excited to be a part of the Caring Hearts blog hop today... There are so many wonderful stampers along the hop, and I hope you'll take a few moments to check out the awesome holiday cards they've created! :)

For my post today, I decided to create a Christmas card. Christmas has always had a special place in my heart, not just because I like to get a goody or two, but it also doubles as my birthday! LOL, okay, okay, you got me! When I was a kid, I didn't *loooooove* that my birthday fell on Christmas... But now that I'm older, it's totally grown on me! :)

Next stop on the hop is Jamie Larsen! (If you'd like to start at the beginning of the hop, please visit Vera's blog... And to find out more information about the Caring Hearts Card Drive going on through November 15th, please click ***here***.)

Have a great one!

Supplies:

Stamps - Peaceful Poinsettias

Paper - Kraft, Hawaiian Shores, Pure Poppy

Ink - True Black, Fresh Snow

Miscellaneous - New Leaf Grosgrain Ribbon, Black Rhinestones

MTSC96 - Sweet As Can Be

2010-10-19T00:00:00.002-04:00

Hi, everyone! It's Tuesday again, which means it's time for another fab sketch by Mercy... Check it out!

And here's what I came up with using this week's sketch...

LOL, once again, please pardon my goopy stickles... I prefer to wait until they are fully dry to take my photo, but I had some errands to run and needed to take the photo and edit the image before I left. :) I used some of my favorite paper from Basic Grey (Urban Prairie), and paired it up with this sweet cupcake image. LOL, no pun intended!

Be sure to check out what the Muses have in store for you this week, you're sure to be inspired:

Have a great one!

Supplies:

Stamps - Baby Button Bits

Paper - Kraft, Stamper's Select White, Simply Chartreuse, Basic Grey Urban Prairie

Ink - Memento Black, Stazon Black, Copics

Miscellaneous - Stickles, Bling

2S4Y64 - Thank You

2010-10-18T11:51:00.003-04:00

Hi, everyone... Hope Monday is treating you well! :)

Today's card was created using this week's 2 Sketches 4 You sketch. Clear & Simple Stamps is the sponsor, and the top prize this week is a $25 gift certificate to their store. Fun stuff! I used a few different CSS sets to create my card today, and I just *love* that flower image, it's so pretty. You'll probably see it again soon. *wink*

Want to be entered for your chance to win this week's prize? All you have to do is create a card based off of one of the three sketches shown this week, and link it up to the 2 Sketches 4 You blog post by Saturday, October 23rd, at 12am (MST).

Have a great one!

Supplies (all supplies CSS unless otherwise noted):

Stamps - In Bloom, Circles Plus, Thank You

Paper - Creamsicle Cardigan, Dish All the Dirt Brown, A Blanc Check, Simply Chartreuse (PTI)

Ink - Fresh Snow & Dark Chocolate (PTI), Versamagic Turquoise

Gem

Miscellaneous - Fiskars Apron Lace Punch, VIP Purple Satin Ribbon

Blog Bikkie WINNER!

2010-10-17T20:52:00.000-04:00

Hi, chicas! Sorry I'm a couple days late posting the results for the free 1 year subscription to Paper Crafts mag, but here we go... Drum roll, pleeeeease... :)

Congrats, Steph!!

When you have a chance, please email me with your snail mail addy to inglishrea@yahoo.com.

See you guys tomorrow! :)

Tuesday Trigger - Happy Birthday

2010-10-15T23:44:00.002-04:00

Hi, everyone... Just wanted to pop in a share the card I created using this week's Tuesday Trigger image over at the Moxie Fab World... I loved, loved, LOVED the colors in the image, and when the post popped up in my Google Reader, I was determined to play along this week. :)

I made this card a few days ago, but didn't get a chance to photograph and post it until today... LOL, oh well, I'm just glad I'm getting it posted at all... Ahh, taking joy in small victories! :)

Have a great weekend!

Supplies:
Stamps - Damask Designs, Turning a New Leaf
Paper - Fine Linen, Dark Chocolate, Kraft
Ink - Versamagic Turquoise Gem, Versamark, Dark Chocolate
Miscellaneous - Aqua Satin Ribbon, Hot Pink Rhinestones, Scallop Edge Punch

Blog Bikkie Giveaway!

2010-10-13T10:10:00.001-04:00

Hi, everyone! I don't have a card to share today, so I figured why not have a little giveaway? :) I'm getting ready to renew my subscription to Paper Crafts, and received a coupon to get a free gift subscription for a friend... This is where you come in. :) If you'd like to be entered for a chance to win a free 1 year subscription to Paper Crafts magazine, just leave a comment on this post by October 15th. I'll use random.org to pick the winner the following day, and announce it here.

Good luck! :)

***Edited to add*** I'm not sure if Paper Crafts will send the free subscriptions to international addresses or not, so I guess this giveaway will need to be limited to people in the US...

MTSC95 - Thanks

2010-10-12T07:44:00.000-04:00

Hi, everyone! I'm back today with a card I created using this week's Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge sketch... First up, here's the sketch:

And here's what I came up with... I rotated the sketch 90 degrees to the left, but otherwise tried to keep my card pretty true.

Be sure to check out what the Muses have in store for you this week, you're sure to be inspired:

Have a great one!

Supplies:

Stamps - Hero Arts

Paper - Kraft, Lemon Tart, Simply Chartreuse, Stamper's Select White

Ink - Hero Arts Shadow Ink "Soft Pool", Dark Chocolate, Versamark

Miscellaneous - Periwinkle Suede Ribbon

Batty for You...

2010-10-11T08:32:00.002-04:00

Hi, everyone! How was your weekend? Ours was busy, but good! We're getting ready to have a banquet at our church this upcoming Saturday, and because I haven't learned how to say no yet in my 32 years on earth, yours truly is responsible for decorating the banquet hall and all the tables... LOL I'm keeping my fingers crossed that everything will come together in the end, but it's a wee bit stressful. :) Wish me luck! LOL

I created this little cutie card using the most recent stamp of the month set from Clear & Simple Stamps, Beware, and some fun colors. :)

Speaking of fun stuff... One of my projects is up on the CSS App today... If you have a chance, check it out! :)

Have a great one!

Supplies:

Stamps - Beware

Paper - Hawaiian Shores, Simply Chartreuse, True Black, Stamper's Select White

Ink - True Black

Miscellaneous - Mat Stack Die, Orange Baker's Twine

WMSC17 - Congratulations

2010-10-07T12:54:00.002-04:00

Hi, everyone! Hope your week has been going well... Just wanted to pop in and share a card I created using the current Waltzingmouse Sketch... It's a little hard to tell in the photo, but the background was embossed with clear embossing powder.

Have a great one!

Supplies:

Stamps - Medallion (Impression Obsession), Ever After (WPlus9)

Paper - Simply Chartreuse

Ink - Versamark, True Black

Miscellaneous - Aqua Baker's Twine, Corner Chomp, Embossing Powder

MTSC94 - Thanks

2010-10-05T00:20:00.002-04:00

Hi, everyone! I'm back today with a card I created for this week's Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge. I love Mercy's sketches and was delighted when she asked me if I'd like to be her guest muse for October! :)

Here's a copy of this week's sketch:

And here's what I came up with:

Have a great one!

Supplies:

Stamps - Hero Arts

Paper - Kraft, Lemon Tart, Stamper's Select White, Hawaiian Shores Bitty Dot, Autumn Abundance

Ink - Dark Chocolate, Colorbox Que

Miscellaneous - Celery Ruffled Suede Ribbon

Happy Holidays

2010-10-04T09:57:00.002-04:00

Hiya, chicas! Today is the last day of previews before Retro Christmas and Retro Christmas Backgrounds are available for purchase... I have had a blast being a guest designer for Practicing Creativity's current release! Thank you so much Courtney for having me!! :)

For today's project, I made a super fun little gift tag to coordinate with some of my favorite Christmas wrapping paper... I had to practically pry this out of my daughter's hands so I could take a picture of it... LOL

Be sure to stop by and check out what goodies the other DT members and guests have created:

Well, that's it for me today, but I'll be back tomorrow with some fun news... Have a great one!

Supplies:

Stamps - Retro Christmas

Paper - Kraft, Stamper's Select White

Ink - Orange Zest, Raspberry Fizz, Tsukineko Tea Leaves & Turquoise Gem

Miscellaneous - Mat Stack 3 Die, Green Rhinestone

Merry Christmas

2010-10-03T14:03:00.002-04:00

Hi, everyone! :) I'm back today with another card I created using the new Retro Christmas set from Practicing Creativity Designs... Did I already mention I *love* this set? I have soooo many ideas running through my head for this set, but not enough time to get them all done! LOL :)

Well, I'm need to run along for now, but be sure to check out what the other DT members and guests have created:

Have a great one!

Supplies:

Stamps - Retro Christmas

Paper - Dark Chocolate, Hawaiian Shores

Ink - Versamark, Dark Chocolate

Miscellaneous - White Embossing Powder, Satin Edge Grosgrain Ribbon