My Inkspirations

I Have Moved!

2007-10-11T19:08:00.000-04:00

Effective immediately.......

my blog has moved to www.MyInkspirations.com

Make sure you save my new location, and I hope to see you there!!!

I'm Back!

2007-09-10T19:42:00.000-04:00

No, I didn't fall off the face of the earth.....I just got lost for a while (If you are still out there!). I had to take a step back and re-think some things. Some family issues came up that I needed to deal with, and some are still going on, but I need to get moving. I'm not going to bore you with any details, so let's get down to business!!!

Back in July I decided to re-join Stampin' Up! I had noticed that since about the beginning of the year I was making more purchases with SU than anyone else...therefore it made sense to me to go back. I am having a blast!!!!

I am holding classes in my home and this is what we will be doing for this months class. It's called Tricks & Treats, so if you are in my area and would like to sign up, you are more than welcome! I first saw these tins on the Papertrey website, but thought it would be way too expensive for me to purchase for class purposes. I did find a much cheaper online resource, I don't have the information right in front of me, but if you are interested I will dig it up. Just let me know. So we have the Nugget Tin and the Tea tin, I was having so much fun with the Nugget tin that I made 2 more bands just for the heck of it. Then I made an A2 card, a 3x3 card, a paperclip bookmark and a magnet. This class is going to be a blast!!!!

All supplies Stampin' Up!

Stamps: Booglie Eyes, Spooky Skyline wheel, Party Punch (hostess) and Web Wishes (retired)

CS: Pumpkin Pie, Wild Wasabi, Basic Black, WW, Basic Gray, Creepy Crawly DSP

Ink: Black, Blue Bayou, Wasabi, Rust, Summer Sun, Pumpkin Pie, Almost Amethyst, Going Gray, Basic Gray

Accessories: Scalloped Punch, Round Tab Punch, 1 3/8 circle punch, black and pumkin GG ribbon, Blender Pen, DD Glitter. I also made my own black glitter EP by adding DD glitter to black EP, I used it on the spiders!

If you would like to receive my e-newsletter, please send me an email with "newsletter" in the subject line.

Well, I think that's enough for today! I hope you enjoy the pictures, and I'm putting in a disclaimer....If the photo's are all jumbled up, please blame blogspot :))

I am slowly coming back to all of my online duties...so keep an eye out for me!

Just Cuttlebuggin!

2007-06-28T06:19:00.000-04:00

I actually created this card some time ago, but as I was browsing my picture files it jumped at me! Super quick, and not stamping involved.

Certainly Celery was embossed with the Cuttlebug folder and highlighted with Versamagic inks. It is then mounted with Basic Black and a Regal Rose card base. The main image is one of the 2x2 embossing folders. I used SU's shimmery white cs, ran it through the bug, then punched it with my Marvy Mega Scalloped Square then layered it onto the black that was punched with the Marvy Giga Scalloped Square. Embossed image was colored with a water brush and watercolor crayons. I added bitty rhinestones and ribbon from my stash to jazz it up!

Enjoy! And thanks for stopping by!

Ooops

2007-06-27T14:45:00.000-04:00

Forgot to mention that I have yet to hear from Booty Winner Joan!!!! If I don't here from you by Friday, I will pick a new winner on Saturday :)

Quick & Easy

2007-06-27T14:25:00.000-04:00

Hey, I'm back! I'm going to share 2 super quick cards today. Sunday the 24th was my brothers birthday, and I of course waited until the last minute, so I needed to make something without a lot of fuss.....plus, he's a guy....most of them don't like a lot of foof.

All stamps and sentiments are from GinaK Designs.
These are no layer cards. I stamped the images directly onto the white card base with Palette Noir ink and colored them with Prisma pencils and gamsol. The cardstock is from Papertrey ink, it is super sturdy and makes an excellent base! Very Happy with it. For this little guy I also used the small skinny oval from A Muse. I finished it off with True Thyme stitched ribbon from SU!

Mr Crab was finished off with Cranberry Crisp stiched ribbon! Well I hope you enjoyed today's cards. Sometimes quick and easy doesn't have to mean boring...I think they turned out cute!

Thanks for stopping by!!!

New GinaK Stamps

2007-06-12T20:17:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to let you all know that Gina has a couple of new summer stamps in her store.

Also, check out her blog for details on her new retail location coming up in the future!!! Sheesh...wish I lived closer.....I just may have to plan a road trip! Oh Greg!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm planning a getaway!!!!!!!!

Blog Booty Winner!!!!

2007-06-12T08:46:00.000-04:00

We had thunder boomers come accross yesterday and my DSL went out before I could post everything, but here goes!!

I printed and cut all the comments, folded them up, put them in a box, shook it real good,then picked one out..

Booty Winner is

Joan

Joan said....
Of course you got selected. Your stuff rocks. I haven't had as much time to blog browse as I'd like, but yours was one of the first I had to go check out and see what I was missing!!

So Joan, email me your snail mail addy and the cards a few other goodies will be on it's way to you. my email should be off to the right, but if not it is crafty_mel@yahoo.com Please put Blog Booty in the subject line so I know it's you!!

Hugs!!

Jumped on .............

2007-06-11T14:47:00.000-04:00

The Bandwagon!!! The Papertrey Ink bandwagon that is..... Really...which one don't I end up jumping on {wink*} It's a wonder my husband still has hair on his head....oh wait...he's bald :) And, I did resist for a while ( I actually should tell him that one!) but last Monday I broke down and ordered three sets; Paper Tray, Green Thumb and Little Lady.

I've been playing with Little Lady and here is what I came up with

Card base is Pretty in Pink from SU, PP is DCWV's Pocket Full of Posies stack I used my Versamagic Dew Drop inks to stamp everything (love that stuff) Also used SU's Ticket Corner punch, little Prima's and some sheer pink ribbon. Card size is 3x5 1/2.

This next card I really like!!! I think it would be cute for Bridal Shower Invitations..

I got the idea of the "dress" from Papertrey's Gallery. I really need to start looking and thinking "outside" the box, I don't think this idea would have ever occured to me..I used Brilliance inks in Graphite Black and Pearlized Pink. I embossed the the lower half of the dress with a clear glittery EP from Stampendous. The background was stamped with a Flourish stamp from TAC with Pixie Dust Versamagic Ink and embossed with a Clear powder. Heat activated pink rhinestones, Primas, sheer ribbon and a homemade glittery brad were used as accents. CS used: Pretty in Pink, Basic Black and W White.

Adding: Yes, this was supposed to be posted yesterday, but we had thunder boomers come accross and our DSL went down :( What do you use a computer for if your online access is down? I forget!!!

More GinaK Cards

2007-06-10T16:20:00.000-04:00

Wow!!! You have all been so kind with all of your comments!!! I have the "warm fuzzies!!!"

I will make a confession to all of you though....it is only "occasionally" when I see some images and immediately know what I want to do with them. Other times I sit and pour over a single card for "hours" Ughhh it can get very frustrating and I hope I am not the only one who suffers from this syndrome.

When I look at Gina's stamps ideas just start popping into my head. I really need to get more of her sentiments though....that is next on my "to purchase" list!

I have 2 more GinaK cards to share with you today.

For this first card I used Gina's Sandcastle stamp (UM) and stamped it with Timber Brown Palette ink; colored it with Prisma pencils and Gamsol; For the "faux" sand I used my Versamarker pen at the bottom of the castle then added Ranger's Distressed EP in Antique Linen..it turned out a little darker than I wanted but the effect is there. I used Stickles to accent the castle and the button in the center of the ribbon knot. The sentiment is Gina's as well, and was punched using SU's Word Window Punch. I used 7/8" White Organdy ribbon and tied some silver cording through the button and secured it to the ribbon knot with a glue dot. Card base is Apricot Appeal from SU and the background is DCWV's Glitter Stack. The accent colors are from Bazzil and I have no idea what the names of the colors are.

This next card I just got finished making.

I used Gina's Chicken Dance (UM) stamp, inked it with Palette Noir and stamped it onto a scrap of Natural Ivory CS. I used re-inkers and a waterbrush to color her in. I then punched 2 Giga Scalloped Squares from Certainly Celery, cut a chunk off of each, and pieced it together to form the perfect border for the Chicken. The base of the card is SU's Certainly Celery and the background CS is "beautiful" stripe from Wild Asparagus. The center strip is "birthday" paisley also from Wild Asparagus and is mounted onto a strip of Marigold Morning from SU trimmed with my Fiskars "Cloud" scissors. I tied a 3/8" Cinnamon organdy ribbon from Offray.

Well I hope you enjoy todays creations, I had a lot of fun making them.

And remember......if you have not left a comment yet in This post yet make sure you do, and be sure to tell a friend!! Like I mentioned before, I will be throwing in a few extra goodies too!!!

Tomorrow 2 more cards!!!!!!!

Can You Believe It??

2007-06-08T08:08:00.000-04:00

I am just so excited to have been chosen as Gina's Guest Designer for this month! Back in February I saw her post about guest designer spots, and decided to give it a try. Never having submitted anything for a "designer" position before, I was nervous! I wrapped up my cards, gave my package a hug (you should have seen the look on my husbands face), and sent them on their way to Gina.

Well, Imagine my surprise when I got the call from her! I was screaming and jumping up and down with total delight! I was so EXCITED!!!! And I had to keep this a secret since February....That was a tough one....but I did it!!!

To Celebrate this occasion, some Blog Booty is in order!!!

These are the cards I created as this months Guest Designer for Gina The originals are on their way to her, but I recreated the set to give to one lucky viewer here.

All you have to do is leave a comment on this post by midnight Sunday June the 10th (Eastern Time) and I will pick and announce the winner on Monday! I will also be throwing in some other goodies into the package as well!!

It was such an honor and pleasure to have been chosen as Gina's Guest Designer for June!! She is just the sweetest Gal with some awesome ideas. I am really glad to have had the opportunity to speak with her. I told my husband that I want to move to Wisconsin!! (I'm sure you can guess his response heehee)

Thank You so much Gina!!

All stamps can be found at Gina's store Click Here

Blog Booty!

2007-06-07T21:44:00.000-04:00

FYI!!! Stop by Tomorrow for some Blog Booty!!! What's Blog Booty??? Well, it's my version of a Blog Give-away.....My close buds....Hi Patti!!! know that I am a total fan of all the Pirates of Caribbean movies....so to acknowledge my obsession.....all giveaways will be called "Blog Booty" Aaaah Orlando Bloom....Johnny Depp....Orlando Bloom...... Oh Sorry...back to the topic...got lost for a sec....

Anyway, come by tomorrow for some news and Goodies!!!

Two Cards

2007-06-07T19:35:00.000-04:00

I have two cards to share tonight!!

Yes, the little sheep again from GinaK Designs
I just love this little Gal!! I used Gina's Wood Graining Technique for the card base, used the Mega and Giga Scalloped Oval punches from Marvy Uchida, Prima Flowers colored over with Twinkling H20's and some rhinestones and American Craft ribbon. I really like this one!!

So on to the next card......The Beauty of A Bella

I think I am Patterned Paper challenged. I buy and buy, but yet when I want to apply it to a card.....I crash and burn...So I ended up using just a smidge to accent this card. The PP is from DCWV's Pocket Full of Posies, a wonderful stack...and yet I am sooooo intimidated by PP's...... I used ...Hello... Cosmobella and the "ground" is the Skinny Oval is from AMuse other cardstock used is Apricot Appeal, Cameo Coral and CertainlyCelery from SU. The background flower and "cheers" sentiment is from TAC...I stamped the background flower with Apricot Appeal Craft Ink and embossed it Rangers Frosted Antiquities EP...looks so cool IRL!!! Fiskars border punch was used on the PP, and the homemade embellished brad is my creation!!!

I hope you enjoyed tonights creations!!! And be sure to tune in tomorrow cause some big news is coming this way.............I have had to keep my mouth shut since February!!!!! And for those that know me.....well let's say it's a challenge {wink}

I think I should consult with Amy R on the patterned paper thing and ask if there is any hope for me!!!!!!

Be Ewe-nique

2007-06-05T09:40:00.000-04:00

Here is a card that I had a lot of fun making.

The little sheep is from GinaK designs. I love this little stamp and have used her (to me it's a she) in a few different ways, which I will show you over the next couple of days. I stamped her in a row on white cardstock and colored them Grey with my Prisma Pencils and Gamsol. I then stamped another one on a seperate piece of cardstock and created a reverse mask so I could add a stamped design in the center. I think the card base is Pretty in Pink CS, I used the same color ink to stamp the Paisley background from CHF which you can also get from GinaK (just click the link above) on the card base and on the sheep. The little brads are decorated by me. I start off with a silver brad, scuff it up, smoosh it in a pigment ink (whatever color you want) then I dip it in a sparkly Embossing Powder and blast it with my heatgun. Use Tweezers when doing this!!!!! I then toss them in the freezer for a couple of minutes to harden them, then I add them to my project. The sentiment was created by Me on my computer and then punched out with SU's Word Window punch. I added some rhinestones, Primas and some ribbon and Voila! Well, I think she's cute and I hope you do too!!

Been Busy!

2007-06-05T09:25:00.001-04:00

Sorry for the MIA status, but I've been busy working on something that I can't share just yet.....So in the meantime I will make a confession.....I think I have a problem.....an uncontrollable problem.......I think I need to join a 12 step group.......For what you may ask?

FOR THIS!!!

I have a serious Prima Problem. The Pillow Pack Primas are from Jody's Prima Share which is now over by the way, but keep checking her blog for other shares that may be coming. The rest I ordered online and from my local LSS on sale. I think I better start using them more...they are starting to take over my area!!

Butterfly Kisses

2007-05-24T13:54:00.000-04:00

Sheesh....I better get my butt moving with posts huh? Todays creation uses this weeks Product Challenge on A Shade of Blue Vellum. I just pulled some out yesterday to play and create this card .
The stamp set is called Butterfly Kisses and from Pink Cat Studio I stamped the Butterflies with Versamark on the vellum and embossed with a glittery white EP. I then painted them from the back withAdirondack inks in Wild Plum and Sunshine Yellow and a waterbrush. It almost looks like stained glass IRL. The peach cardstock is embossed with my precious Cuttlebug and the D'vine Swirl folder. I then went over the embossed areas with my new Stardust Clear Gelly pens. A smidge of ribbon and silver cording and Voila!! I like the way this turned out! Hope you do too!

Just to let you know!!

2007-05-18T21:14:00.001-04:00

When I reach 2000 hits on my blog.....there will be some awesome "Give Away Goodies" So spread the word!!!!! {Huge Grin}

Be Brilliant

2007-05-18T20:36:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday!!!

The card I'm going to share today is the Seminar 2007 set from The Angel Company called Be Brilliant. I had all intentions of attending this year, but some other things came up and unfortunately I can't be there....waaaaaahhhh
However, someone decided to sell their set {Thank you!!!} and I snatched it up {wink} I just received it today, and made a card immediately!!!!

Now, an element on this card is this weeks Product Challenge on A Shade of Blue can you guess what it is?????

Go check out ASB and see what it is!!!!

The stamp set (seminar set from TAC) is called "Be Brilliant" Love It!!!! Cardstock is Apricot Appeal, Bravo Burgundy and Mellow Moss from SU. The image is stamped with Ranger's Pitch Black Adironkack ink (Awesome Stuff!!!) the image was colored with Prisma Pencils then blended with gamsol. The wording is from SU, it was stamped with a black pigment ink then sprinkled with a glittery EP and punched out. It is secured with an Oval Label Holder! This little goody just fell together and I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out. Hope you are too!!!

Happy Mothers Day

2007-05-13T08:18:00.000-04:00

Many thoughts and feelings are running through me this morning. I am grateful for so many things, my Mother and Father, my incredible Husband and my 2 beautiful boys (who know just what buttons to push at times!).

Early this morning, as I lay in bed watching the preperations for the Breast Cancer walk in Philadelphia on the news, I had several mixed emotions. I am grateful for everything in my life, yet saddened at the same time. My Mother is a Breast Cancer Survivor and she was just taken off her medication!! All is going extremely well thank goodness!!!

My mind went to a family in our town. My oldest son and her youngest child went through elementary school, middle school and now high school together. She still worked in the library at our elementary school where my youngest still attends, and we would always say hello to eachother whenever we passed in the hallway. She had been battling Breast Cancer for quite some time, and her beautiful life came to an end a few weeks ago. I am so deeply saddened by this. My heart goes out to her family, especially today on Mothers Day. Paula.....if you can here me, You and your Family are in my thoughts and heart always.

Another family in my thoughts on this day (well, very often actually) are the Scott's, a local family as well. I'm sure many of you have heard of Alex's Lemonade Stand Alex was diagnosed with Pediatric Cancer and decided to raise money for research buy selling Lemonade. Check out the link above for her full story and information about the organization. Here is just a smidge of information from the website:

About Alex's Lemonade Stand

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (a registered 501c3 public charity) is a unique foundation that evolved from a young cancer patient's front yard lemonade stand to a nationwide fundraising movement to find a cure for childhood cancer. Since Alexandra "Alex" Scott (1996-2004) set up her front yard stand at the age of four, more than $10 million has been raised towards fulfilling her dream of finding a cure for all children with cancer.

This story just absolutely touched my heart. We live very close to this incredible Family and I had the pleasure to meet Liz Scott a couple of months ago. It all started like this:
At one of Alex's stands I saw a woman who was selling handcrafted "lemon earrings" to raise money along with the lemonade sales, and then it hit me! Why don't I make some cards to raise money for the organization!
So this is what I came up with

I sold the cards for $2.50 each or a package of 5 for $10.00. I did not take any money out for supplies. I sold 13 sets of cards, and when I sent the check I placed it in one of the cards. A few days later I received an email from Cynthia (Hi Cynthia!!), who works for the organization, wanting to order 2 sets of cards. I hand delivered the cards to her, and she then introduced to me Liz {Hi Liz!!}, Alexandra's Mother. What an Incredible and Beautiful person! So if you have a moment, check out link above and read the whole story!

Liz, what an incredible journey Alexandra has started for you and your Family! Happy Mothers Day to you! Big {{{{{HUGS}}}}} are being sent your way!!

I hope to come up with some more creative fund raising ideas for this wonderful organization in the near future! And I challenge you to do the same! Pick an organization that is close to your heart and see what creative ideas you can come up with to help them out!!

Happy Mothers Day to all you mommies out there, and thanks for letting me share!!!

Stamps for a Cause

2007-05-08T12:58:00.000-04:00

I'm sure you all know this already but, GinaK has made a stamp set to raise money for Autism Awareness. Though April was officially Autism Awareness Month the fund raising is still going on. $8.00 from every set sold goes to Austism Speaks!

This is a cause that hits very close to home (I'm not going to go into great detail right now) so I of course ordered a set for myself, and these are some things I came up with. I'm not totally jazzed myself but here goes!

Stamp set is Love You to Pieces by GinaK Designs, all cardstock is SU. The puzzle pieces are chipboard that I found on clearance at Joann's some time ago. I didn't know what I would do with them, but thought they were cute at the time, and now hah! what a perfect fit.

Don't forget to check out Joans Blog, she is having a contest for cards made with this set!! And what a prize she is giving away!!!

Flutterby

2007-05-01T15:04:00.000-04:00

I made this card a couple of weeks ago and am just getting around to sharing it with you.....I know "gasp"
I really wanted the butterflies to go all in a row, but with the A2 size of the card, it just didn't look right to my eye. I stamped the butterflies with versamark on watercolor paper then embossed them with detail black EP. They are colored in with Twinkling H2O's. Stamp sets used are Flutterby by The Angel Company and Delight in Life by Stampin Up! I don't know if you can really see it in the picture, but the black cardstock is embossed with the D'vine Swirl folder in my Cuttlebug. The yellow cardstock is trimmed with my Fiskars "cloud" scissors and the rose cardstock is pierced and attatched behind the yellow.
Hope you enjoy!!

Tagged Again!

2007-05-01T14:40:00.000-04:00

Bad blogger I am......I was tagged again and I'm just getting to post now {shocked face} I was tagged by Jovi and Vicki so I guess I have to share 7 'interesting" things about me.....hmmmm this may be a tough one.

1. I was born on Friday the 13th at 11:30pm

2. Aside from stamping {gasp} I am an Esthetician (no I don't put people to sleep in the OR, but I do on my table) which means I am licensed in PA to do Facials, Body Treatments etc and I'm a certified Massage Therapist.

3. I have 2 boys ages 16 and 12 (we'll see if they make it to 17 and 13 chuckle...)

4. I am the Queen (my son named me that!) of the house which apparantly really means servant!! ( he said that too!)

5. I am remarried for 5 years now (or is it really 15?! heehee) to a Wonderful guy!

6. I just love all of the Harry Potter books and can't wait until the new release in July!!!

7. And finally, yes I'm a geek.... I Love to watch reruns of Magnum PI, Matlock, Murder She Wrote, and the Rockford Files (blushing)

Well, I don't know about interesting but now you know some more about me! No laughing now!!!

Tagged!

2007-04-26T07:43:00.000-04:00

I know, I know.....it's been a few days....so sorry :( I was tagged last week by two great friends Patti and Cathy. Yeah, I'm late and since this has died down what I will ask is for you to check out the blogs I have listed to the right. Happy surfing and I'm going to update a couple more entries later today :) !!

New Banner!!!

2007-04-20T12:02:00.000-04:00

Do ya like it? I LOVE it!!! No, I didn't make it myself.....I have no clue where to start when it comes to things on the computer (paper arts is my thing!) So, as I was blog reading last week, I came accross this post by Joan about her new banner. She said it was very easy to install herself, so I figured let me give this gal a try. So I contacted Jen last weekend, she responded immediately with instructions on what I needed to do. I didn't do too much until this morning.

Well, let me tell you this girl is AWESOME! Look at what she created for me in a few hours. Talk about stellar service!! She has such an eye for what works and what doesn't. I also got 2 watermarks to go with my new banner!! {keep an eye out for them..wink} If you want beautiful work and super service contact Jen at Jots & Pixels you will not be sorry!

I will also confess that I am severely tech challenged, the only Html editing I know how to do is the link thing....(yeah I know it doesn't get me too far). But, I didn't have to shed a tear, pull a hair or do some other self-inflicted damage to myself, because Jen provides the BEST instructions for adding your banner and removing the border thingie and if you get the watermarks from her as well, instructions are included for them too!!
Yes, I'm singing her praises!!! If you're in the market...Contact Jen!!
Thanks Jen!!

Makin Changes

2007-04-20T07:44:00.000-04:00

Hi All! Nothing exciting to share right now, but just wanted to let you know that I am making some layout changes.........so stay tuned {wink}

Usernames & Passwords

2007-04-17T18:54:00.000-04:00

First off....Wow!!! I can't believe it's been 6 days since I have posted....sorry....{bowing head in shame} Ok, back to the post. I don't know about you, but there are so many online places I shop and visit and with each one there is a "username" and "password". For security reasons I guess, they should not be all the same. So what do I do? I write them down on pieces of paper and they are scattered around my desk....not very efficient or organized....and I can never find the right piece of paper when I need it..... I was originally going to create a book to keep them all in, maybe something with my Rubicoil then add tabs like an address book. But then I came up with another idea....a file box....ya know...the ones that hold index cards...then this way if I needed to either get rid of it, edit it etc. I wouldn't have to cross things out in the book, but just create a new index card.

So I went to Staples, all they had was a plastic thing, not the best for altering. But I did pick up index cards and dividers. So then I went to AC Moore and found the perfect box! It holds 3x5 index cards, just the size I wanted.

The paper used to cover this box is DCWV Pretty Posies, I picked it up at Joanns on sale! I adhered it, and coated it with Mod Podge. Before doing that I painted the inside and some of the outer edges with acrylic paint, you can see it in this picture

Additional supplies used: Ribbons from my stash the trim is from Joanns, but to let you know, I bought it on clearance months ago; and some Prima flowers and seed beads. Now this next pic is with the dividers inside.

I really didn't feel like making my own, and for a buck and some change at staples......well I took the easy road!!!!

I had to decorate the top as well, so I pulled out my Doodle This set from SU and created this topper for the box.
Now all I need to do is write all my info on the cards and place them in my new box!!!!!! Just a little funny I want to add......on the shelf at AC Moore this is called a recipe box..Ok fine, but right next to the boxes they have a stack of 4"x6" recipe cards that DON'T fit in the "Recipe" box....What's up with that??!!

Out Shopping

2007-04-11T20:09:00.000-04:00

I had to drop my older son off for a language lesson, and there was an AC Moore nearby....sooooo...I figured what the heck and decided to run in. I spied the clear 1$ stamps that were all the rage at Michaels a few weeks ago, so I dug through the still full bin (they must have just put them out!) and this is what I picked up.

I also picked up a couple more blocks and a cool little tool from Pebbles Inc. It will hold pom-poms for chalking, painting or whatever!

I then spied a 50% off rack of Inkadinkadoo stuff! Note cards and stamp sets to coordinate. Very easy to put together. I need to make a quick set of cards for my husband to give as a gift tomorrow...I can probably get these done in about 20 minutes.

Aren't they cool? The notecards (set of 8) came to $2.50 and the stamps were either $1.50 or $2.00...I thought I got a great deal!!! If I have the energy to photograph the finished cards I'll post tomorrow.

Till then........

Another Doodle

2007-04-09T18:20:00.000-04:00

I've been bitten by the Doodle bug and Cuttlebug...I just can't stop!!

This looks so pretty IRL. I used SU's Apricot Appeal, Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery and Basic Black Cardstock. The blue and the celery are embossed with Cuttlebug's D'Vine Swirl folder. The flowers are from SU's Doodle This set. I stamped them onto watercolor paper with black Stazon ink. The yellow flower is watercolored with GinaK's Peerless Transparent Watercolors These are really cool to work with. The purple flowers are colored in with Twinkling H2O's. I then accented them with the crystal stickles. I can't wait until Rubber Inspirations goes live!! I want some stardust stickles!! Plus a ton of other things..so what else is new :) I stamped 6 flowers in all and doubled them for the layout.

I received an email from Christine over at All That Scraps that my preorder of the newly released Cuttlebug dies has shipped!!!!! I'm hoping it will be here tomorrow, man do I have some ideas for those babies!! So stay tuned....

I'm still workin with my Bella's so keep your eyes peeled!!

Toodles till Later!

Still Doodling!

2007-04-05T13:25:00.000-04:00

Here is another card I came up with (still inspired by Cathy's card) This one is a more simple card. I'm pretty pleased with the outcome!

Very simple to make. The card base is Pretty in Pink, I then cut my black cardstock a little smaller and ran it through my Cuttlebug with the D'Vine Swirls folder. The image was stamped in Versamark ink, embossed with Winter Wonderland EP by Stampendous and punched with the Marvy Giga Scalloped Circle. The Larger oval was cut with my CM cutter in Pretty in Pink. The image was then colored with Sakura Souffle pens and the dots. Purple and Pink polka dot ribbon was just tied around the card and then I placed a Prima flower and brad through the center and adhered with a glue dot.

A quickie project here!

This was real quick to put together. I got the idea from the Rubber Inspirations blog. The directions are there if you care to make one too!! The little chick is from the Hello Easter set, and the watermarked flowers are from the Love and Joy set, all from The Angel Company. The little chick is stamped on white with Palette Noir ink; colored in with Prisma Pencils and OMS then layered on Bazzil purple cardstock.

I had been using regular OMS from the craft store. Back in Feb I was reading GinaK's blog and she mentioned that the store had gotten in an Artists Grade OMS. I didn't purchase any right away, because I thought how different could it be. Well, last week when I went to order some other things I decided to give it a try. Well, let me tell you, this stuff is AWSOME!!! It blends the colors sooooooo much better than the stuff that I had. You can see it Here!

Well, I hope you enjoyed! I must go work with my Bella's!!!!

With or Without?

2007-04-02T19:29:00.000-04:00

My friend Cathy posted this incredible card here and it inspired me to create this. However, I'm not sure if I like it with or without the ribbon. What do you think?

With

Or without?

Supplies:

Stamp set: Swirly Gigs from TAC; CS: Basic Black, Taken with Teal; Ink: Versamark; EP: Winter Wonderland by Stampendous; Sakura Souffle pens

I stamped the images with my versamark ink then embossed with the Winter Wonderland EP (don't have white apparently.....shopping trip in order!) I then colored in everything with the Souffle pens and added lines and dots of my own. It looks really cool IRL!

Just not sure which way I like it better......so opinions please!!!!

Toodles Til Later!!!

OH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BTW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THE BELLA'S Have Arrived!!!!! So to my RAK sistah's on ASB.....Be on the lookout!!!!

I added a Picture

2007-04-01T23:04:00.000-04:00

Well, I added my picture to the blog.....I am not photogenic at all!!! But, yes this is me, right now, today! When reading other blogs, I do like to know what the author looks like, so to practice what I preach, I took the plunge and added mine. I wish someone would photoshop me! But then that really wouldn't be me right?! Well, at least you now know what I look like!

Tini's & Wine

2007-04-01T14:00:00.000-04:00

Yesterday my Mother and I went to an Antique & Craft show at The Willows Mansion in Radnor, PA. Lots of beautiful handmade items from a variety of crafters. I had to reserve a lot of self control while looking around.

But I spied this little beauty and could not resist temptation

Handpainted 'Tini glasses!! I love whimsical crabs, so I had to buy 2. Gotta have a matchin' pair ya know! I don't indulge in 'Tini's too often but when I do a Cosmo is my choice!

My Mother got a couple of wine glasses, so I'll share that one as well

Aren't they adorable!! Of course the ribbon will probably end up on a creation of some kind {wink}

Well today my Husband and I celebrate our 5th Wedding Anniversary (my second marriage) Yes what fools we were to get married on April 1st!!! My whole family is going out to dinner with us.....We went out by ourselves last night {I had 2 Cosmo's..gasp} And I think another one or two are in order for today!!!

I'm working on some more stuff and hopefully will have it ready to share tomorrow!!

Have a super Sunday!

Best Fishes

2007-03-30T12:18:00.000-04:00

Every Friday on A Shade of Blue Sharon does a "Technique Junkies Challenge" Last Friday's challenge was a glitter window. Here is my card for that challenge. But don't forget to see what she has up her sleeve for today!!

Cardstock: Cool Caribbean, Only Orange, Basic Black, Whisper White; Stamps: SU's Very Punny Accessories: Marvy Mega Scalloped Square, Word Window Punch-SU, 1 3/8 Square punch, Zyron Sticker maker, Ultrafine Glitter, Stampendous glitter embossing powder, heat gun, Brads, Sakura Gelly Roll silver glitter pen. Ink: Cool Caribbean, Palette Noir Black, Only Orange craft

I saw a tutorial on how to make this card on Beate's Blog about a week ago and thought it would be a great way to incorporate Sharon's challenge. So I stamped the little fish with my palette ink and colored him with Watercolor Crayons, then I ran him through my Zyron and dipped him in the glitter and secured him behind the window cutout. I got the idea for the scalloped tag from Asela at her blog - Hop Art Studio So then I was looking at the leftover scalloped corners and wanted to see if I could sort of frame them around the window opening. I punched another square out of Only Orange and proceeded to trim some more, they fit almost perfectly. I'm pleased with the end result. I used the Gelly roll pen in silver glitter to add the dots in each scallop. If you want me to try to create a tutorial for the corners, just leave a comment on this post!

Now for the brads.....I love to make matching glittery brads for some of my creations. I take a brad, scuff it up real good with a sanding block, smush it into a pigment ink pad (here I used Only Orange) then dip it into embossing powder and blast it with my heat gun. I then put them into the freezer for a few minutes for a quick set. If you try to use it too quickly everything comes off. Oh yea- and always use tweezers when doing this, or you will burn your fingers....believe me!!

This card is going out to someone who is just starting something big and new!!!
Best Fishes everyone!!!

Challenges

2007-03-30T11:54:00.000-04:00

Every Thursday on A Shade of Blue I post a product challenge. Yesterdays challenge was to use Watercolor Paper. It has been quite a while since I worked with mine. Here is the card I made

Cardstock: Pumpkin Pie, Certainly Celery, Basic Black, Apricot Appeal and Watercolor Paper Stamps: SU's Delight in Life Ink: Versamark, Certainly Celery, Palette Noir Black and Black Stazon for the flowers Accessories: Cuttlebug Divine Swirl embossing folder, Word Window Punch, Fiskars scissors "cloud", Twinkling H2O's and waterbrush

The card base is made from Pumpkin Pie. I then ran the basic black through the cuttlebug, I thought about swiping some ink over the embossing, but decided it against it. I stamped the little dot thingies from the set onto the celery cardstock in versamark. I wanted the small flower to have a little more "pop" than I would achieve with the versamark ink, so I inked it with celery but stamped off on scrap paper before stamping on the strip. I pierced the top of the strip and trimmed the bottom with my Fiskars scissors. I used the Word Window punch for the tabs, glued them to the black base and added copper brads. I stamped the large flowers with Stazon onto wataercolor paper and painted them in with my Twinkling H2O's; cut them out then mounted all three with pop-dots.

I am really pleased with how this turned out. Here is a side view

I am actually getting another post ready for later today, so keep your eyes peeled!!! Enjoy!

Sometimes you feel like a nut.....

2007-03-28T19:22:00.000-04:00

Sometimes you don't!! Hubby and I traveled this past Sunday to the PA - Delaware border to get his "Belated" Birthday gift {we had the ice storm the day I was going to go shopping!} We stopped for lunch first, so I decided to ask the "big" question!! "Would you mind if we went a little further and stopped at Michael's first?"(Me) Holding breath......."Where is this place anyway?"(DH) "Right next to Lowe's Sweetie"(me) So he dropped me off (insert shocked face!!) and said "when your done call me" Wooo Hooo!!!! I was in search of those elusive clear $1 stamps everyone has been raving about. Backtrack a moment....couldn't find them at my local M's...... The bin was picked over big time, but I managed to scrounge about 6 sets and one block. Not totally my style...but they may make some nice Blog givaways I also had a 50% AC Moore coupon in my purse...Hmmmm what to get. I spied this box of cards from DCWV

List price is $9.99 so I thought hey...$5 for a box of 60 cards and envies...not bad at all!! Because they have a scalloped or pinking edge to them!! Coolies!! 60 cards and envies for $5 what a bargain. Well, let me tell you....they are ONLY card fronts even though the box front says "60 A2 cards" they even have some card fronts without any fancy edges. But really, for $5 I can't complain. Then I came up with an idea.....I had this incredible inspirational moment for a card design, so today I got the chance to create it....

Not really what I had envisioned...Sometime you feel like a nut!!! On this card I used one of the scalloped card fronts cut it in half, then trimmed some more off of each half and adhered it to a card with the fold in the center (is there a technical name for this one? please let me know!) Well, before I adhered the scalloped halves I stamped them with 2 sets from TAC "Best Feelings" and the little circle thingie is from "Deco Designs". I used my Versamagic Dew Drops. I Love that ink!!! I added eyelets to create a closure with ribbon (used my Crop-a-Dile!!!) The ribbon is from my stash, then I added some self adhesive rinestone flowers that I found at Joann's in the $$ bins Not super thrilled with this one though....

So I played around again, this time forgoing the DCWV card fronts and came up with this.

Sometimes you don't.
I like this one a lot better!!!! This started out as the card above, then I used my scalloped scissors from Fiskars and cut down each side. It still didn't look right so I angle cut each side with the same scissors then turned the "card" on it's side. The card base is Certainly Celery from SU and the inside panel is Apricot Appeal. I used my Coluzzle to cut the white circle, the Apricot Appeal center was puched with my Mega Marvy Scalloped Circle punch, and the outer purple circle was cut with my Coluzzle as well. I unmounted my "Whirly Twirly" wheel!!!! and used my Tea Leaves Versamagic ink to stamp it on each scalloped half. The center image is from Stampendous; She's called Princess and is from their Calendar Chicks collection. I colored her with my Prisma pencils and Gamsol. I then went over the wand and veil with my Versamarker and added some glittery translucent EP (also from Stampendous) In the center of her wand, I added a little rinestone for some extra "Bling"

Here is what it looks like open

Sorry for the blurry pic....I don't know what I did. Well gotta run....I'll show some pics from Greg's surprise party soon!!!!

I'm a Stamp??!!

2007-03-23T17:28:00.000-04:00

So back in January, on my birthday actually, my Husband and I went out shopping. I asked him if he wouldn't mind stopping at Joanns {insert shocked smilie here} He sat in the car while I went browsing the store, well actually just the papercrafting section...hehehe...... They had a bunch of stamps on clearance, so rubber addict that I am, I had to check them all out. I came accross some female images by Stampendous, and one of them was called "Melanie" so of course I had to buy it!!! I inked it up the other day, fiddled with the card, fiddled some more and came up with 2 cards that were nothing like I had originally envisioned! I think I'm in a slump But I shall share with you all anyway! Please give honest opinions and suggestions.

This one is a 5 1/4 inch square card

This is a regular A2 size card

I'll upload paper details later.

Holy Cow!

2007-03-22T20:07:00.000-04:00

This was the scene the day after our "ice/snow" storm. Poor Greg left at 5:30 am for work Friday morning and didn't return until 5:30 Saturday morning because he had to plow all night! So what did he do when he got home??? Wake me up.....to let me know he was home (ok fine..) but then after tossing for about 30 minutes in bed, he told me he was hungry as well!!! So I, bleary eyed, got up!! Made coffee!!! (hey...the man keeps me in stamps!!! could I deny his request?) and made him some breakfast. So after he took a nap, he decided to get up and start chopping ice!! So here I am panicking because the Lawn Announcement people were coming at some point to place the signs..... Because!!!!! His Birthday was the following day...March 18!! He turned "The Big 50" The large cow says "Holy Cow Greg's 50" with 50 smaller cows scattered around!! Hehehehe

Thankfully it all worked out that, when they came, he was inside resting!! And just to let you know...he said he was not happy...but I think he really was on the inside!!! Hehehehe

With this inspiration I came up with a card for him

I used the Cow from GinaK the oval from AMuse and the little cows are from SU's "Very Punny" SAB set from this year. The sentiment was created by me on my computer, and as you can see,the printer is acting really wonky!!

Greg does not get this whole "blogging" thing sooooooooo I think it is safe to share with you, that we will be having his "Surprise Party" tomorrow night at his sisters house!!! Talk about several cryptic phone conversations!! OY!! I can't wait until all this is over!! I will let you all know how it went and share some pics from the occasion.

Coming Soon: Stay tuned - Tomorrow - "I'm A Stamp??!!!!"

And.....I ordered my first Bella's!! they shipped on Monday and I can't wait to get them!!!

New Toys

2007-03-16T16:09:00.000-04:00

Hey, I'm Back!!!

On Wednesday our weather was beautiful, we went up to 79 degrees and it was sunny. Less than 48 hours later what do we have? Sleet, Freezing Rain and Snow with 29 degrees showing on the thermometer!! Talk about being miserable, Ugh!!!

But then the mailman came.....and guess what he brought me..... My A Muse goodies!!! I just could not resist those ovals any longer!! And I must add that these are my first A Muse stamps ever! I ordered them from them directly from the company Tuesday evening and they arrived today!! Talk about service...Wowzas!!! Plus it's making the "Winter Blues" a little more tolerable.
I'm going to post another card, why, I have no idea, because I don't like it at all. And to add insult to injury, it took forever to put together even with no stamping involved!!! I just had a really hard time matching up the colors. Wait until you see it, you're gonna laugh. I think the positioning is a little wonky too!
Supplies: Cardstock; Black, Always Artichoke, Copper Shimmer, Gold Shimmer: Cuttlebug embossing folder Textile: Ink; Brilliance Platinum Planet: Cricut Base Camp cartridge for the 50

I probably should have turned the flash off when I took the picture, it seems the flash is just bouncing off the shimmery cardstock and ink! My Husband turns 50 on Sunday, so I wanted to come up with something different. This is not what I envisioned though! I have since come up with 2 other ideas for cards for him, and when they are done, I will upload them (whether they are presentable or not!! hehehe). So look for them soon!

As Promised

2007-03-13T15:48:00.000-04:00

Here is the second card I made. Same layout just a different image and paper

Supplies: White card from a pack at AC Moore: Patterned Paper, DCWV Once Upon a Time Mat Stack: Stamp by Rubber Stampede~The Magic of You~: SU Ticket Punch: Prima flowers: Ribbon and cording

This next card I made is for our Dentist. Three weeks ago he went sledding with his kids, flew off and landed on his arm. Well, he broke it bad!! He had to have surgery on his arm and he's coming along pretty well. I saw him yesterday as he was drilling & filling my cavity!!! So here is what I am going to put in the mail to him tomorrow

Supplies: Pig and sentiment stamp by GinaK Cardstock- More Mustard, Chocolate Chip and Basic Black by SU: Patterned Paper by DCWV: Marvy Mega and Giga Scalloped Circle punches, SU Word Window & Slot punch: Techniqes- OMS with Prisma Pencils and Woodgraining by GinaK

Aren't the Bandaids adorable!! Not my idea though, I got it from AmyR It is in one of her posts from maybe a couple months back (don't have the time to go searching...)
Well, enjoy...I'll be back soon!

I'm off and running!

2007-03-12T13:03:00.000-04:00

Ok here goes, I guess I'm blogging!!! I would like to start off by saying Thanks to all of you who have commented so far!! I will admit that I was not really ready for visitors...kinda like the doorbell ringing just as you step out of the shower. LOL

I must also say that this whole blogging thing is very new to me, so please bare with me as there is still much fine tuning yet to come. If any of you have any tips or recommendations I would love to here from you. Actually I have a few questions....How would I do the "subscribe to my blog thing"? and the "email me" thing? I told you I'm very new to all of this, hehehe!

A little further down I will be sharing a card that also features my new Watermark!!! I happened accross Cindy's blog and read the rave reviews about her service, saw her wonderful samples, so I contacted her and I had my Watermark in no time! Thanks Cindy!!! There is also a permanent link off to the right that goes to Cindy's blog if you want to learn more about getting your own.

I will say that I made several feeble attempts on my own in Photoshop. I have never worked with Photoshop or any other photo editing software, so where did I get off thinking I could do it? Who knows, but I came to some realizations....It was much easier and less frustrating to have Cindy create one for me, and.....that I am not "Tech Savy" at all!!

Now on to card sharing......

Supplies: The white card is from a pack at AC Moore, Patterned paper from DCWV Once Upon a Time mat stack, the stamp is from Rubber Stampede called "Moonlit Fairy", Prima flowers, rinestones from the craft store and ribbon.

This is the card I made for my SIL's birthday, I also made a similar one for my Parent's to give to her. I will post that either later today or tomorrow. So do ya see it!!! My watermark!!! I love it!!

2007-02-20T14:40:00.000-05:00

Testing to upload a card!

I think it's going to work!!

Stamps: The Angel Company

Test

2007-02-20T13:27:00.000-05:00

This is a test....