My Uncle's Farm

Today I want to share a card I created using Theresa Momber's recently released, "Farm Life" from Gina K Designs. I was thrilled when Theresa asked me to help preview her set because this barn just totally jumped out at me and brought back some childhood memories I hadn't thought about in a very long time.

Years ago my Uncle lived on a farm and as a kid, it was soooo much fun to visit him!!!  Of course he had a red barn... but like mine above... it needed paint and looked more pink than red! LOL

I stamped my image and colored it with my Copic markers. I used my Nestabilities and cut out the image on a label. 

I used my Cuttlebug to to texture my background and added a checkered ribbon/bow to add to the country look.

I hope you come back to see more of Theresa's set as I get a chance to work with it.

Have a good day!  *smile*

Creative Clear Stamps Charity Hop

 Hi everyone!  I am soooo excited to be able to participate in this special Blog Hop to help fight Childhood Cancer!  Creative Clear Stamps has done a FABULOUS job creating a stamp set with the input of the Summer Design Team 4.  I am proud to have been a part of this and offer suggestions and help to benefit such a devastating disease.  My children are my life and I cannot even begin to feel what parents of children with cancer bare on a daily basis.  My thoughts and prayers are with them all. 

An exciting new thing happened with DT4. Our team was given the opportunity to create a brand new stamp set for a charity of our choice. We have chosen Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. This charity supports the research and cure for childhood cancer. You can click on the link to find out more about their foundation.

We have named our charity stamp set "LEMONADE STAND". This set will release on Wednesday September 1st, 2010 on the Creative Clear Stamps Store website. The size of this set is 6x8 and features 20 clear stamps. The cost of this set is $20.00, of which $10.00 will be donated to the foundation throughout the month of September. The first 10 orders will receive a free secret bonus item with their purchase.

The Creative Clear Stamps Store will be closed tomorrow Tuesday August 31, to prepare for some changes to the site before the release. A new rewards program is headed our way!

Here is my sneak peek of this set!

For my first project I did a pretty easy card lay out. I LOVE LOVE all these images so much I had a very hard time trying to decide what to do first.  I couldn't resist the puppy and the girl in the typical wooden stand advertising her Lemonade.  But... I couldn't resist straying away from the yellow either.  And, I used my Cuttlebug "Tiny Bubbles" embossing folder to carry on the "lemon like skin" texture on my red card stock.  Again.. the lemon color and "dots" from my DP entered into the typical lemon scene.  *smile* I felt the "Squeeze Me" sentiment added to not only the whole lemonade but also... to the cute puppy.  You choose... want to squeeze some lemonade or the adorable pup? *smile*

For my second project I decided to make a book marker.  My husband and I truly enjoy Geocaching together and mos recently we have been enjoying a weekly "date" going out alone to seek and find a few caches.  Sometimes, things are just a bit to tough and we have to log a DNF (did not find)... this book mark reminds me of that.  I always tend to smile at my hubby when he gets frustrated that he can't find one so the sentiment seemed appropriate to me to remind him... "I'm  here... smile... hug/smooch".  *smile*

I LOVE how my new Nestabilities label reminded me of the lemons and I again used the Cuttlebug "Tiny Bubbles" for texture.

I found the wonderful "travel sign" DP and added a few punches to the image.

On the inside, I couldn't resist the yellow dotted DP again on the inside. Under the "travel sign" DP are the magnetic strips hidden. 

Thanks for hopping by and don't forget to order your "LEMONADE STAND" during the month of September and help us find a cure for childhood cancer!

Click the link below to continue the hop.


Laura
Tina(That's me!!)
Shelly
Joni
Michelle

I'd like to take a minute to thank Laura for giving me the opportunity to help create this set and for being a part of the DT4.  It has been fun, challenging and rewarding.  Laura has a fabulous heart and I think the Lemonade Stand set and the charity she will give to shows this more than anything.  Laura, I will always remember how special this set is and hope it does all we hope it will to help children and their families. YOU are a great example of the kind hearts in this world and how one person can make a difference.  Blessings to you, my friend.

Enjoy the hop and please, PLEASE stop by CCS to purchase your set and help the children who have no choice but to live as best they can.  God Bless.

Help fight Childhood Cancer

Just a reminder that Creative Clear Stamps DT4 will be hopping to share with you the "Lemonade Stand" stamp set which will go on sale, September 1st.

50% of the retail value will go to Alex's Lemonade Foundation.

Please stop by tomorrow and help spread the word.  We can do so much with just a little help from you.

OFFICIALLY Single!!

I don't suppose many of us go to or have parties for those who are recently divorced, right??? Well... what if you did... what if your friend was THRILLED to be single again?  Hee Hee  I say... get her a great fun gift and add a little whimsy with a "Congratulations" tag!!

My stamps are from Creative Clear Rubber Stamps and the set is called... what else, "Officially Single"!

I really tried to "bling" this tag up with some glittery card stock and as many rhinestones as I thought one tag could hold.  I mean come on.. THIS is a celebration tag!  *smile*

Can you read the tag??? I can't! I am having issues with my eyes and not sure if the printed sentiment can be read well.  It seemed fine at the time I stamped it but now that I am struggling to read, I'm not sure.  Either way... the sentiment reads... "I took the liberty of writing your next personal add.... Wanted, exact opposite of the last Loser!". Gotta love it! Ha Ha

I can certainly see a "girls night out" with gifts in hand to celebrate someone who is thrilled to be rid of her "loser". Ha!  And, of course, mine would have a tag with bling to help keep the celebration fun!

Have a great day and by the way... I wish you all good, long, happy marriages!  *smile*

Gina K CSS Blog Hop

It's that time again!!!  The Center Stage Spotlight Alumni team are sharing a challenge hop!!  If you came here from Sharri Seffen's blog, you are on the right track.  If not, feel free to go back and start at the beginning.  You don't want to miss a one, these gals really rock!!

Our challenge this month was to create a card using "limited supplies".

The Blog Hop Details:
Create a card that contains only the following items and no others:

• One Neutral color for your card base: White, Ivory, Black, Brown or Kraft
• Two different colors of card stock
• One patterned paper
• Three buttons
• One color of ribbon
• As little or as many images as you'd like

As you can see, I went with Gina K's Pure Luxury Black Onyx card base.  My other card stock colors are Red Hot and Innocent Pink.  I included a DP and three buttons.  To coordinate with my base, I used black ribbon.

My image is from Theresa Momber's, "Aloha" set.  I colored the flowers with my Copic markers.  For the pink card stock I used my Textile Cuttlebug Embossing Folder to coordinate with my DP.

If you missed the hop from the beginning, you can go to the Stamp TV Forum and see all the cards together.

This was a fun challenge and I hope you enjoyed all the creativeness the CSS gals shared tonight.  Have a great day and thanks for hopping along with us!!  *smile*

InStyle End of Summer Hop

Good afternoon everyone!!!  Are you ready to hop along with InStyle Stamps' End of Summer Hop???  Let's do it!!!  If you came here from Kimme's Blog, you're on the right track.  If not... go back and start at the beginning... I promise it will be worth it!! 

As always, once you've finished the hop, you can go to InStyle Stamps Blog and vote for your favorite creation you see along the route and YOU could win a prize!!  You don't even have to use InStyle Stamps, but if you do, you could win more!! 

My card was created with the new Sunflower image.  I don't know where you live, but here in Iowa, it seems we have a huge abundance of sunflowers.  Either out along fields or near farm homes.  Seems they grow early in the summer and you never see them towards the end.  To me, watching them get so all and dusty and withered makes me think they should grow at the end.  I always thing big stocks of dried corn stalks would be perfect decorated with these huge sunflowers.  And don't you think they'd look great next to scarecrow and such at Thanksgiving time?  I do!!

I used my Copic markers to color my sunflower and sponged some blue around before I removed my Nestabilitie from my image.  I also used my new BIG dots Cuttlebug folder to emboss a small strip behind my image.  It reminded me of the seeds in these big wonderful flowers.

Your next stop on the hop is Axa's Blog.  Have fun and remember to stop and vote at the ISS Blog!

Good luck!!!

Hawaii Bound....

I wish!!! Today I have a simple card I created with Theresa Momber's last set, "Aloha".  I haven't had much time to get my Gina K July releases inky yet so I have been playing a bit just recently.  I LOVE these flowers!!

My card began as a single layer card.  Though you can't tell very well from the picture, I initially was thinking I'd stamp all these flowers on my card then coloring in.  Well... I decided I didn't want every flower to have a leaf so I stamped, colored with my Copics and cut them out then mounted them individually into the shape of a lei.  The very top large purple flower IS stamped directly on the base.

I love that Theresa included some smaller images with this set.  So easy to make a scene below with a little bit of sponging.

I wished I had this set years ago when my mom made a few trips to Hawaii with my nieces as their graduation gift.  But... somethings tells me she'll be going back as much as she loved going.

Stay tuned for more cards using "Aloha"... I'm so glad to finally be getting it inked up!!  You can grab Theresa's set at Gina K Designs and check out her other fabulous sets as well. 

Have a great day!!

Praying For You

Today I wanted to share a card that I created for our Lake Association.  As secretary, it is my responsibility to send sympathy cards, thank you cards, etc.  I often think going a little extra to make a sympathy card is the most important time to do so.  I created my card using Creative Clear Rubber Stamps, "Arms of Jesus" set.  I used the sentiments only and put most of my design in the embellishments and choice of colors. 

I added my butterfly to the front as a "gentle/soft" touch.  I colored it with my Copic markers.

On the inside I again tried to make use of the "less is more" rule.  Simply adding my sentiment and a small stamped image in the corner.

NOT that I'd ever look forward to sending a sympathy card, but I think this is one I would be proud to send.  Sometimes just adding a few words is all you need.  *smile*

Have a great day!!

Such a Tiger!!

I had a date with my darling husband today.  The last couple of weeks we have taken off early in the morning and left the kids sleep to go out Geocaching.  We rarely have time alone... but lately we have taken it.  If you don't know what Geocaching is... you can go to www.geocaching.com to read all about it.  In short, it's a world-wide treasure hunt/game.  Exercise, time alone together and some fun/adventure thrown in and we have a great "date".  *smile*

The reason I am telling you this is because I found myself at my studio making card after card directed towards none other than... my husband.

My image is one of the new images from InStyle Stamps called, "Linc".  Doesn't he look so fierce?  Hee Hee  When I looked at Linc I thought... "awwww how cuddly".  Well... yes, I love to cuddle with my husband.  So, I couldn't resist making this "tiger" into a "love note" to send to him someday.

Have you been to InStyle Stamps lately???  You can not only buy stamps, but you can buy digital images as well.  And... something new... InStyle Stamps now has a "Newsletter" you can subscribe to!!! How fun!!!  Stop by and make sure you subscribe!!

On the inside, I kept my card simple with ample space to write my own little sentiment.  Stay tuned for a few more images that ISS released this month which I am slightly behind on posting.

Have a great day and if you get a chance to cuddle with a "tiger"... enjoy it.  *smile*

Yummy Family!! Hee Hee

Now would you REALLY eat this adorable family??? Really???? Awwww I sure wouldn't.  Ok... maybe if I was desperate. LOL  InStyle Stamps released this "sweet" family last month called "Candy Corn Fam Bam". 

I can see so many cute things to do with these little guys so be prepared... you may see them again before Halloween actually arrives.  NOT that I may not use them after either! LOL

I colored my images with my Copic markers and though it's hard to tell, I used my Sakura glitter pens on the lettering.  I didn't do it this time, but if you want, you can easily make them look even yummier with some crystal effects on them.  :-)

I found this bright colorful Halloween paper in my stash from last year and just couldn't resist layering some up with my layered candy corn.

You know... I did notice this year they are selling candy corn at Easter time as well.  It's not the traditional colors as I used, of course, but the pastels just don't seem to get it for me.  I mean... I CAN be tempted to eat this HEAVILY sugar-based treat but... not so sure I'd go for it in pastel colors. LOL  Remember when they came out with GREEN Ketsup??? Just didn't taste the same! LOL

Have a great day!  *smile*

My Honey Bear!

Happy Tuesday everyone!! Today I want to share my "Honey Bear" with you. :-)

I used the "Mother Bear Clear Rubber Stamp Set"  from Creative Clear Stamps for the "honeycomb" background on the yellow card stock and also for the bear. But... mine is not a "mother" bear here... it's my darling husband.

When my son was two years old I didn't realize how much attention he paid to the things I said until when we walked in the house one evening after I picked him up from the sitter and as he came in he yelled... "Hi Honey, we're home!!" LOL Although his "honey" sounded more like... "Huueee" without the "n". LOL My husband died laughing and for the longest time.... I bet until he was 4 he would call him "Honey". Fun times to remember.

Though it's hard to tell here, my card base has a "leathered" look up close and I think it makes for awesome manly cards. A few self-adhesive copper nail heads and all ready to send as a quick "just because" card (I send those often) to MY Honey. :-) I think he and the kids are making my birthday dinner tonight too... so it never hurts to say thanks with a handmade card. :-) 

Have a great day and again, I'm sorry I've been away. I will make up for it. I am very honored to be on the Creative Clear Stamps summer design team!! *smile*

Chloe's Winter Project

Soooo... are you ready for snow?? Are you so hot you welcome the site??  I'm NOT!!  But... I did love creating this wonderful winter design with InStyle Stamps, "Chloe and Snowman".

I love using blue on winter cards and this was no exception.  I colored Chloe with my Copic markers and added some Liquid Applique to her hat.  LOVE how it puffs up after heating it with my heat tool.  I added a small amount of light blue to the snowman and then stroked on a bit of diamond flakes to it as well.

For my background I used the wonderful snowflake Cuttlebug embossing folder to add a bit of texture.

Stop by tomorrow to check out my "honey" of a card for my DH! *smile*

I'm baaack!!!

Hello fellow bloggers, followers and friends.  I wanted to send a little note to let you know I will be posting again beginning Monday!!!

I had some unexpected personal issues come up and I truly needed to be at home and tend to them.  I'm sorry I haven't even been able to take much time to post much of anything. I haven't been at my studio in about two weeks. :-(   I have missed creating and sharing it with you all.

Things are much better now and I will be heading to the studio to get my "create" on again!!!  YAYY!!!

On a bright side.... I have recently joined Gold's Gym and hired a personal trainer!!!  I have had a rough two weeks but... I think it has been a blessing that I inadvertently joined the gym at the same time.  It has been a great "release/outlet" for me and the stress of the last two weeks seemed a bit easier to deal with.  I am watching my diet and am feeling awesome that I am doing it and NOT suffering because of it.  No feelings of loss with foods or cravings.  YAY!!  I just feel good. 

Oh and yes.. after the first week... I lost 5 pounds!!!!!! Can I hear a "Woot Woot!!". LOL  I weigh in again Monday and I can't wait to see what I've done this last week.  I can say this... I feel sooooo good... already?!!!!

So, thanks for putting up with my absence and I promise to start those post again... Monday!!! 

HUGS & *smiles*

Mmmmm Cozy Cozy Winter!!

Can't you just feel these warm boots on your feet???!! I sure can!  My boots are from InStyle Stamps, "Uggs" and I just HAD to have them in red!  Can you buy them in red??? Well, if not, you SHOULD be able to!!  Far to many adorable red coats out there not to have a pair of Uggs to wear with them!! Hee Hee

Uggs are one of the newest digi stamps that was just released.  I colored mine with my Copic markers and added a bit of  pink inside to make them look warm and comfy.  In the corner I HAD to put a few felt snowflakes down.  Nothing these precious Uggs can't handle on a winter day for sure. *smile* 

I used my square Nestabilities to frame my boots and though it's hard to photograph, I sponged on a bit of light blue ink around the border before removing it and after embossing.

A small tag and some white pearls that I also colored in blue to add a bit more to the card.

My DP was from a paper pack I bought last year at JoAnn's.  I'm sure it was on sale and I HAD to have it! LOL

Have a great day and if it's HOT HOT HOT, like it is here... these boots will (maybe) make you wish for a "few" snowflakes.  Not to many though, right? *Wink*

Sketch Time with InStyle Stamps!!

In need of some mojo???  Hop on over to InStyle Stamps blog for the new sketch challenge.  This month the Design Team is making "easel cards" with the sketch.

The front of my card has adorable "Stacey" on it skydiving over the wide open sky, clouds and trees.  I used my Copic markers to color Stacy and added a few layers of green ribbon to the left under a larger tree image.

When you flip it open and create the "easel"... you see the fabulous "Cloud" image that I shaded and cut out.  I popped it up on the card stock base with some Pop Dots so that they would hold the front up.

On the inside, I added a little bling and some encouraging words.  I hope you try the sketch and maybe even an easel card.

Have fun checking out the other sketch cards on InStyle Stamps' blog and remember to enter your sample to win 4 digi images, if you use ISS stamps, or 2 images if you use something else.  You have until Sept. 2nd to enter.  Good luck!!  *smile*

Treats for Tuesday???

It's Tuesday and why not make it a treat day with Creative Clear Stamps???  I made this little "container" to give my daughter a small treat one day and told her... "don't eat them all until I take a picture of it... " well.... that didn't work. LOL  So, I put a few little "crafting" treats inside for the photo. *smile*

My little "container" is totally made by just folding a 12" X 12" piece of designer paper that is printed on both sides.  I used the "'Mother Bear Clear Rubber Stamp Set" and stamped my adorable bears in two different shades of brown then cut them out and mounted them to the front.  I used the "Make a Wish" set for my sentiment.

A few flowers and a bit of bling and you have a cute way to give a treat to your kids or... to send with your kids on treat day at school!!

This could easily have had a ribbon attached to the top and been used as a "May Day" basket.  My kids still love giving those to neighbors.

Just as a thought... I made about 25 of these last year for a craft fair and filled them with a back of microwave oven and two envelopes of cappuccino.  The first lady that came by bought ALL of them!!!  I have no clue what she was doing with them , but I sure wish I had made more! LOL

Have a great day! *smile*

Remembering with Melanie & Gina K!!

 The Gina K team is doing a 5 day hop beginning this Sunday night to spotlight older sets from each illustrator.

Tonight Melanie Muenchinger has several designing friends sharing samples they created using some of their favorite sets from Melanie, take a look and see if you remember them.  If you are new to them... enjoy!!!

My card has a few sentimental memories for me.  :-)  First... my FAVORITE Melanie set is "Inspiration Mosaic".  I LOVE how many ways you can use this set!!!  And as you can guess... with new sets coming every month... I don't get NEARLY enough time to play with some of my favs.   Secondly... "Just So Hoppy" and "Hip Hop Accessories" were the first Gina K sets I ever bought!! And... as they say... the rest is history!  I was hooked on Gina K Designs and her fabulous illustrators.

I used my Copic Markers to color my images and used Gina K Pure Luxury Card Stock "Creme de Menthe" and the 120 pound Heavy Base Weight "White" to stamp my images on.  The little signs my froggies were free-handed and were also just like the ones I first drew when I bought this set.

I added some of the fabulous buttons from the Button Jars that Gina has just released.  There are some awesome, awesome buttons in each jar and I LOVE the "earth-tone" one I found that looks like it has tiny flecks of real straw inside!  

On the inside I used a couple different DP's to create my own mosaic layout to coordinate with Melanie's awesome set. 

Brenda Turner
Carla Suto
Carolina Buchting
Geri Utterback
Karen Knegten
Libby Hickson
Linda Payne
Melissa Schultz
Selma Stevenson
Sharri Seffens
Sue Van DeVusse
Tina Gilliland

Thanks Melanie, for such awesome sets and for asking me to join in and share my designs with my favorite illustrator's sets!!! You rock, girlfriend and I have never been disappointed since I started my "habit" with Gina K Designs!   :-)