Just Us Girls Challenge #5

Well, here I am on a Saturday getting to play along with the JUGS challenge with my sweet friend Kristin (who I'm going to meet next Friday at Stamping Around along with another of my wonderful friends, LeAnne!) The JUGS challenge for today is to create a holiday card that showcases a photo! After you create a card, link it on the JUGS blog to Mr. Linky. Then, send an email to the Just Us Girls email address (located in the left sidebar on the blog) with a link to your card and you will receive the digital stamp and sentiment set shown below, courtesy of Kristin! Yes, Kristin drew that fabulous lamp post and created the two sentiment verses as a special treat for everyone who plays the JUGS challenge today! (you can click on the photo for a close-up!)

Now why, you might ask, am I playing along today, too? I'm not a member of the JUGS team but I did end up getting to take part in the freebie you'll receive today if you play along! Awhile back, I sent Kristin a card and she went crazy over my handwriting. Now mind you, I see my handwriting everyday... it's just my writing, and has never seemed to be anything special to me. But she loved it, and wanted to use if for this set! So, you see that "Happy Holidays" in the set, and on my card below? Yep... that's my writing! :) So I hope you'll play along today so you can get this free digi set! I think it'd be pretty darn cool to see some cards out their in blogland with my writing on them!

Stop over at the JUGS blog to see what their super-talented designers came up with using this wonderful digi-stamp set, and go get busy creating!

I am off to my friend Beth's house today to get busy cutting cardstock for my class next week at Stamping Around in Allentown, Pennsylvania! Beth and I will be hitting the road next Friday morning for the event, and I am so excited to get to meet so many new people!

Have a great weekend!

Stamps: Happy Holidays digital stamp set

Cardstock: green, black (Bazzill), designer paper (Making Memories)

Inks: marker (Copic)

Accessories: Nestabilities tags (Spellbinders), ribbon (craft supply).

(photograph courtesy of Google images... photographer unknown)

Color Throwdown #66

LeAnne is our hostess this week for Color Throwdown #66. LeAnne likes to try to kill me by using blue all the time! ;) It's not necessarily my least favorite color, but it is a color I struggle to use. But that's what a challenge is, right? So here's what I came up with, using the Sketch for You to Try from Jen's blog.

I'm keeping this post short and sweet because it's late, I'm exhausted, and kinda' at my wit's end. Please be sure to stop by the Throwdown blog for all the challenge details, and visit the other designers' blogs for inspiration...

LeAnne * Broni * Cathy

Barbara * Danielle * Lisa

Many thanks to Lisa Kind for being our Guest Designer for October! It's been fun to have her share her designs, and get to know her better! Stay tuned for next month's Guest Designer! She's gonna' giddyup onto the Throwdown in a big way!

Happy stamping!

Stamps: Fall Trilogy (Rubbernecker)

Cardstock: blue (unknown), Rich Razzleberry, Elegant Eggplant, Confetti White (Stampin' Up!)

Inks: Bordering Blue, Elegant Eggplant (Stampin' Up!)

Accessories: ribbon (Stampin' Up!), Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Cuttlebug Swiss Dots folder (ProvoCraft).

Featured Stamper, Rachel!

The Sweetest of the Hope Stamps Sweeties is the Featured Stamper today over at Splitcoaststampers! Big congrats to Rachel for being chosen this week! I found this card in Rachel's gallery and CASE'd it with the new Rubbernecker Snowflakes & Stardust stamp set to create this card.

The Sage cardstock on the card base was embossed with a Spellbinders Impressabilities die that I just got at the store called Snowflakes. (I have to say... maybe these things work better in a Wizard instead of a Cuttlebug? I'm not totally impressed... pun intended, with the embossing. I get much better results from my Cuttlebug folders!) I spritzed the Sage cardstock with Pearl Ex mixed in water for extra shimmer, too. The red snowflake designer paper is from the Cosmo Cricket mini deck, Jolly by Golly (available at Hope Stamps Eternal).

I stamped the swirly trees in Handsome Hunter and Sage Shadow inks on Stampin' Up! shimmery white cardstock. After those inks were completely dry, I stamped the snowflakes and stars using Brilliance Rocket Red ink, then embossed with clear embossing powder. I cut the tree out with Nestabilities, then sponged more Sage Shadow ink around the edges before removing from the die. For a finishing touch, I added this great new chunky shard glass glitter I just got called Diamond Dust. The photo really didn't capture how much sparkle and shimmer there is on this image, though!

While I was playing around with new Rubbernecker stamps, I also made this quick card using the new Fall Trilogy stamp set, and did an emboss resist with the leaves on glossy cardstock. The leaves were stamped with an old Kaleidacolor ink pad, and clear embossed. Then I brayered Scattered Straw and Tea Dye distress inks over it before cutting out with the Nestabilities.
The leaves inside were stamped with Versamark over the sentiment.
I'm hoping and praying that my coming week is one hundred times better than last week! I hope your week gets off to a great start! Thanks for stopping by!

Christmas card

Stamps: Snowflakes & Stardust (Rubbernecker)Cardstock: red (Core'dinations), Handsome Hunter, Sage Shadow, Shimmer White (Stampin' Up!), designer paper (Cosmo Cricket-Jolly by Golly)

Inks: Handsome Hunter, Sage Shadow (Stampin' Up!), Brilliance Rocket Red (Tsukineko)

Accessories: Impressabilities Snowflake die, Nestabilities (Spellbinders), chunky glitter (Diamond Dust), felt snowflake, brad (Creative Impressions), snowflake punch (Martha Stewart), rick rack (May Arts).

Fall Leaves card

Stamps: Fall Trilogy (Rubbernecker)

Cardstock: Always Artichoke, Ruby Red, Natural Ivory, Glossy (Stampin' Up!), tan (Core'dinations)

Inks: Harvest Kaleidacolor, Versafine Onyx Black, Versamark (Tsukineko), Tea Dye, Scattered Straw distress inks (Ranger)

Accessories: Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder (ProvoCraft), button (Stampin' Up!), brads (Making Memories), ribbon (craft supply).

Cupcake Inspiration #30 - Bubble Bath

You can't deny... these cupcakes are seriously Halloween appropriate with all that CANDY! Don't you just love these bright colors? Guess what? My good friend (and Toyrifix customer) Beth found these cupcakes online, and sent the photo to me. I forwarded it to Rachel at Hope Stamps Eternal and she liked it so much, it's today's challenge! (woo hoo to Beth!) So c'mon... join the Hope Stamps Sweeties and create something inspired by these bright colorful cupcakes!

I want to get a few more cards made with Halloween images I have picked up this Fall, so I just had to use this new stamp I just got! When I saw this in the Impression Obsession catalog, I just had to have it! What else does a tired witch do after a long day of broomstick riding, cackling, casting spells, and causing mayhem but take a nice long bubble bath? Doesn't she look cozy? I went with the brightest colors I could for this card, including using that cheerfully bright Bella Blvd. paper in my design. That paper, along with a bunch of other great Bella Blvd. papers is available at Hope Stamps Eternal. I also used some Crystal Stickles on the bubbles, and the Zva black pearl swirl in the corner, both products also being available at HSE.
See what the other Sweeties have created to inspire you today and take some time to play along!

Rachel * Jessica * Colleen

Kelli * Bonnie * Michelle

Carolina * Natalie * Ida (guest Sweetie)

I hope you're having a great weekend! THANK YOU for stopping by! I appreciate your comments very much!

Stamps: Spa Day (Impression Obsession)

Cardstock: Kiwi Kiss, Melon Mambo (Stampin' Up!), purple (Core'dinations), white (Neenah), designer paper (Bella Blvd.)

Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukinko), Dusty Concord, Milled Lavendar distress inks (Ranger), markers (Copic)Accessories: Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Stickles (Ranger), pearls (Zva), ribbon (craft supply).

Happy Birthday, Susanna!

There's a birthday on the Planet today... the Paper Craft Planet, that is... and we want YOU to join us in celebration! Susanna Boyd, our fearless leader is celebrating her birthday today! Susanna does a TON of behind the scenes work at PCP and we appreciate it so much, so the Super Novas wanted to make sure she feels extra special today!

In honor of Susanna's birthday, how would you like some gifts? Sound good? All you have to do is create a birthday card! Upload your card to the gallery at Paper Craft Planet and be sure to tag your photo with SB2009. Uploads must be in place by 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, October 25th. All the cards will be pulled into a special album, and some random numbers will be drawn to win some prizes! And we've got some nice prizes too, donated by some pretty generous companies...

7kidscollegefund - a High Hopes stamp and a Memory Box 8 pack of cards and envelopes

Hope Stamps Eternal - a Basic Grey "June Bug" prize package

Gina K Designs - Sweetest Blessings stamp set

Clear & Simple Stamps - $25 gift certificate

i{heart}papers - 3 Chicken Girl Design stamp sets

Kitchen Sink Stamps - Happy Birthday, Cupcake and Swirly Hearts and Stars stamp sets

Molly Stamps - stamp set of the winners choice

For my card, I decided to use this adorable Gingersnap stamp from C.C. Designs at All that Scraps. I just adore these cutie-patooties and couldn't resist this little sweetie offering a toast to Susanna for her birthday! I paired my image with this great Bella Blvd. paper from Hope Stamps Eternal. I just love the bright colors in those stripes, and they match the new In Colors from Stampin' Up! really well, too!

So, be sure to stop by Paper Craft Planet and check out this discussion in the forum for all the details regarding Susanna's birthday celebration! Then take some time to create a birthday card for Susanna! And if you really want to mail it to her, just send me a quick email and I'll get you her address!

Thanks for stopping by today and leavin' me some comment love! I appreciate your visits so much!

Stamps: Gingersnaps Celebrate! (CC Designs from All that Scraps)

Cardstock: Summer Sunrise (Papertrey Ink), Bermuda Bay, Melon Mambo (Stampin' Up!), white (Neenah), designer paper (Bella Blvd.)

Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Marigold Morning (Stampin' Up!), markers (Copic)

Accessories: Nestabilities (Spellbinders), ribbon (Stampin' Up!), brads (Doodlebug), flower (Prima), double dot scalloped border (Martha Stewart).

Color Throwdown #65 with Stamping Bella

I'm so excited for the Color Throwdown this week because we're being sponsored by one of my most favorites companies, Stamping Bella! Be sure to stop by the Throwdown blog to check out the details, including how you can be eligible to win $25 in Bella Bucks!

Danielle is our hostess this week and her colors were inspired by that hot summer item, Lemonade paper from Basic Grey! I however, forgot that she mentioned that and dug through my stash of papers until I ran across this October Afternoon paper with the same colors! I was thrilled to find this, and along with Mercy's Tuesday Sketch #44 for my layout I am totally happy with how my card turned out!
Had to finish the inside, too (of course!)
My Throwdown sisters have rocked this color challenge with the awesome stamps we received from Emily at Stamping Bella, so please be sure to visit their blogs and leave some love!

Danielle * LeAnne * Broni * Cathy

Barbara * Lisa, October Guest Designer

I hope you'll make time to play along! Thanks for stopping by! (And a special shout hello to my ladies from stamp class last night.... see, I wasn't too tired to get my card done!)

Stamps: Javabellas (Stamping Bella), sentiment (My Favorite Things)

Cardstock: Purely Pomegranate, Taken with Teal, Certainly Celery (Stampin' Up!), white (Neenah), designer paper (October Afternoon)Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black, Versafine Onyx Black (Tsukineko), markers (Copic), Cool Caribbean (Stampin' Up!)

Accessories: brads (Bo Bunny), ribbon (Stampin' Up!), Nestabilities (Spellbinders).

Cupcake Inspiration #29 - Witchly Wishes

Well, I'm a little late to the party this week, but I'm finally getting around to the Hope Stamps Eternal Cupcake Inspiration challenge #29! Whadya' think of these cupcakes? Aren't they adorable? Years ago, my Mom had a witch she had made... sewed all her clothes, and I believe her body was made from pantyhose stuffed with poly-fil. She was SO cute in her black cape and hat, and had a cute Fall-patterned dress. She even had a broom my Mom made to fly on, and she hung from the light fixture in our kitchen every year. As kids, my sister and I named her Grizelda, and that is exactly what I was reminded of when I saw these cupcakes!

For my card, I used this cute with from my new Rubbernecker Halloween set #2, and I added some Basic Grey Eerie paper (available at Hope Stamps Eternal) for a little extra color. The layout for my card comes from the Weekend Sketch Challenge #102.
The buckle on her hat, and her buttons and shoes are all sparkly from some Spica glitter pens, and I used the Spiderweb Cuttlebug embossing folder for the black strip of cardstock.
See what the other Sweeties cooked up for you this week, inspired by these cute cupcakes, and make time to play along!

Rachel * Kelli * Bonnie

Carolina * Michelle

Jessica * Natalie

I hope you had a great weekend! Mine was restful, and full of blessings!

Stamps: Witch and sentiment (Rubbernecker Halloween set #2)

Cardstock: Black OP, Kraft (Bazzill), Really Rust (Stampin' Up!), cream (Neenah), designer paper (Eerie by Basic Grey)Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Black Soot, Vintage Photo, Antique Linen distress inks (Ranger), markers (Copic)Accessories: Spiderweb Cuttlebug embossing folder (ProvoCraft), silver brads (Making Memories), button (Stampin' Up!), Nestabilities (Spellbinders), ribbon (craft supply).

Bath & Body Birthday

Kaylie has a birthday party for a friend to go to later today, and asked if I could do a little something with this Bath & Body Works stuff she bought for a gift, so I just put both bottles into a big cello bag, and tied it shut. The tag is made from an old favorite Hero Arts stamp, and cut out with Nestablities.

Hope you're having a great weekend!

Fall Scenery

This card is actually an idea that I rejected last month for my Fall cards class at the store, but finished it up instead to have for myself. After spending quite a bit of time coloring the image, I realized my customers would end up needing a pillow and blanket to camp out at the store before they could finish this, especially since I only have one set of Copics for everyone to use! This image is from Northwoods Rubber Stamps. They really have some great nature scene stamps in their catalog!

Have a great day, and thanks for stopping by!

Color Throwdown #64

It's Wednesday again, which means time for another Color Throwdown! This week our challenge is generously being sponsored for a third time by Simon Says Stamp, and being hosted by Barbara! Be sure to stop by the Simon Says website to see all the incredible stamps and products they carry, and stop by the Throwdown blog for all the challenge details! Remember that you don't have to use these exact colors to play along... just whatever you have that is similar! We just want everyone to have fun!

For my card, I chose to use these whimsical flowers from Prima Marketing, and the sentiment comes from a Simon Says exclusive stamp set. I discovered that this October Afternoon paper I had on my shelf went very nicely with the color combo that Barbara chose for today, so I ran with it! I also got to use this pretty white crocheted flower that my sweet friend Kristin Bueter sent to me! She sent me four of these flowers that she made, and I've been hoarding them but decided this card just needed that sweet little flower today! I also used Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge #43 for the layout.

I hope you'll play along! Stop by the blogs of my Throwdown sisters for more inspiration!

Barbara

Danielle

LeAnne

Broni

Cathy

Lisa, October Guest Designer

Thanks for stopping by, and Happy Hump Day!

Stamps: flowers (Prima), sentiment (Simon Says Stamp)Cardstock: Sahara Sand, Baja Breeze (Stampin' Up!), black OP (Bazzill), designer paper (October Afternoon)

Inks: Not Quite Navy (Stampin' Up!), Versafine Onyx Black (Tsukineko)Accessories: Stylized Flowers Cuttlebug embossing folder (ProvoCraft), large oval punch, gingham ribbon (Stampin' Up!), Nestabilities (Spellbinders), button (Bo Bunny), crocheted flower (Kristin Original).

Give Thanks

Just a quick Fall card to share with you today using new stamps from Rubbernecker. I just love this nice fat, whimsical pumpkin and paired it with one of the new release backgrounds, Fall Floral. The background is stamped on Kraft cardstock using Vintage Photo distress ink. I used the sketch from Taylored Expressions for the layout of my card.

Remember to give the inside of your cards some lovin', too!
Happy stamping!

Stamps: Fall Floral #479, pumpkin #21-08, sentiment #20-06 (Rubbernecker)

Cardstock: golden brown (Core'dinations), Black OP (Bazzill), Always Artichoke (Stamping' Up!), designer paper (My Mind's Eye)Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Vintage Photo distress ink (Ranger), markers (Copic)

Accessories: dew drops (Mark Richards), scalloped border punch (EK Success).

Trick or Treat!

There is a new release later this week of wonderful Christmas and Winter stamp sets from Chicken Girl Design at i {heart} papers! But in the meantime, Halloween is just around the corner and there is still time to get this adorable Happy Halloween stamp set to create some fun treats with!

Check out my treat boxes, perfect for giving some candy treats to co-workers, teachers or friends! Each one is simply decorated with images from the Happy Halloween stamp set, and a Trick or Treat tag. These One Sheet Boxes are super easy to make... see the instructions here!

Inside are these yummy candies, sure to bring on an afternoon sugar-high whenever it's needed!
Thanks for stopping by today, and happy stamping!

Stamps: Happy Halloween (Chicken Girl Design)

Cardstock: purple (Bazzill), green (Core'dinations), white (Neenah)Inks: Noir Palette Hybrid ink (Stewart Superior), markers (Copic)Accessories: Nestabilities (Spellbinders).

Cupcake Inspiration #28

The Hope Stamps Sweeties are serving up cupcakes again this week! Check out these decadent beauties, and be inspired to create!

I went straight to the Indian Summer designer paper from Basic Grey for my creation, and kept the stamping simple by just using this beautiful sentiment from my Butterfly Wishes stamp set from The Greeting Farm.
See what the other Sweeties have created for this challenge!

Rachel * Colleen * Bonnie * Natalie

Kelli * Michelle * Carolina

Also, if you are so inclined, please keep the Haynes family in your prayers today. They are our neighbors and Tim, the 50-something husband and father suffered a heart attack on Thursday and died on Saturday morning. We are just devasted at the loss of this good man, and are so sad for his suffering wife and children. Hug your loved ones and please say a prayer for Chris and the kids! You just never know what turns your life is going to take!

God bless...

Stamps: Butterfly Wishes (The Greeting Farm)Cardstock: burgundy (Core'dinations), Really Rust, Natural Ivory (Stampin' Up!), designer paper (Indian Summer by Basic Grey)Inks: Vintage Photo, Walnut Stain distress inks (Ranger)Accessories: Double Dot scalloped border punch (Martha Stewart), felt flower (Zva), Nestabilities (Spellbinders).