1/31/11

TLT - Card for a Child Pinky Style

Oh yes, it's another party over at the TLT blog!  This week Pinky challenged us to make a Card for a Child; since we have 2 girls with birthdays coming up; what a great time to whip out the ADORABLE Robyn and fix her up!

I used the layout from Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge #102 with a little creative interpretation - HA!  Love the layout!

I've had this DP FOREVER and you know I've mentioned how I'm trying to use, use, use my DP right?  It's Salsa by Junkitz; it's very thin so it works great for layering!  I edged everything in VersaMagic Sahara Sand; the main image is stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black and colored with Copics.  I used the 3D balloons as the "circle" area of the sketch (creative interpretation going on here).  They were paper pieced using 2 layers for extra dimension. I once again added white polka dots to Robyn's dress; love that look!  AND did you notice that serious sparkle on Robyn's crown, oh yes, she is a princess like none other!!

Be sure to check out the TLT blog for some amazing eye candy, THEN join us for the weekly challenge; come on, let's get 100+ people to join us this week - spread the word.  Always a fabulous prize available ya know, plus bragging rights!  :D

Hope you have a GREAT week; hugs, ~M.



WHAT'S IT TAKE?
Stamps: Ladybug Crafts Ink Robyn Make a Wish
Papers:  GKD Cream, PTI Hibiscus Burst & Lemon Tart, Salsa DP by Junkitz
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, VersaMagic Wheat & Sahara Sand
Accessories:  Copics, white gel pen, dimensional pearls, dimensionals

1/30/11

Repeat Impressions SOTW - Bear With Heart

All together now - AHHH....isn't he cute?  I guess it's a he?  HA HA!

It's another Repeat Impressions Stamp of the Week and we're working with this adorable "Bear with Heart" image; just love it! Don't forget, whenever we have a Stamp of the Week, you can purchase the SAME image for 50% off-what a steal.  Check it out!

And please note, I tried my bravery one more time and stamped my bear friend onto Kraft card stock and colored with Watercolor Pencils and OMS.  Yeah me (for the bravery, that is).  :D


I like how he turned out; love the highlighting and he's just so cute!  I added Glossy Accents to the heart; he's holding that heart for his special girl, I just know he is!

Don't forget to hop over to The House That Stamps Built to see all the amazing eye candy AND to get the deets on how you can get this image for 50% off!

Thanks for stopping by - hope you have a GREAT week!  Hugs, ~M.


WHAT'S IT TAKE?
Stamps: Repeat Impressions Bear with Heart
Papers:  SU! DP, PTI Pure Poppy, GKD White
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories:  nesties, pearls, border punch, Copics

1/28/11

Love Notes

So, I'm definitely not technologically savvy, we know that right (see previous post)?  That's okay; I found some time to craft tonight, I feel much better!  LOL

I used Jen's Sketch For You To Try - one sketch per month; be sure to join the fun as it's almost time for a new sketch!  I have always loved Jen's sketches and this one is another winner!

Nothing fancy, just straightforward stamping but boy was it fun!  I used two sets from Verve - Love Notes and Blue Skies.  I used the notebook paper from Blue Skies stamping it twice, cutting out the 2nd image and mounting with dimensionals over the first.  I also curled a couple of the edges and actually punched out the holes - you know, just like real notebook paper for your binder!  HA!

I also stamped the main heart twice, mounting the 2nd image with dimensionals.  I added some clear embossing powder to the heart; so shiny IRL.

I edged everything in VersaMagic Jumbo Java, added some Chocolate Baker's Twine and called it good.  A great little Valentine's card for a special young lady!

Thanks for stopping by; and don't forget, if you prefer to subscribe via e-mail, please enter your e-mail address in the Feedburner box on the left-hand side of the page (I had to make a change, so if you were previously subscribed via e-mail, it probably will not work any longer, UNTIL you re-subscribe - sorry!).

Have a GREAT weekend!  Hugs, ~M.


WHAT'S IT TAKE?
Stamps: Verve Visual Love Notes & Blue Skies
Papers:  SU! DP, PTI Pure Poppy, Dark Chocolate, GKD White
Ink:  Memento Rich Cocoa, PI Pure Poppy
Accessories:  nesties, PTI Chocolate Baker's Twine, sponging, Crystal Clear embossing powder

So you THINK you are technically savvy?

I'm not - thought I was, I'm not!

:D

If you subscribe to my blog via e-mail; you may need to "re-subscribe" using Feedburner - the box is on the left-hand side of the screen; just enter your e-mail address and follow along!  Don't ask; it's such a complicated mess, BUT I'm hoping this works - otherwise this blog was going to start costing me $360/PER YEAR...thanks to Feedblitz!

So...I had to dump Feedblitz and move on over to Feedburner - WHOOP, WHOOP.  Thanks for your help Sweet Ladybugs!

Have a great weekend; I'll be back soon with lots of Valentine's Day cards!  Hugs, ~M.

1/25/11

Repeat Impressions What If? Wednesday

Ah...thanks for joining me again today - did you bring those sunglasses I mentioned yesterday?

I had a BLAST making this card and boy is it a bright one for me AND not my normal go-to colors, but I like it!

Be sure to hop over to The House That Stamps Built so you can see the sketch we were given as well as all the other creations by the amazing Rock Stars; I promise some great eye candy!

I layered two scalloped squares, some DP by SU!, Pure Poppy by PTI, all offset with white and that fabulous Lupine image by Repeat Impressions.

Sorry for the super short post; I must have slept wrong Sunday night and my neck/upper back is soooo painful; I've tried the heating pad, muscle massage and tonight Bengay (I smell PURDY)!  HA!!

Thanks for popping in and don't forget, stop over at The House That Stamps Built for all the deets on how you can join the fun!

Hugs, ~M.


WHAT'S IT TAKE?
Stamps: Repeat Impressions Lupine
Papers:  SU! DP, PTI Pure Poppy, GKD White
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories:  nesties, pearls, border punch, Copics

1/24/11

TLT - Plum Crazy for Stitching Amber Style

It's Tuesday and you know what that means, right?  Lots of insanity unleashed over at the TLT Challenge Blog!

This week Amber gave us the challenge of "Plum Crazy for Stitching"; not sure if we were required to use plum or just required to use stitching, but you can see all the Ladybugs played nicely and did BOTH!

Loved the challenge - thanks Amber!!

I used another image from the BRAND NEW Baby Baby set - I so *heart* the images in this collection!  Don't you want to reach out and pat that little bum up in the air under the blanket?  And look and those little piggies peeking how, how adorable!

:D

So, so cute!  I went with purple for my image and some crazy, fun and plum/purple-ish paper from Basic Grey.

I added white enamel dots to the decorative square frame.  The layout is week 4 of the Viva La Verve Challenge (HERE); GREAT layout!  Fun and funky stitching around the outside border and then straight stitching on either side of the Plum Pudding saddle stitch ribbon.  I also added some white dots to the baby's blanket using a white gel pen (Anita did that recently so I stole the idea from her)!

Won't you play along with us this week?  We want to see you go Plum Crazy for Stitching!

Thanks for stopping by; hope you have a great week.  AND stop back tomorrow...and um....bring some sunglasses, I think you'll need them.  :D

Hugs, ~M.



WHAT'S IT TAKE?
Stamps: Ladybug Crafts Ink Baby Baby
Papers:  GKD White, PTI Plum Pudding, Lavendar Moon, Basic Grey DP
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, VersaMagic Pretty Petunia
Accessories:  Copics, White Enamel, MS Heart border punch, nesties, PTI saddle stitch ribbon, white gel pen

Our Deepest Sympathy

My sweet co-worker that lost her mother loves yellow, so this was a custom requested sympathy card for her.  Hence - it has some serious yellow going on which I know she will appreciate.  AND did you notice H-O-W different it is from the last sympathy card I did HERE??

I once again used Verve Visual's Forever In Our Hearts stamp set and the layout is Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge 101.  The tree image was inked with PTI Always Artichoke and the bird with Memento Tuxedo Black.  I carried over the image onto the envelope and one bird to the inside of the card along with the sentiment I chose.

The layout was super fun and I will use it time and time again!


Inside of Card

I decided this morning (after I had slept on it - NO, not LITERALLY) that I needed to add a sympathy statement on the front, so I embossed "Our Deepest Sympathy" in black in the lower right hand side by the oval (on the designer paper); it looks nice.  But I certainly didn't have time to take a picture before heading off to work.  :(

Thanks for popping in; be sure to stop back tomorrow and see the newest TLT Challenge!   Have a GREAT week friends!  Hugs, ~M.


WHAT'S IT TAKE?
Stamps: Verve Visual Forever in our Hearts
Papers:  PTI Simply Chaurtreuse & Harvet Gold, DP by Basic Grey
Ink:  PTI Ripe Avocado, Memento Tuxedo Black, VersaMagic Jumbo Java
Accessories: nesties, border punch, Copics

1/22/11

With Sympathy

Unfortunately, I will be making a few more sympathy cards today.  :(  Our dear sweet co-worker's mother passed away unexpectedly late Thursday evening.  I learned the news early Friday morning, called my co-worker and proceeded to cry for the next 10 minutes.  They knew she was ill, but not "she's going to die ill"; of course, when it's your time - IT'S YOUR TIME!

Anyway, this particularly sympathy card was a custom order last week and I really like how it turned out.  I used the VLVJAN2011 layout (week 3).  I used some DP from Memory Box and Basic Grey's basics manilla paper.  My all-time favorite sympathy set is by Verve Visual, "Forever in Our Hearts"; I always turn to this set when sympathy cards are needed.

I stamped the large and small foilage in 2nd generation PTI Dark Chocolate & then offset with VersaMagic Malted Mauve on the main panel.  Distressed all the edges, added some pink satin ribbon from My Favorite Things and a large PTI button with Chocolate baker's twine to finish it off.

Love how it turned out; pray it brings comfort to the one receiving it.


Have a great weekend; hugs, ~M.


WHAT'S IT TAKE?
Stamps: Verve Visual Forever in our Hearts
Papers:  PTI Kraft and Dark Chocolate, DP by Memory Box and Basic Grey
Ink:  PTI Dark Chocolate, VersaMagic Malted Mauve
Accessories:  button, baker's twine, distressing, MFT ribbon

1/18/11

Repeat Impressions CASE Joy

It's Wednesday!  That ALWAYS means fun over at The House That Stamps Built!  This week we are CASE'ing Joy; we've had so much fun CASE'ing several of the Rock Stars (AND did you know we are looking for a new Rock Star?  Check it out HERE!).

I went CAS (for me) but really bold, bright colors (I'm imitating Ayana - that chick does bright so well!!!)!

Won't you CASE Joy too and join the fun?  Hop over to The House That Stamps Built for all the deets!

Thanks for popping in; hugs, ~M.


WHAT'S IT TAKE?
Stamps: Repeat Impressions
Papers:  PTI Raspberry Fizz, GKD White, Cosmo Cricket DP
Ink:  PTI Hawaiian Shores
Accessories:  nesties, MS border punch, misc. large gems

1/17/11

TLT - Anything but Square

Oh, this was fun - I *heart* round cards, so that's what I chose when we had to do "anything but square" at the TLT Challenge Blog!

I used one of the adorable Cupcake Cutie images stamped on PTI Kraft and colored with pencils and OMS.  I painted on some white icing, added some sprinkles (every girl should have sprinkles on her cupcake, right?) and adhered the image to a doily which was then adhered to a decorative circle.  I love these decorative circles and squares from Spellbinder's - so pretty!


Be sure to check out all the fun at the TLT Challenge Blog and then make your own creation to join the fun!  We LOVE when you join us!

The inside has a Kraft layer and says "Happy Birthday For A Special Girl".  I stamped "For A Special Girl" on the envelope in Black and then added the Cupcake Cutie in Raspberry Fizz.



Thanks for peeking in; I love when you visit!  Hugs, ~M.



WHAT'S IT TAKE?
Stamps: My Favorite Things Hello Cupcake
Papers:  GKD White, PTI Berry Sorbet, Summer Sunrise
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories:  paper piecing (dress and cupcake liner), Crystal Effects, Copics, Nesties

1/16/11

RI SOTW - Rose Window

Greetings friends!  Did you have a good weekend?  We had a basketball tourney; the girls didn't do well at all BUT it was still lots of fun...and it was in our hometown, even better!  :D

This week at The House That Stamps Built, we are featuring the Rose Window as the Stamp of the Week (SOTW); meaning YOU can buy this stamp for 50% off, what a deal!  So be sure to pop over to The House That Stamps Built to get all the deets!

I wanted to create a stained glass type look...how did I do?  I also used some tips from the recent SCS post on Faux Tile; rather than cutting up my image; I created 4 identical images and covered each with Glossy Accents.  Interesting thing happened...since it's so cold in my craft room (in the basement); when I went to check on the pieces to see if they had dried, they were kind of curled, as I was uncurling them they CRACKED.  Nothing like unintentional cracked glass.  LOL!  I added some tea dye ink into the cracks and called it good!

Mounted the 4 pieces on PTI's Smokey Shadow card stock which was then mounted on a white decorative square and another Smokey Shadow decorative square (I cut it in half and spread it apart to make it work).  I also created embossed lines all the way around the card; I love the way that looks IRL!

Thanks for popping in; be sure to check out what the other Rock Stars have created AND don't forget to pop over to The House That Stamps Built!



Hugs, ~M.

WHAT'S IT TAKE?
Stamps: Repeat Impressions Rose Window
Papers:  GKD White, PTI Smokey Shadow, Pure Poppy
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories:  nesties, Copics, Glossy Accents, dry embossing

1/14/11

Pure Innocence + JUGS66 + SSSC99

I have resisted all Pure Innocence images for months...until Hello Cupcake came along.  I just cannot resist cute images that involve cupcakes!  :D

She is soooo adorable, don't you think?  I want that cupcake she's holding too!  The layout is Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge 99 AND I used Just Us Girls Challenge #66 which was to decorate your envelope - which I always do!

I added a liner to the inside of the envelope and I stamped the sentiment and main image (2nd generation) on the front of the envelope.

I paper-pieced her dress and the cupcake liner, drew in some little socks and added Crystal Effects to her barrette and the cherry on top of the cupcake.  So much fun!





I also stamped the sentiment on the twill ribbon - I LOVE DOING THAT!  I think it adds just a great touch!

Thanks for popping in; hope you have a great weekend!  Hugs, ~M.



WHAT'S IT TAKE?
Stamps: My Favorite Things Hello Cupcake
Papers:  GKD White, PTI Berry Sorbet, Summer Sunrise
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories:  paper piecing (dress and cupcake liner), Crystal Effects, Copics, Nesties

1/13/11

Richly Blessed - MOJO173

Well, we had a total heat wave today - made it to 30 degrees and it was only 13 degrees this morning - bring on those bathing suits.  HA!  The kids even returned to school after missing 2 days...they were thrilled...NOT!

I found some extra time to create this past weekend and this is one of the cards I made using Mojo Monday layout #173 and the cross from Verve Visual's Richly Blessed set.  The sentiment is from PTI and says "God writes the gospel not in the Bible alone, but on trees and flowers and clouds and stars."

I'm working really hard to use my DP - I have a TON of Basic Grey 6x6 pads and I'm determined to USE them!



I sponged all the edges with VersaMagic Jumbo Java, nothing fancy just fun!

Thanks for popping in - have a great week!!  Hugs, ~M.




WHAT'S IT TAKE?
Stamps: Verve Visual Richly Blessed
Papers:  GKD Cream, Basic Grey DP, PTI Aqua Mist
Ink:  Stormy Sky Distress Ink, VersaMagic Jumbo Java
Accessories:  misc. gems, crochet ribbon, nesties

1/11/11

What If? Wednesday

We have another great sketch from Wendy of Repeat Impressions and you'll want to play along for YOUR chance to win a $25 gift certificate...shopping is fun, but free shopping is the BEST!

You can check out all the deets and see all the creations at The House That Stamps Built.


I chose to use the Wild Violets image and some more Cosmo Cricket DP.  See those circles on the DP?  They are PURE WHITE on the original DP, but I used PTI's tea dye ink to age the paper and give it more of a vintage type feel.  I meant to take a picture of the white...but forgot!  :(

I added liquid dimensional pearls to the center of each flower and around the scalloped circle, some light blue pears and crocheted ribbon.  Thanks for peeking in; hope you'll join us with your very own design based upon the sketch!

Also, would you like to be a Repeat Impressions Rock Star?  Wendy is looking for a new team member, you can see all the deets HERE. I promise, it's an amazing group of designers!!

Have a great week; hugs, ~M.




WHAT'S IT TAKE?
Stamps: Repeat Impressions Wild Violets
Papers:  GKD Cream, PTI Kraft & Hawaiian Shores, DP by Cosmo Cricket
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories:  half-back pearls, Copics, Netsties, Crochet Ribbon by MFT, Liquid Dimensional Pearls

1/10/11

Baby Baby

I get down on my knees for you...wait, that's the lyrics to a song from "Top Gun" which I watched this past weekend.  :D  I love that movie.

In fact, I took time to go back and watch several older movies:  "RENT"; "The Notebook" and a new release "Dinner for Schmucks" - what a super fun weekend.

OK, I know you're not here to learn about my weekend - LOL....the TLT girls are all about the NEW BABY BABY set this week, aren't the images adorable?  Kerry (Queen Ladybug) has outdone herself!  Let's cover the hop rules first:

a) Visit each of the DT members in order and leave a comment on each of their blog hop posts.
b) Leave a comment at the bottom of the TLT Challenge Blog Post telling us which is your favorite image from the new release.
c) Display the blog hop banner which is at the top of TLT Challenge Blog Post on your blog either in a post or on your side bar.
The Prize is a full set of the new BABY BABY stamps along with some GOODIES from Hayley at FUNKY FARM SCRAPBOOK BARN 
Funky Farm Scrapbook Barn
- who incidentally also has a fabulous 10% discount for all Ladybug friends using the code TLTLADYBUGS.


The hop will close at 9 a.m. GMT on Monday, January 17 and the winner will be announced at 9 a.m. GMT on Tuesday January 18.

The second way you can win the full set of BABY BABY stamps is by entering the challenge this week with the theme:  BABY

You DON'T have to use a Ladybug Crafts Ink image to enter  this week - any image will do.  If you do not have a blog - just email lcichallengeblog@aol.com a picture of your card/project before the closing date.  So don't forget, you have 2 chances to win... you can JUST enter the hop, or JUST enter the challenge or if you are game - enter both!

Hopefully you have arrived here from our January guest designer - ADORABLE AMBER; if not, be sure to start at the beginning (HERE)!

I used baby in a bear suit - I was even able to make it look all fuzzy - isn't that cute?  I used the Viva la Verve Challenge (VLVJAN2011)...altered it a bit, but it works!  Lots of Kraft and Chocolate to go along with my little bear!  AND we have a co-worker that was due yesterday, so I can't wait to give this to them when their little guy arrives!

Next up on the hop is the LOVELY LISA!  Thanks for hopping with us and don't forget to enter for your chance to win!

PS - for one week only, the new BABY BABY set will be £6.99, regularly £8.99!

Hugs, ~M.



WHAT'S IT TAKE?
Stamps: Ladybug Crafts Ink BABY BABY
Papers:  DCWV Nana's Kids, PTI Kraft, Dark Chocolate
Ink:  Memento Rich Cocoa
Accessories:  Copics, Nesties, Misc. Buttons