Some Fun News, A Card, and Vacation!

Hola Chicas!

I'm practicing for our upcoming vacation to Cabo.  When you read this, hubby and I, and eight of our friends will be headed to Cabo San Lucas for a week of rest, relaxation, sunshine, lounging by the pool, and eating until we puke.  Well . . . maybe we won't puke, but I'm going to enjoy every single minute of our vacation!  So, if you don't hear from me for a while, that's why.

STAMPS:  Precious Baby Boy (Hero Arts), Scalloped Borders (Hero Arts), Diamond Stitched Background (Rubbernecker)
INK:  Versamark, Rich Cocoa (Memento), Spring Rain (PTI)
PAPER:  Men of Life DP (PTI), White CS (Neenah), Pure Poppy CS (PTI), Spring Rain CS (PTI)
ACCESSORIES:  Circle Classic and Scalloped Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Janome Sew Mini, White Embossing Powder (Zing/American Crafts), Spring Rain Gingham Ribbon (PTI), Wood Button (PTI), Scrapper's Floss (Karen Foster), Glue Dots, Library Clip (SU), 3-D Dots (EK Success), Copic Markers

I thought I'd leave you with another sweet little card that I  made with the "Precious Baby Boy" clear stamp

set by Hero Arts. (Sorry, it appears that ABC Toys has sold out of this set - if you want it, drop Julie an email [abctoysandcrafts@comcast.net].  She might be able to order it in for you.)  I was inspired by a card that I saw in the most recent Card Creations magazine by Carolyn King (I think it's on page 30).  I loved the layout, and knew that the "Precious Baby Boy" set would work perfectly with it.  I also used another Hero Arts set that is very quickly becoming one of my most favorite, go-to sets - Scalloped Borders.  This will be another card that I can add to my future grandson's stash.

Before I head off to Cabo, I really wanted to share another "happy dance" moment - THIS card was picked as the "Featured Designer" card over at Our Creative Corner.  They always have such fun challenges over there, and I've been stalking them for quite awhile.  Finally got the courage to submit a card for one of them, and was ever so thrilled to find that they liked my card.  You all should check them out, too - fun stuff, I tell ya!

I'll pre-schedule my ABC Toys & Crafts post for next Tuesday - the team has something really special planned for you all next week, so be sure and stop by to see for yourselves, especially if you're looking for ideas to make some fun and unique Valentine's Day gifts.  I think there might be some prizes, but don't quote me on that!  Thanks so much for stopping by!

Hasta la vista, baby!

Wishing You Love and Happiness!

Hi Peeps!

Got a quick post for you today, as my girlie, Terri, is coming over to play and I need to get the house in order.  Yikes!

This card features some new Inkadinkadoo stamps that ABC Toys & Crafts just got in, and let me tell you - they are all gorgeous!  I'm especially liking this rose, as the detail in it is so fine and realistic.  I created this card for the last Raspberry Suite Color Challenge - ya know, the one where my other card was picked for TOP TEN!!  (Just thought I'd share that in case you missed it before - LOL)  I used lots of fun products on this baby, that I've listed for you below.

STAMPS:  Two Roses (Inkadinkadoo), Wishing You (Inkadinkadoo)
INK:  Versamark
PAPER:  Letterbox DP (American Crafts), Sno Cone CS (Poptone), Hot Fudge CS (Poptone), Barely Banana CS (SU), Vintage Cream CS (PTI)
ACCESSORIES:  Labels 5 Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Apron Lace Border Punch (Fiskars), Charm (Zoe Bunny), Vintage Cream Satin Ribbon (PTI), Janome Sew Mini, Butter Embossing Powder (Zing/American Crafts), Frost Embossing Powder (Zing/American Crafts), Swiss Dots Embossing Folder (Provo Craft), 3-D Dots (EK Success), Oval Classic Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

Sorry to cut and run, but I have some serious dust bunnies that need to be captured before Terri arrives - or before she calls the health department on me!  LOL  Have a great day - thanks so much for stopping by!

Just Saying Hello!

Hello!

We've had some pretty crazy weather around here!  It rained cats and dogs the last two nights, and the winds were blowing as high as 60 mph!  So strange for AZ, but things seem to be quieting down for now.  I'm ready to get back to my beloved sunny days, that's for sure.

STAMPS:  Truly Appreciated (Hero Arts), Zinnia (A Muse)
INK:  Fresh Snow (PTI), Tuxedo Black (Memento)
PAPER:  Berry Sorbet CS (PTI), Sweet Blush CS (PTI), Linen Vellum (PTI)
ACCESSORIES:  Retro Diamonds Embossing Folder (QuicKutz), Self-Adhesive Pearls (Hero Arts), Upper Crest Border Punch (Fiskars), Berry Sorbet 3/8" Satin Ribbon (PTI)


Just wanted to pop in real quick today to share a quick little card that I made using a brand new Hero Arts clear set called Truly Appreciated.  I feel like this is an example of a simple yet elegant card - and it only took me about 20 minutes to make!  It could easily be mass produced using any one of the super versatile sentiments from the Truly Appreciated set.  I also created this for the Our Creative Corner Sketch Challenge 49 as well as the Crazy 4 Challenges C4C21, which is to create a project using a pink color scheme.

There's still a few days left in that awesome blog candy giveaway over at the ABC Toys & Crafts Store Blog, so head on over HERE to check it out and leave your name on Mr. Linky.

That's it for me today.  I have to take a sweet friend to the airport this morning - she gets to go to CHA . . . lucky dog!!  Maybe I'll see if she'll slip me into her suitcase and take me with her!  LOL  Have a great weekend, friends!

Toot! Toot!!

Hi Peeps!

I just had to pop in and share a bit of news that has me dancing around like a silly fool!  So, you know the baby boy card that I posted here yesterday?  Well . . . Dawn McVey, one of my stamping heros, chose it as one of the top 10 cards for her Raspberry Suite Color Challenge #21 - see for yourself HERE!  OH MY GOSH!!  I am beside myself with happiness, and I just had to share with you all!

Could this day get any better?!  I don't think so . . . .  I'll probably have something crafty for you tomorrow.  Thanks for stopping by!

Precious Baby Boy!

Happy Tuesday!

It's been raining like crazy the last couple of days, which is just so unusual here in AZ.  But I know that after it rains, the desert always looks so beautiful as the desert flowers bloom.  It's gorgeous!  So a little bit of rain here is always a good thing.

STAMPS:  Precious Baby Boy (Hero Arts), Scalloped Borders (Hero Arts), Mixed Messages (PTI), Victorian Diamond Background (Rubbernecker), Polka Dot Basics (PTI)

INK:  Versamark, Rich Cocoa (Memento)
PAPER:  Sno Cone CS (Poptone), So Saffron CS (SU), Vintage Cream CS (PTI), Hot Fudge CS (Poptone)
ACCESSORIES:  Vanilla Cream Embossing Powder (CHF), Brown Gingham Ribbon (Michael's), Diaper Pin Charm (Whiff of Joy), Circle Classic Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Cuttlebug, Copic Markers, 3-D Dots (EK Success), Frost Embossing Powder (Zing/American Crafts)

I'm back today to share my ABC Toys & Crafts sample.  Can I tell you how much I love Hero Arts stamps?  There are very few of their clear sets that I don't like, and my collection is forever growing.  I don't mind that, though, as I feel like most of their images are timeless.  This card features a Hero Arts clear set called Precious Baby Boy.  You all know that my first grandson is expected in May, right?!  Well, ever since we learned of this news, I've been excited to create baby boy cards.  I used Dawn McVey's Raspberry Suite Color Challenge #21 - I feel like the colors are perfect for a baby boy card, don't you?  It also features another Hero Arts clear set that I've had for quite a while now, and hadn't used until now - it's called Scalloped Borders.  I'll be using that set over and over again for sure - loves me some scallops!!

****NEWS BITS*****

• All Martha Stewart Crafts products on sale for 15% off until January 22nd.  Julie just got a shipment of the brand spankin' new Spring/Easter Release regular and border punches - they are ADORABLE!!  You can see them all HERE.  Hurry before they're all gone!
  
• You still have time to enter to win ABC Toys & Crafts blog candy - Julie is giving away three different Punch Around the Page punch sets.  You can enter to win until January 25th HERE. 
• Julie also got in some of the new Sarah Kay clear stamps.  These are some pretty sweet images that you're going to want to add to your collection.  You can check them out HERE.

That's it for me today!  Thanks so much for stopping by . . . I so appreciate that you take the time out of your day to do that.

Hugs!

Bugs & Kisses and a Blog Candy Alert!

Happy Monday and Martin Luther King Day!

Don't you just love three day weekends?  I know I do.  I hope you had a nice weekend.

STAMPS:  Bugs & Kisses (Hero Arts)
INK:  Versamark, Berry Sorbet (PTI), Tuxedo Black (Memento)
PAPER:  Berry Sorbet CS (PTI), Sweet Blush CS (PTI), White CS (Neenah)
ACCESSORIES:  Pinked Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Circle Classic Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Labels One Nestabilities (Spellbinders), 3-D Dots (EK Success), Berry Sorbet Satin Ribbon (PTI), Ladybug Charm (Whiff of Joy), Quickie Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds

Here's a card that I created last week when my mojo was a'flowin'.  It features another new Hero Arts set called "Bugs & Kisses."  Pretty simple and straight-forward, really.  I've listed the products used below the photo . . . if you have any questions about how I put this together, I'd be happy to answer them.  This also qualifies for SC263, the sketch challenge over at Splitcoast Stampers - I haven't participated in a sketch challenge over there in months!

BLOG CANDY ALERT!

Oh, before I forget, Julie Foote, the owner of ABC Toys & Crafts, is offering up three different sets of Martha Stewart Punch Around the Page sets as blog candy.  All you have to do is become a follower of the ABC Toys & Crafts Store Blog, and then enter your name into Mr. Linky.  Easy peasy, lemon squeezie!!  You can enter to win by clicking on the logo below.  Oh, and while you're there, you should check out the Martha Stewart products - they're all 15% off through January 22nd.  Just sayin' . . . .

Thanks so much for stopping by!  Have a great day!

Feel Better, Friend!

I know!  Another post!!  Pretty sure this is a record . . . I don't think I've EVER posted so many times in a week.  I've been having so much fun creating.  Got to spend the afternoon yesterday with three of my favorite stamping peeps . . . so grateful to have such good friends and fun ladies to hang out with.  I usually don't get too much accomplished on these days, but I did manage to get one card completed, so I thought I'd share.

STAMPS:  Ruffles Get Well Soon (Helz Cuppleditch/Stampavie), Scattered Showers Additions (PTI)
INK:  Tuxedo Black (Memento), Colorbox Chalk Ink (Clearsnap)
PAPER:  Bitty Baby Blessings DP (PTI), White CS (Neenah), Barely Banana CS (SU), Mini Gingham (A Muse)
ACCESSORIES:  Stampin' Dimensionals, Embossed Scallop Border Punch (EK Success), Taffeta Ribbon (SU), Copic Markers, Square Classic Nestabilities, Janome Sew Mini, Buttons (PTI), Scrapper's Floss (Karen Foster)

I managed to cram two challenges into this card . . . the first one is the Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge #98, as well as the Paper Crafts January Gallery Challenge (which is to create a card featuring marker coloring skills).  You should play along, too!

I received this stamp in the mail on Wednesday and knew that it would go perfectly with the Bitty Baby Blessing paper pack that I got from PTI ages ago (and had not cracked open until yesterday)!  How freakin' cute is this puppy?  Love that big overstuffed chair, too . . . actually, love everything about this image.  It's called "Ruffles Get Well Soon" by Helz Cuppleditch (Stampavie).  I got one other from the same line, and can't wait to get it inky, too.  The sentiment on the card is from the "Scattered Showers Additions" from PTI.  Two more stamps that have never been inked up - TAKE THAT, Terri!  LOL

Well, that's it for me today.  I hope you all enjoy your long holiday weekend.  Any fun plans?  We're having dinner with our neighbors tonight, so I'm looking forward to that.  Otherwise . . . got lots more crafting left in these veins!  Thanks for stopping by - you have no idea how much it means to me that you do.

Hugs!

Love Ewe!

Hi Peeps!

Now, I don't want you all to get used to me posting every day, but isn't this fun?!  I'm having a blast . . . my mojo is a-flowin'!!  Hopefully it holds out for my fun day of stamping with my stampin' buddies tomorrow.  Can't wait!

STAMPS:  Love Ewe (Unity Stamps), Valentine Sentiments (Hero Arts), Scalloped Border (Hero Arts)

INK:  Tuxedo Black (Memento), Versamark
PAPER:  Kraft CS (PTI), Farm Fresh DP (October Afternoon), Spring Moss CS), Pure Poppy CS (PTI), Vintage Cream CS (PTI)

ACCESSORIES:  Vanilla Cream Embossing Powder (CHF), Doily Hearts Border Punch (Martha Stewart), Janome Sew Mini, Hemp, Buttons (PTI)

I created today's card for a couple of different challenges that are out there in blogland.  Did I tell you all that one of my New Year's resolutions is to participate in more challenges to get my mojo flowin'?  So, this card fits the bill for the Moxie Fab World "Start to Finish" Challenge (finish the inside and the outside of the card), Kristina Werner's Finally Friday challenge (create a small Valentine card) and the Just Us Girls weekly challenge (use some kind of stitching on your project).  Sheesh, I don't think I've ever been able to cram so many challenges into one card, but oh how fun it is to do it!  You should try it, too!!

That's it for me, peeps.  My mojo is screaming at me, and I want to get some stuff ready for tomorrow.  Thanks so much for stopping by . . . your sweet words just make my day!

You Light Up My Life!

Hi Kids!

I told you that I've been quite crafty lately - I've actually gotten quite a few cards done in the last several days, which is unusual for me!  For the first time in a long time, my stamping time is mine, for the most part.  That's such a freeing feeling, I gotta tell ya.  I have to believe that  it has contributed to my increased mojo - yay!

STAMPS:  Small Chandelier (Hero Arts), You Light Up My Life (Impress)
INK:  Versamark
PAPER:  True Black CS (PTI)
ACCESSORIES:  Raspberry Fizz 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, 1/8" Scor-Tape, Dazzling Diamonds, Glue Dots, Cricket Embossing Powder (Zing/American Crafts), White Embossing Powder (Zing/American Crafts)

Here's a card that I made for the Hero Arts January Contest - the themes are Friendship and Valentines.  I'd so send this to a friend for Valentine's day - I have a few friends that would totally get a kick out of it!  The colors are a bit bright - but I kinda like that.  I was actually inspired by a card that I saw on Heather Pulverenti's blog HERE.  I knew when I saw it that this new Hero Arts Small Chandelier stamp would look really cool in bright green EP and all blinged out.

That's it for me today.  Thanks so much for stopping by!  I've got a few more goodies that I'll share with you over the next couple of days.  I hope you'll come back to see!

Hugs & Kisses!

Hey Chickies!

Is it Tuesday already?  Holy smokes!  I can't believe how fast this month is flying by - it's kind of freaking me out a little bit.  I've been on a so-called "diet" since January 1st in an effort to lose a little bit of weight before hubby and I head to Cabo San Lucas at the end of this month.  I really wanted to be able to wear a bikini.  Unfortunately, I don't have a huge amount of will-power . . . in fact, my will-power is pretty much shot!  I slipped up a couple of times this past weekend such that any headway I may have made is now gone!  Ugh!  Guess I'll be wearing a tankini in Mexico.  It's probably just as well . . . nobody really wants to see a 50 year old body in a bikini!  LOL

STAMPS:  Hugs and Kisses Birds (Hero Arts), Clouds Background (Hero Arts)

INK:  Versamark, Tuxedo Black (Memento)
PAPER:  Pure Poppy CS (PTI), Pretty In Pink CS (SU), White CS (Neenah), Bitty Dots DP (PTI)
ACCESSORIES:  Black and White Flower Ribbon (Hobby Lobby), Floral Vine Deep Edge Border PunchMartha Stewart), White Embossing Powder (Zing/American Crafts), 3-D Dots (EK Success), Black Self-Adhesive Gems (Hero Arts), Janome Sew Mini, Black Embossing Powder (Zing/American Crafts)

So, today I get to share another fun sample featuring one of the new Hero Arts cling stamp sets.  How freakin' cute are these sweet little birdies?  They, along with the sentiment, are from the cling stamp set called "Hugs and Kisses Birds," and I got it from ABC Toys & Crafts.  They recently got a huge shipment of most of the newest Hero Arts stamp releases, so if you like this one, you might want to head on over there real quick as these babies are flying off the shelves.  Just sayin'!

Back to my card.  The color combination was suggested by the most recent Embellish Magazine challenge, which was to use Red, Black and Pink, and to create a Valentine.  Cute, huh?!  I stamped the Clouds Background (Hero Arts) onto the pink CS in Versamark.  I then paper-pieced the little birdies.  The red border was made using a new Martha Stewart Deep Edge Border Punch called Floral Vine Border.  Isn't it yummy?!  I added a bit of stitching with my Janome Sew Mini, tied a sweet ribbon, and voila!!  You've got yourself a Valentine!  I'll also be submitting this for the Hero Arts January challenge, which is to create a card using the themes Valentines and Friendship.  You should submit some, too!  The challenge is running all month long!  You could win a $50 shopping spree from Hero Arts - get all the deets HERE.

I stamped quite a bit this weekend, so I'll share what I made with you over the next few days.  I'm hostessing my stamping buddies this coming Friday, so I should be able to get even more stamping done . . . or not.  LOL  Most of the time we spend more time yacking and laughing than we do stamping.  But boy is it fun!

Thanks so much for stopping by!  Catch ya later!

You're My Cup of Tea!

Happy New Year Peeps!

New Year, new blog banner.  I made it myself - pretty good, huh?  It's from a digi scrapbooking kit that I bought from The Sweet Shoppe.  I'm becoming quite the little PSE expert . . . at least I'm working towards that.  I also got a new watermark from Karen Giron - super fast service and inexpensive!!  You can see my new watermark in the photo below.  Isn't it cute?

Gosh, I can't believe I haven't posted anything crafty for so long . . . I finally got a chance to get some of my new stuff inky last week when a friend was visiting from Washington {waving "hi" Susan!}.  And luckily for me, my box of yummolicious crafty goodness arrived from ABC Toys & Crafts {thanks, Julie!} right in the middle of our stamping sesh.  Perf!!

Doesn't this just make you want to break open your box of tea and sit down for a

few to just "hang?"  Mmmmm . . . love the colors of this amazing designer paper (Bo Bunny "A Gift of Love" don'tcha know).  And this image - oh my gosh!!  It comes from this darling Hero Arts clear stamp set called "So Sweet."  So, true, huh?!!  Both the image and the sentiment are from the So Sweet set.  I also used my new Martha Stewart border punch called Doily Hearts.  Isn't it delish?!!

STAMPS:  So Sweet (Hero Arts)
INK:  Versamark (Tsukineko), Rich Cocoa (Memento), Pink Grapefruit (VersaMagic Chalk Ink)

PAPER:  Hot Fudge CS (Poptone), White CS (Neenah), A Gift of Love DP (Bo Bunny), Pretty In Pink CS (SU)
ACCESSORIES:  Teapot Charm (Whiff of Joy), White Satin Ribbon (SU), Square Classic and Scalloped Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Copic Markers, Doily Hearts Border Punch (Martha Stewart), Janome Sew Mini, Clear Self-Adhesive Gems (Hero Arts), 3-D Dots (EK Success), Quickie Glue Pen, Dazzling Diamonds glitter (SU), Espresso Embossing Powder (American Crafts/Zing)

I've listed all the products I used above.

Just a few more bits of news for you . . . first, ABC Toys & Crafts has received a huge selection of the brand spankin' new Hero Arts Clear Stamp sets and Clings.  You're going to want to check these babies out, especially if you've seen some of the samples out there in blogland.  These images are seriously over the top gorgeous.  I want one of everything!!  LOL  You can see all the new Hero Arts stuff HERE.

Second, the Martha Stewart Doily Lace Border punch is on sale for $11.19 - are you KIDDING me?!  That punch is nearly impossible to find, and when you do, it's on eBay for $30 or more!!  Get it while you can, peeps!!

ETA:  This card also qualifies for a few challenges that I've been eyeing.  The first one is the Hero Arts Friendship and Valentines Challenge, and the second one is the Crazy for Challenges challenge, which is to use polka dots.  The third challenge is the Papercrafts January challenge, which is to use markers as a focus on your card.  Love me some challenges!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I'm sure I'll be back soon with more crafty goodness, as I'm stamping with my buddies Terri and Kim today.  If those two can't inspire a girl to stamp, then I don't know who can!!