{ WSC74 } Friend to Friend

Yes! I'm on a stamping roll today and enjoying every glorious minute! This card was created using Charmaine's Weekend Sketch Challenge #74. It was her gorgeous card at Oodabug Alley that inspired me to play along!

When I saw the oval in the sketch I thought it was high time I dug out my much neglected Spellbinder Die Templates. I use them with the Cuttlebug and it's so quick and easy. That said, why don't I use them more often?! :) Also, I've finally inked up my Stampin Up Pocket Silhouette set. The designer papers are from a K&Company Wild Raspberry 8 x 8 pad and I've matched them up with Stampin Up rose red and rose romance.

On the first try, I added the large bow and after editing the photo, I decided it was just too much and a little distracting from the layout. So I cut it off and took another photo. Which card is your favorite? (I can't really put the bow back on, but I'm curious which you like better. :)

It's been a JOY to read all your comments and I want you to know that I appreciate them so much! I've met so many new creative bloggers recently because of these challenges and the incredible Mr. Linky! :)

If you've read this far, you deserve to get in on a little secret. . . blog candy coming soon!!! :)

Smiles ~ Friend to Friend,





"I love my friend because she smiles at me and means it." ~unknown

Another Wonderful Color Challenge!

Dawn McVey at My Favorite Things has posted another fantastic challenge! Here is Raspberry Suite Color Challenge #2! This week's photo is again from Pottery Barn Teen and it's the blue/green version of their Tropical Punch quilt from last week's color challenge! I *love* these colors together!

My 5-1/2" square card didn't end up quite as bright and colorful as I was hoping for, but hopefully you can see that I was trying to work with the challenge colors. I've used Stampin Up chocolate chip, certainly celery and tempting turquoise. I'm not sure why I thought I needed to distress everything, perhaps to make it look OLD...like Maude in the image! (This is an Art Impressions stamp from 1996 so she is OLD! LOL :) I stamped the cardstock with the Stampin Up linen background stamp and Versafine vintage sepia ink. As you can tell, I also have a passion for using designer paper on my cards and this polka dot one is from a K&Company Mat Pad.

You can imagine how much FUN Maude is to color with Copic markers. She's not smiling, but I was! :) The sentiment "Smile! You're on Candid Camera!" is a stamp that I bought at Viva Las Vegas Stamps when we were there last December. To see more info and photos of the store go to this post.

Isn't she funny?! I hope she makes you SMILE today!

Now, you really must check out all the other cards created using this color scheme. The best way is to go to Dawn's blog and click on the names posted with Mr. Linky. Whoever invented this was brilliant!

Happy Stamping & Keep Smiling!

Quote for Today ~

"A smile is the light in the window of your face that tells people you're at home." - unknown

Miss U Card for Color Inspiration Challenge #47

There are countless rubber stamping blogs out there with extremely creative people who continue to inspire me with all these wonderful challenges!


The card I'm sharing with you today was made for Kristina Werner's Color Inspiration Challenge #47.

If you want to play along, just blog on over to KWernerDesign.com and join in the FUN!

You'll notice I'm back to using my Changito monkey set again...a small Stampendous Perfectly Clear Stampset titled "Changito Notes". It's very versatile with several little sayings that you can stamp inside the sign the monkeys are holding. It includes: Happy B-day, Thank U, Thinking of You, Love You, Miss You (U), hey, 2, 4. I've used prismacolor pencils and Copic markers to color the image. For cardstock, I used the recommended Stampin Up color inspiration colors chocoloate chip, tangerine tango, so saffron and whisper white. I used a piece of designer paper from My Mind's Eye - Front Porch series.

I've been trying to get some things done around the house today, but what I really wanted to do was just stamp and read blogs! I hope you're enjoying the weekend and finding time 4 U!

Smiles,




Quote for Today ~
If you're alone, I'll be your shadow. If you want to cry, I'll be your shoulder. If you want a hug, I'll be your pillow. If you need to be happy, I'll be your smile. But anytime you need a friend, I'll just be me. ~Author Unknown

Life's a Beach! { Mojo Monday #79 }

You can always find a great sketch challenge at the Mojo Monday Sketch Blog! To play along, you simply make a card using the provided sketch and upload it to your blog or online gallery. Another great thing is that there is no time limit - you can play any week at any time. There are so many outstanding creations this week...you won't want to miss them!

You're probably wondering whatszup with the BIKINI card when it's still like WINTER outside! At least, here in Nebraska it's blustery cold this week and SUMMER seems a long way off. But, I've been coloring images with my new Copic markers and this just happened to be one I had done that would work for this sketch. You'll notice I did flip it and put my image on the right side instead of the left. I think that's "legal". ;)

The designer paper I've used is from a DCWV Glitter Pack and I've teamed it up with what I think is retired Stampin Up marvelous magenta cardstock. (or is it lavendar lace??)

The little "Life's a Beach" metal do-dad is from my stash of embellishments and I added a purple brad and attached to the card with a dimensional. I don't usually tie big bows like this on my cards when I'm mailing them, but I did this just for FUN! :) I colored BeachaBella's bikini with BV04 Blue Berry and made the polka dots with the Colorless Blender. Gotta love it!

I've sure been enjoying all your comments and appreciate them so much! Have a warm and wonderful week my friends!

Sunshine & Smiles,

Quote for Today ~

Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves. - James Barrie

Having a RRRUFF Day?

When I saw this clear stamp set by Inkadinkadoo, I simply *had* to have it because this cute dog looks just like my 'grandpuppy' Ber. I wish I had a photo of him in this position and you would have to agree! Ber is a german wirehair and one of the smartest, most lovable and humanlike dogs I've ever known.

BER. . .

This was a FUN card to make and it came together in a matter of minutes. The plaid background paper was in my stash and guess what was printed on the back of it? 2001 LaRayne Miller & Keeping Memories Alive, Inc. Good grief! Don't you think it's about time I used it!? :)

The sentiment and dog image were both stamped with Versafine Vintage Sepia and clear embossed. I also used this same ink to sponge distress the edges. Just a few brads, a little ribbon, some paper piercing and WA-LA!

If you happen to be having a RRRUFF day today, I hope this card made you SMILE! And I hope you have a doggone better day tomorrow!

Smiles,

Quote for Today ~

One reason a dog can be such a comfort when you're feeling blue is that he doesn't try to find out why. ~Author Unknown

Taking on Two Challenges in One!

Thank YOU to Dawn and Cambria for providing the inspiration for today's card! I've combined both of their challenges ~ Dawn's Week 1 Raspberry Suite Color Challenge and Cambria's Weekend Sketch Challenge #73.

Didn't Dawn pick a wonderful color scheme for her first challenge? I *love* these bright happy colors! I choose a patterned paper from my stash and teamed it up with Stampin Up cardstock colors tangerine tango, so saffron, rose red and close to cocoa. I wasn't sure if that was brown or black in her photo, but I went with the brown. In case you're wondering, her inspiration photo is from Pottery Barn Teen. Wouldn't anyone love a cheerful bedroom ensemble like this?!

For the Thank YOU circles, I've used a stamp by Inkadinkadoo, stamped with color and then clear embossed it for some shine and texture. {This doesn't really show in the photo.} I've used three of my circle punches ~ 1-1/4", 1-3/8", 1-1/2". The Swiss Dots Cuttlebug folder was used on the background and then I also added a line a zig-zag stitching along the bottom with my Janome Sew Mini. { I *love* that little machine! } The twill ribbon is from Taylored Expressions. It coordinates perfectly with Stampin Up's so saffron cardstock.

We had quite a rain shower a few minutes ago and SPRING is in the air! It was such a blessing to wake up to the sound of birds chirping! I hope you're enjoying your weekend and finding time to be creative. Thank YOU for blogging by!

Smiles 2 U All,

Quote for Today ~

"I would thank you from the bottom of my heart, but for you my heart has no bottom." ~Author Unknown

BookwormaBella's Twin Sister ~

Please see my previous post for the story behind my BookwormaBella cards.

There was another fun designer paper in this pad so I created another card and added a pc generated sentiment.

Which one do you like the best? I think this is my favorite! I love hearing from all of you so please feel free to leave your comments, suggestions, etc.

Stamp & Smile,

BookwormaBella Makes Perfect Card for My Sister Susie!

My older sister Susie could literally BE BookwormaBella! Seriously, I doubt if there is anyone who owns more books than my sister...and she reads them ALL too! One of her dreams is to own a second-hand bookstore and she could do it because she already has the inventory. Not only that, she amazes me with her knowledge of authors, titles, first editions, etc, etc. One reason she has so many books is that we go "junkin" when weather permits and she always seems to find an abundance of books...at a very cheap price and usually in perfect condition.

So, needless to say, when I saw the BookwormaBella stamp, I really wanted to get it to make Aunt Susie a card. Even better than buying the stamp, one of my "Bella-holic" friends at the STAMP SHACK ~ StampcrazyJulie ~ offered to send me a few images. Thank You Julie! { Poor Julie... she fell yesterday while roller skating with her daughter and broke her tailbone!! OUCH!!! Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers for a quick recovery. }

I've colored Bella with Copic markers and used the Making Memories Chloe's Closet line of designer paper and embellishments to make the card. The base cardstock and ribbon is Kiwi Kiss by Stampin' Up! I've distressed the edges and also did a little zig-zag stitching down the side strip of paper. It's partially hidden, but notice that the paper has a strip of book text down the side. :) Aren't I just so clever? hee hee

One last thing... I want to thank Dina Kowal from Mama Dina's Digi Sig Diner for making a new watermark graphic for my photos. If you need one, I highly recommend her!

Thanks for blogging by today! Have a wonderful weekend!






Quote for Today ~ "A book is a gift you can open again & again." - Garrison Keillor

Gettin' old ain't for sissies!

How about a little HUMOR today? :)

Don't you just love this hilarious image that I received in a swap with Linda's Crafty Creations? I'm fairly certain it is an Art Impressions stamp. (Linda, please comment and correct me if I'm wrong.) You can imagine how much FUN I had coloring her with my new Copic markers. Her dress is colored with BG72 Ice Ocean. It coordinates perfectly with Stampin Up's blue bayou cardstock and ribbon. I didn't plan that...it was pure St. Patty's day LUCK! :)

The sentiment stamp "Gettin' old ain't for sissies" is by Inkadinkadoo. No fancy stitching or special sketch challenge today... just a simple card that I'm hoping makes you SMILE!

Quote for Today ~

"Middle age is when your age starts to show around your middle". ~Bob Hope

Life is GOOD!

The Sketch Challenge today on Paper Craft Planet is one that caught my eye and I didn't want to pass it up. Especially when I saw the card that Tammy at Stamp Happy made. It's simply gorgeous!












You'll notice that I changed the location of the sentiment since my image wasn't as narrow as the example. And then I used the wide sheer pink ribbon for the horizontal layer instead of paper. And speaking of paper, I've used the same Wild Raspberry K&Company designer paper pad that was used in my last post. It's just a different double-sided print. I love this paper and you'll probably be seeing more of it! :)

This "bubbly" Bella image was one that a stamping friend sent to me several months ago. I've been coloring with my new Copic markers and this is one of my "practice" images. I haven't quite figured out the correct shading and highlighting, but I'm working on it! I may *need* a few more colors yet! ;) I've used diamond Stickles on the bubbles, but they glared in my photo. Trust me, it really is pretty in real life.

I'm glad you blogged by and hope LIFE IS GOOD in your world today!

Smiles 2 U,





Quote for Today:
"How beautiful it is to do nothing, and then to rest afterward." ~Spanish Proverb

HOPPY SPRING! {Splitcoaststampers FS109}

My inspiration for today's card came from Judith, aka StampingQueenJar, who was chosen as this week's Featured Stamper at Splitcoaststampers. Her super CUTE giraffe card is posted below, but be sure to check out her gallery or her blog "Joy in a Jar". You'll enjoy all her wonderful creations!

I promised you my next card was going to be "Springy" and here it is...in all it's "springyness"! {is that even a word?}

You know how I adore these cute little Changito monkeys. A sweet stamping friend {Amy aka "thebasicscrapper"} sent these images to me and as you can see, I've had FUN coloring them with my new COPIC markers. I don't know the name of this set, but I know the Changito monkey line is by Stampendous.

Do you like the designer paper I've used on the front of the card? Yesterday, when I was shopping at Michael's they had all the paper pads 25% off so I picked up this "Wild Raspberry" paper by K&Company. Each paper is double-sided...all so pretty and "springy" too!

I'm off now to put my foot up and stamp and color some more images. I really should do my PT exercises too. I'm glad you stopped by today and hope you have a happy week!

Smiles,

"Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!" ~Robin Williams

Happy "Double Nickle" B-day!

Thank U All SO Much!
You've Made My Heart SMILE!

Please consider yourself {{hugged}}. I appreciate all your calls and emails, and of course...all the beautiful handmade cards you've sent me! Oh my! Just look at this fantastic assortment! . . . (click photo to enlarge)
It is just SO FUN to see all the different techniques, layouts, images, etc! Bless your hearts for thinking of ME!

The bouquet on the left was from the great guys I work with. They are the BEST and make me feel loved. Of course, they're all younger than I am...so I'm like the "mom" of the department.

And I have to share with you what I got for my birthday from my family! It's the nifty "Clip it Up!" to help me get more organized in my stamping room. This is just a photo of the box. Once I get all my goodies clipped onto it, I'll have to take another photo. So far, I've got some of my acrylic stamp sets that are still in the package clipped on it, as well as stickers, embellishment and ribbon packages. I was amazed at how BIG it is and how much it will hold!


And last buy not least... I bought myself a birthday present too! :) I've been wanting to try COPIC markers and have convinced myself for months that I didn't really need them. Well, I splurged last week and bought a few recommended colors. They are a little pricey, but so FUN to color with...and a different medium than my Stampin Up markers or prismacolor pencils. If you're interested in buying COPICS, I highly recommend buying from Cathrine St. Clair at Paper Garden Projects. Her service is EXCEPTIONAL! She offers a 25% discount, ships immediately and even enclosed a few extra goodies and a personal thank you card.

I haven't been stamping much this week, but I have been coloring images. :) I promised my next card would be a SPRINGY one. Trust me, it's in the works!

Some GOOD NEWS regarding my ankle....it's healing and I've officially put away the protective boot and crutches! Yeah! It's still sore and swollen and only one pair of shoes fit, but it's getting better with the help of physical therapy. :) It did slow me down yesterday when MW and I went out of town shopping. I only made it to two stores and decided that was enough. But then we enjoyed a delicious dinner at Olive Garden so the trip was worth it! I love their Tuscan Garlic Chicken...bonappetit!

Have a warm and wonderful weekend everyone! Thank U again for all the sweet birthday wishes!

Quote for Today ~

They say that age is all in your mind. The trick is keeping it from creeping down into your body. ~Author Unknown

ART washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.

This quote is one of my favorites and I think this rubber stamp is one of the first ones I purchased when I got into stamping. I haven't used it that much, but this is the second time I've used it for an ATC swap.

These are for a swap at the Stamp Shack hosted by Sherri {iloveflipflops} for "All Black & White" ATC's. I want to give a shout out and send a BIG HUG to Sherri as she had carpal tunnel surgery today. Hopefully all went well and she'll be back to stamping and blogging in no time!

There is nothing all that special about these, but I thought I would share them since this is all the stamping I did ALL weekend! Pathetic, I know! I had good intentions, but just didn't have the mojo. At last I got some much needed cleaning, sorting and organizing done in my craft room. I'm determined to get rid of some of the extra STUFF!

Can you believe it's MARCH already?! We just had 5" of snow this past Friday and it sounds like the East Coast is getting it today. I'm ready for SPRING, how about you?

I promise, the next card I post, is going to be SPRINGY! So stay tuned....

"Stamping makes an ordinary day more colorful!"