Barnyard fun

It's time for a little Barnyard Fun with the McSplendid Farm set from The Greeting Farm! This set also includes the most adorable horse, cow and cat. My card is super simple, but it was really fun to make! It's one of those cards that just makes ya smile :) ! Here's a photo that shows how I popped up the ears, nose & wing on dimensionals.I used a fat Copic Marker (YG03) to make the grass...super easy!

We're back in Portland. Made an unplanned trip after Chloe developed a little infection, so she's been admitted for iv antibiotics. The plan is for her to go back home in a day or 2, then come back Wednesday to be admitted for her next surgery. I had this grand plan of stamping yesterday afternoon, had several images all stamped & ready to color and put on cards, but when we woke up and discovered the infection, those stamping plans got put on hold. One look at that sweet little face, and as much as I was looking forward to stamping, she was instantly forgiven. Here's a picutre of her just after the iv was started...she was not a real happy camper, but in true Chloe style, she perked up really fast and was her cheerful self in a matter of minutes. She is such a trooper!

I can't tell you how much I appreciate your sweet comments and the prayers. Chloe is 4 weeks old and a whopping 6 pounds 10 ounces. She's made amazing progress and I truly believe that is an answer to all our prayers. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Okay... I'm off to search for a strong cup of coffee :) to make up for sleeping in a hospital chair/bed! Nothing a little caffeine won't fix, lol! Thanks for stopping by. Enjoy your weekend!!!

Congrats!

I'm a pretty big Anya Fan...for those of you who may not be familiar with Anya, she's a line of stamps that Marie (aka Pink Poison...soon to be The Greeting Farm) has created. You can find 'em right HERE. This is a very special month for Anya because she met the man of her dreams, Ian, and they got married :) ! Their wedding set is called Cake Topper ... perfect for Weddings & Anniversary cards. In fact, this card is for my daughter and son-in-law's upcoming anniversary!! You'll be seeing more of Ian...soon! I also played the Our Creative Corner's Sketch Challenge and I really like how the sketch worked with these images. Great stamps, great sketch...a perfect pair :)!

Anya's dress was outlined with a C1 Copic marker, covered in Crystal Effects and Sprinkled with Dazzling Diamonds glitter! She's gorgeous!! Ian got a little bling of his own thanks to my Black Spica glitter pen and Clear Sakura glaze pen. He looks handsome in his tux..doesn't he? You can double click on the photo if you're interested in seeing any of the details up close. Just don't look too closely at my coloring of their faces...my E00 was running out of ink and it shows. I was just too excited about coloring and glittering, I didn't want to stop and re-ink. My bad, lol :)

This week has been such a treat for me. I've enjoyed some unexpected, extra stamping time. I'm taking advantage of some free time while I can...in a few days I'll be packing up and heading out of town (for Baby Chloe's arrival!). I do have a few more projects uploaded to show you while I'm gone. And...a fun and easy gift card holder coming right up! Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have an awesome day :)

Supplies for the card (Size 5 1/2" square) ~ Stamps: Cake Topper Paper: Pretty in Pink, Going Gray, Basic Black, Neenah White Ink: Ranger Distressed Soot Tools/Accessories: Word Window Punch, Copic Markers, Crystal Effects, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Sakura clear glaze pens, Spica black, pink & clear glitter pens, crystals, Paper Tray silver ribbon

Miracles Happen

I love this sentiment...Miracles Happen! I believe miracles happen in big and small ways every day, you just need to look around and you'll find 'em. My daughter told me she was daydreaming at a traffic light yesterday and a moment later a car ran a red light and went right through the intersection where she should have been. Hmmm...a random daydream or a miracle? Take your pick...but I pick miracle :) ! The sentiment and the bird are both from the Vintage Bird set, by Pink Poison. This bird was fun to color! I tried to add ribbon and a few other embelishments to this card but it just looked too busy, so I kept it simple. This DP, from My Mind's Eye, Just Dreamy 2 collection, is so gorgeous, you don't need much else (the DP & Rhinestones are both available at Eclectic Paperie). Lots of dimension & color on this card and you can see that a little better in this photo ~ This little pup is getting stamped a lot at my house :) ... he's so cute, I just can't help myself! It's Pat the Dog, from Our Craft Lounge!! I made this card for yesterday's color challenge (CC193)at SCS, to use Real Red, Black & Kraft. I don't think I've ever used that combo before, but I sure like it! I was hoping to do the sketch challenge today, but it ended up only being a hope. Maybe tomorrow?That's it for today ... I still have a couple fun workshop projects to show you and a great little tutorial for you in the next few days too! Have a great evening, thanks for stopping :) !

Supplies for the first card (size 4 1/4 x 5 1/2) ~ Stamps: Vintage Birds Paper: Chocolate Chip, Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss, White, My Minds Eye Dreamy 2 Dp Ink: Distressed Soot Tools/Accessories: Copic Markers, Spica clear glitter pen, Sakura clear glaze pen, Oval/Scalloped Nesties/CB, Kaiser self adhesive rhinestones, Dimensionals

Supplies for the second card (size 4 1/4 x 5 1/2) ~ Stamps: Pat the Dog Paper: Real Red, Basic Black, White, Kraft Designer series paper (hostess pack) Ink: Distressed Soot Tools/Accessories: Copic Markers, Spica clear & red glitter pens, Sakura clear glaze pen, 3/4" & 1" Circle Punches, Silver Eyelet/Cropadile, Hemp Twine, Dimensionals

And the Winner is :)

First of all, I have to tell you, I think you're all winners :) ! This week has been such a FUN blogging week for me! In all those comments, I got to hear a little bit about YOU, and I LOVE that! I seriously wish I had a prize for every single one of you, but we do need to select just one lucky duck to receive that great blog candy! There were a total of 285 entries when I did the drawing and Random.org picked #273. And that winner is..........drum roll please.................................it's Tiffany :) !!! Congratulations!

Tiffany said...
I have a CD of piano music I love to listen to while I'm crafting. Because life is so busy, sometimes silence is nice too!Adorable cards!!!! Thanks for the chance to win blog candy.

Tiffany if you would please email me (youcanstamp@hotmail.com) with your mailing address, I'll get those goodies off in the mail to you lickety split ;) ! Thank you to EVERYONE who played! It was super fun sharing the new Pink Poison projects with you & I'm so glad you all love those Anyas as much as I do. And HUGE thanks again to Marie (aka Pink Poison) for donating those goodies for the blog candy. You can check out all the fantastic stamps available at the Splendid Little Shop, right HERE! Marie....You totally ROCK girl! Speaking of rocking...how about an Anya Rock Star card?

Two cards that' I'm very excited to show you today... both were created by my daughter Megan !
This first one is, of course, Rock Star Anya ! In the next photo, you can see that she gave Anya LIPS (and lipstick!)....isn't that awesome? I did my best to get a good photo, but this card is so gorgeous IRL...it's absolutely stunning!!!I love all the sparkle, shimmer & shine she adds to her images and her cards, that's my girl!!! This next card is another beauty by Megan, it's Mermaid Anya ~Aren't those fantastic colors? She's been having a fun time with my stamp supplies, so I'll have more of her creations to show you over the next few weeks. I also hope to have MORE blog candy soon, so stay tuned for that! Plus I have some fun SU workshop projects and some RAKS to show ya too. Lotsa fun stuff coming right up, so continue to stop by and remember to say HI!!!

More Anyas & last chance to sign up for the Blog Candy!

Tomorrow's the big day...I'll be drawing a random winner for my blogiversary Blog Candy! Have you signed up yet? You can check out the details right HERE!! To get your name in that drawing one more time, just leave a comment on today's post and tell me what you listen to or watch while you're stamping. For me...it depends on my mood and what I'm working on, but I MUST have something going in the background, either a dvd or music while I'm stamping! If it's a DVD, it's probabaly a musical :) !!! For the first card, I used the Elf Anya, limited edition stamp. Just a heads up, this is a limited edition stamp and when the supply runs out, they're gone for good...so if you like her, you might want to place your order sooner rather than later. She is adorable, that's for sure!!! I actually pulled out one of my all time favorite Christmas movies while making this card, ELF :) ... love that movie especially this little song/scene ~ Baby it's cold outside)! Those embossed dots on the scallop were made with my Cropadile, then I went over them with my Sakura Clear Glaze pen...fun way to add a little texture! I shared a quick little tutorial on the Cropadile Embossing technique last year, you can find that right HERE.

Here's Rock Star Anya ! My daughter, Katie, wrote songs and played the electric guitar in a high school band (they were REALLY good!)... and this card totally reminds me of her. She went through a phase of dying her hair a variety of colors, including pink! I have to admit, I'm glad she's back to being a blonde...but she looked cute, even when she was my pink haired girl ;) And here is my very conservative little Teacher Anya card (that's my nice way of saying that I think my card looks plain). My daughter, Megan, is studying to be an elementary school teacher so this stamp is extra special for us.

I love hearing about which Anya is YOUR favorite. As for me, there's no way I could ever choose a favorite...whichever one I'm working with, that's my favorite. From the nurse to the rockstar...they are all perfect for someone I know! And the upcoming (soon to be released) Ian (Anya's fiance) is going to be a favorite too, can't wait to get some ink on him!!

A couple of you have asked Copic questions (great subject...love my Copics), so let's see. My favorite Copic to outline/shadow with is the C1 (that's what I used with the teacher). But sometimes I use BG000, which I did today with the Elf and the Rock Star. The other question that is asked from time to time is, how to get started with Copics...I'm going to email a couple friends and see what's currently available for starter kits. If you use a lot of SU supplies (like me) then you also want to make sure you get colors that will coordinate with your cardstock and DP...and I'm going to find some resources for you there too. And you need to use the right paper and ink for optimal results. My plan is to answer those questions (and maybe a few others) in an upcoming post... or at least get you a link to a site that can answer those....how does that sound?

Alrighty then :) ... thanks for stopping by! I'll be selecting a winner for the blog candy tomorrow around noon, so be sure & check back to see who our lucky duck will be!!!!

Supplies for my Elf Anya card~ Stamps: Elf Anya, In the Spotlight (retired SU hostess set) Paper: Chocolate Chip, Riding hood Red, White, Ski Slopes DP Ink: Graphite Brilliance (with clear embossing powder), Old Olive Tools/Accessories: Copics, Spica Clear Glitter pen, Sakura Clear glaze pen, Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon, Scallop Edge Punch, Cropadile (for embossing), Dimensionals

Supplies for my Rock Star Anya card ~ Stamps: Rock Star Anya, Sentiments (from Pink Poison) Paper: Pink Passion, Chocolate Chip, White, DP from K&Company Ink: Graphite Brilliance (with clear embossing powder), Pink Passion Tools/Accessories: Copic Markers, Spica glitter pens, Kaiser self adhesive rhinestones, Large & Small Star punches, Large Oval punch, Oval Nesties with CB, Sakura Clear glaze pen

Supplies for my Teacher Anya card ~ Stamps: Teacher Anya, Sentiments (Pink Poison) Paper: Chocolate Chip, Brocade Blue, Riding Hood Red, Holiday Treasures DP Ink: Graphite Brilliance (with clear embossing powder), Chocolate Chip Tools/Accessories: Copic Markers, Spica clear glitter pen, Sakura clear glaze pen, Scallop Edge punch, Cropadile (for embossing), 1/4" circle punch, Silver brads

Happy Wednesday to all :) !!!

Vintage Birds & another chance at that Blog Candy :)

Quick little post to show you another newly released set from Splendid Little Company (Pink Poison) AND another chance to enter for my blogiversary blog candy!!! This set's called Vintage Birds. Marie just keeps creating these amazing stamps, one right after another! I love the birds in this set, absolutely love, them !!! Hard to see in the photo, but there's lots of shimmer and shine thanks to my Spica Clear glitter pen and Sakura Clear Glaze pen :)

To get yourself entered for my BLOG CANDY, just leave a comment on today's post! You can check out all the details and see that sweeet candy right HERE! I really enjoy reading all your comments. Blog candy is fun for me because I get to from so many of you! Don't forget, you can also get entered for the blog candy by leaving comments on the previous 2 posts (one comment per post please). Thanks for stopping by :) Have a super day!!!

Supplies for the Card~ Stamps: Vintage Birds Paper: Pacific Point, Kiwi Kiss, White, Bella Rose DP, Hawaii Papaya DP Ink: Graphite Brilliance (with clear embossing powder) Tools/Accessories: Copic Markers, Spica clear glitter pen, Sakura clear glaze pen, Photo corner punch, Kaiser green self adhesive rhinestones, Dimensionals

Home Sweet Home and another Chance to Win :) !

Today I have a couple cards to show you from one of the new stamp sets released TODAY :) from Splendid Little Company (aka Pink Poison)! This set is called Home Sweet Home. You can check it out along with the other new releases right HERE!

Here's the inside ~

I had so much fun with this image, I just had to color a second one :) ... the sofa and the dogs are so sweet! The Boston Terrier is my favorite (Hi Stewie, Muffin sends her love)!!

Have you signed up for my blogiversary blog candy yet??? There's still time to get your name in that drawing, PLUS, You can get your name in the drawing again by leaving a comment for today's post! You can check out all the details about the blog candy right HERE , one comment/entry per post please :) !

My daughter's baby shower was today and we had SO much fun :)! I get to work on baby announcements next!!! Here's a picture of the beautiful mama-to-be (my Katie) holding a diaper "cake" that her grandma made for her ~ I LOVE all the sweet comments you've left for the blog candy yesterday. I'm sooo excited...some lucky duck is going to win ALL those stamp sets on Thursday!!! There will be another chance to get you name in the drawing soon, so keep checking back! Thanks for stopping by :) ... enjoy your weekend!

Supplies for the first card ~ Stamps: Home Sweet Home Paper: Chocolate Chip, PTI White, Ski Slopes DP Ink: Graphite Brilliance (with clear embossing powder), Chocolate Chip Accessories: Small Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch, Scallop edge Punch, Copic Markers, Janome Sew Mini, Oval Nesties/Cuttlebug, brown brads, Dimensionals

Supplies for the second card ~ Stamps: Home Sweet Home Paper: Chocolate Chip, Regal Rose, PTI White Ink: Graphite Brilliance (with clear embossing powder), Chocolate Chip Accessories: Copic Markers, Paper piercing tool, striped ribbon

Blogiversary Blog Candy!!!

Today starts my blogiversary/200k celebration! It's also my husband's birthday, so we can celebrate that too :) !!! Yep, it's been one year since I started my little blog! I honestly didn't think I had that much to share, but my sweet friend Kim encouraged me to get started and I'm so glad she did! Thank YOU for visiting Paper Smiles and for leaving such sweet comments!! If you ever wonder, I do read each and every one :) ! So, without further adeiu, let's get this party started...Woo-hoo!!! I have some brand spankin' new Anyas (from Pink Poison) to show you today. The first card is the super cool Rock Star Anya ...you can double click on the photo to see all the shimmer on her guitar :) thanks to my Spica Red Glitter pen!!!

Next, we have the lovely Mermaid Anya ~Followed by the well-dressed (love that skirt!) Teacher Anya (and the "for you" from the "sentiment" set... that set includes a total of 18 sentiments and that set is included in the blog candy!)And the jolly little Limited Edition, Elf Anya (and that sentiment set again!)~

These 4 new Anyas will be released on November 1st, along with 3 new sets ... you don't have long to wait! I'll be showing you samples from the new sets over the next week!

And now (drum roll please) how about some BLOG CANDY??? Marie (aka Pink Poison) was nice enough to donate ALL these great stamps (thanks Marie!!), so I'm giving them all way as one SPLENDID Blog Candy package! Here's the sweet stuff ~If you're the lucky winner, you'll get: Angel Anya, Princess Anya, Nurse Anya, Sentiments, Fancy Fleurs & the Hope set! Here's how you get your name in the drawing for the blog candy...leave a comment on today's post AND tell me which Anya stamp is your favorite. Then, check back between now & Thursday for additional chances to get your name in that drawing!! One comment per post please. I'll pick a winner in a random drawing on Thursday, November 6th. Everyone is welcome to play.

This post is just way too long and it's really late (or early, depending on how you want to look at the clock)...so I'm going to be lazy and not include a supply list for today's cards (sorry!). If you have any questions about supplies used for the cards, just email me (youcanstamp@hotmail.com) and I'd be happy to answer your questions! g'nite...thanks for stopping by!!!

Yo Ho Ho

...and a bottle of fun :) ! I've always loved the whole concept of a message in a bottle. I have a little stash of these plastic bottles that I use from time to time. I'd love to find the find the real thing washed up on the shore, but that hasn't happened (yet!). I have mailed a few message bottles, with a little treasure (rolled up cash) tucked inside of a rolled up birthday greeting. This Best Mates set totally inspired me to pull out my bottles and create a little treasure map/greeting :) ! Wouldn't these make fantastic invitations to a pirate themed event? Or how about giving each of your guests a bottle containing this treasure map, complete with clues for a fun scanenger hunt? Oh man, I'm gonna have to have a pirate party one of these days just so I can send these to my friends :). Speaking of TREASURE, I know where YOU can find some some BLOG CANDY TREASURE TODAY ... over at the Splendid Stamping Blog, just click HERE to pop over, leave a comment and get your name in the drawing for a brand-new, soon to be released stamp set!!! Now that's some serious splendid stamping treasure...woooo-hooo! That set will be given away tomorrow, so be sure & sign up TODAY :) !!!

I took these photos at the beach earlier this week. This is Sunset Beach on the beautiful Southern Oregon Coast! As I was taking the pictures, this seagull got really curious about what I was doing and just hung out for a while. I think he was trying to add a little authenticity to the whole beach/pirate thing ;)

More treasure....a fantastic Best Mates card made by my daugher, Megan! That pirate & her sweet companions have some serious orange and pink sparkles going on thanks to a generous amount of Stickles ;)

I have to share one more treasure with you...a link to a FUN pirate song, just click HERE to enjoy a silly song from those silly Veggie Tale Pirates who don't do anything!

Have a fantastic weekend...thanks :) for stopping by and saying hi!

Supplies for the treasure map: Naturals Ivory cardstock, Creamy Caramel Ink, Best Mates Stamp set, Sponge daubers (I stamped the images, tore the edges of the paper, crumpled up the paper then smoothed it out several times, then sponged the edges using sponge daubers) **I did a quick web search and found this site where you can find message bottles :)

Supplies for Meg's card (finished size 4 1/4 square) ~ Stamps: Best Mates Paper: Chocolate Chip & Pumpkin Cardstock, Sweet Always DP Ink: Brilliance Graphite Tools/Accessories: Embossing Powder, Heat gun, Copic Markers, Stickles glitter, Pewter brads

Best Mates

Ahoy Matey! How about a post with a splendid little pirate theme :) .... featuring Pink Poison's brand new set, Best Mates!! I had SO much fun with this set. For this card, I stamped the image with Brilliance Graphite ink, sprinkled on some Clear Embossing Powder and hit it with the heat gun. Then I pulled out the Copics for a little color, a few Spica glitter pens for some sparkle...then I used a little Caramel latte Fun Flock to make those monkeys a soft and furry. Aren't those monkeys just adorable? I love that the little guy on the right is munchin' down some pizza ! You can see a few of those details here ~Have you tried Fun Flock? I used to think it would be hard to use or messy... but it's super easy to use, and less messy than glitter. You just add a little glue (I use a Quickie Glue pen because it has a nice fine tip for fine detail), then sprinkle on the Fun Flock, tap off the excess and you're done. It's just that easy. And, it stays right where you put it. As the name implies...it's fun stuff :) . And here's a look inside ~Every pirate needs a little treasure, so here are a couple gold & silver coins! Better yet, they're CHOCOLATE :) ...now that's a real treasure!!! Fun to look at and yummy to eat!

And last, but not least, here's a card I made earlier in the week. No coloring on this card, just black embossed images on matte Kraft cardstock.. A double layer of black scallops and paper piercing add dimension to the card. You can double click on the photo to see a few of those embossed details a littler closer (if you're interested)...

And the inside ~

You have yourself a great weekend! Thanks for stopping by :) ... remember to leave a comment and say hi!

Supplies for the first card (sizse 4 1/2 square)~ Stamps: Best Mates Paper: Riding Hood Red, Not Quite Navy, White & Hostess prints pack, Ink: Brilliance Graphite, Riding Hoot Red, Not Quite Navy Tools/Accessories: Copics, Spica Glitter pens, Clear embossing powder, heat gun, Paper piercing tool/mat pack, Scallop Edge Punch, 3/4", 1" & 1/4" circle punches, Silver brads, mini Silver brads (non su), Dimensionals

Supplies for the coins ~ Stamps: Best mates Paper: Bella Rose, Not Quite Navy, Riding Hood Red, White Ink: Riding Hood Red, Not Quite Navy Tools/Accessories: 3/4", 1" & 1 1/4" Circle punchhes

Supplies for the last card (size 4 1/4 x 5 1/2) ~ Stamps: Best mtes Paper: Kraft, Black, Hostes paper pack Ink: Graphite Brilliance Tools/Accessories: Scallop Edge Punch, Wide oval punch, Paper piercing tool/mat pack, Clear embossing powder, heat gun, 1/4" black gg ribbon,

Splendid Fleurs

Happy World Cardmaking Day! I hope this card makes you SMILE :) & I hope you get a chance to make a card today (or this weekend!). Creating a card is only half the fun, giving it away is still my favorite part! I used to have a hard time giving away the cards I made, but now, a card's not really complete until it's given away. For my friends and customers who have a hard time giving their cards away, I usually share these 2 tips ~ 1) Make a twin for your card, then mail one and keep the other as an example, or 2) take digital photographs of your cards so you can remember what you liked about them. Both of those tips really helped me and I hope they help you too :) !!

I made these cards yesterday with my brand new Splendid Little Company (Pink Poison) set called Fancy Fleurs. I love the beauty and versatility Marie put together in these images and sentiments. You can see the entire set right HERE :) ! The first card includes one of my favorite new Designer Papers... Haiku from SU. I've been really enjoying working with those papers and the color palette...So Saffron, Tangerine Tango, Old Olive & More Mustard ( I added a little Chocolate Chip just for contrast and didn't use Tangerine with this card).

This card uses the same stamp set, Fancy Fleurs (see what I mean about the versatility?). Sympathy cards are among the most difficult cards for me to make. And, I have to admit, these aren't my favorite cards to send (for obvious reasons)...but if someone is going through a difficult time, I still think a thoughtful, handmade card can go a long ways toward brightening their day. This set is going to really help me in making sympathy cards in the future. The sentiments and images are simply beautiful. I used my Copics to color these images, but I think the flowers would be also be beautiful watercolored...maybe I'll try that next. I used Copic R43 & 46 for the roses, and mostly YG95 for the leaves, with a few other greens thrown in here and there for variation...I was doing a little experimenting! That whole process led to an order for a few more Copics...I'm telling you, those things are addicting, lol! That small strip of DP is Haiku again...see....isn't that great stuff? Here, it adds just the right amount of pattern and a touch of contrasting color when combined with Real Red and White to create a card with clean, crisp lines.

Thanks for stopping by...be sure to leave a comment and say hi :) !

Supplies for the Smile card (size 4 1/4 x 5 1/2) ~ Stamps: Fancy Fleurs Paper: Chocolate Chip, Paper Trey White, Haiku DP Ink: Palette Noir, Chocolate Chip & Copics Tools/Accessories: Small & Large Oval Punches, Paper piercing tool/Mat pack, 1/4" Mustard gg ribbon, Mustard eyelets (retired SU), Dimensionals, Spica clear glitter pen, Sakura clear glaze pen

Supplies for the Sympathy card (size 4 1/4 x 5 1/2) ~ Stamps: Fancy Fleurs Paper: Real Red, Old Olive, Paper Trey white, Haiku DP Ink: Palette Noir & Copics Tools/Accessories: Small & Large Oval punches, White Taffeta ribbon (love that stuff), Spica clear glitter pen, Sakura clear glaze pen

Splendid new Stamps!

Quick post to show you a couple of cards made with one of Pink Poison's (Splendid Little Company) brand new stamp sets :) ! These sets are being released today...October 1st! This one's called "Cup O Stuff" and it's so darn sweet! You can see the entire set right HERE. I used Sketch #4, from the Splendid Little Blog, for the layout. I used Copics E13, E15, E08, YR24, YG03, YG06 & C1 to color the image. That fun Designer Paper is from SU and is called Haiku! The coordinating cardstock is So Saffron, Tangerine Tango & Chocolate Chip :)

Here's the inside, I didn't use any ribbon on the outside of my cards today {{gasp!}} so I snuck a little on the inside ~ And here's a card that I made for today' SCS color challenge (CC186), to use Really Rust, Chocolate Chip & Baja Breeze! Love that color combo!! Love the image!!! The card is a little plain, I keep wondering if it still needs something...but after re-making it 3 times tonight...I'm done with it, lol! Does that ever happen to you? Everytime I got a little frustrated with the card, I'd look at the sweet little mouse smiling up at me, and I just couldn't get too upset :) !!! Thanks Marie, for drawing such sweet images. They are a blast to color!!

Speaking of coloring, I used a combination of Copics and SU Inks & Blender pens to color the mouse & the cup. I wanted to play the color challenge, but didn't have the Copic for Baja Breeze (BG72), so I just grabbed my Baja Breeze & Kiwi Kiss Ink Pads, and a Blender Pen and used those to color the cup, flower & leaves, and you know what...it worked just fine! The Copics I used for the Mouse were E00, E13, E15, E95 and the rust on the cup was E08 & E09. I did a little shading with C1.

I'll have more to show you from these and other new Pink Poison sets...so stay tuned and thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful Wednesday!!!

Supplies for the first card (4 1/4" square) ~ Stamps: Cup O Stuff Paper: Chocolate Chip, So Saffron, Tangerine Tango, White & Haiku DP Ink: Palette Noir, Chocolate Chip & Copics Tools/Accessories: Photo corner punch, clear dew drops, Spica clear glitter pen, Sakura clear glaze pen, 1/4" chocolate chip twill ribbon (retired SU)

Supplies for the second card (4 1/4 x 5 1/2) ~ Stamps: Cup O Stuff Paper: Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze, Really Rust, Paper Trey White, Ski Slopes DP (SU holiday mini) Ink: Palette Noir, Chocolate Chip, & Copics Tools/Accessories: Blender pens with Baja Breeze & Kiwi Kiss classic ink, Square Scallop punch (that's actually 4 little punches pushed up together behind the image), Paper piercing tool, Sakura clear glaze pen, Spica clear glitter pen, Tiny copper brads (non-SU), Cuttlebug with Circle Nesties

Color & Sketch Challenges

I colored these images while watching a movie with my family last night. For me, coloring is a great way to relax... it's just too hard to sit still and watch a movie without having something in my hands. My family, a little popcorn, my Scor-Pal/Scor-mat in my lap and a few Copics nearby...now that's one great way to spend an evening :) !!! I checked this week's color challenge before getting started & pulled out a few Copics that fit the challenge, to use Riding Hood Red, Artichoke & Basic Gray (CC184). I used R37 for Riding Hood Red, G85 & G99 for Artichoke & N3, N6 & C1 for the Gray. The branches are E13 & E15. I used R32 for their cheeks & other highlights. My grays aren't an exact match for Basic Gray, but it's what I have, so I made it work :) . Oh, and there's a touch of B000 around the eyes. I used one of my favorite newly released stamps, Christmas Birds, by Pink Poison/Splendid Little Stamps! I absolutely love those little birds, they are just precious!

This next one technically also qualifies for the color challenge (she does have artichoke in her dress), but it's really for the Sketch challenge (CC194). I used my new Princess Anya stamp for this one...love those Anyas & I heard we can expect to see more Anyas in the near future...woo-hoo!! Great layout, it was fun to try. More Riding Hood Red & Basic Gray with a little Prism Aluminum cardstock, embossed with the Cuttlebug Textiles embossing folder. I Used the same colors of Copics with the addition of E00 & G40 for her skin & eyeshadow. Oh, I almost forgot...I used C1 for shadowing around the images. It's almost always what I use because it's subtle, but does add some depth (almost sounds like I know what I'm doing...it's a nice illusion, lol!!)

I have another RAK to share with you today too :) ! This is one I received from my friend Tonya! Beautiful layout, colors (Black, Pomegranate & Pink) & choice of images (Sweet Always)...isn't it awesome?! Tonya just started blogging recently and I think you're going to really like what you find over at Ribbon Paper Ink! Thanks Tonya, you & your cards never failed to amaze & inspire me :) !!!

That's it for today. I've been neglecting my beautiful new SU stamps a bit, but do have some fun things in the works for my hostess club girls and a few things on the workbench too!! So many great stamps, so little stamping time. What's a girl to do, lol!! I also have some great new ODBD stamps that should be arriving in my mailbox anyday. I've seen 'em online & can't wait to introduce them to some ink...and share them with you :) ! I also have a simple little masking tutorial to share with you soon. So, stay tuned for that. Thanks for stopping by :) . Have a WONDERFUL Wednesday!!!

Supplies for the first card (size 5" square) ~ Stamps: Christmas Birds Paper: Riding Hood Red, Basic Gray, Almost Artichoke, Bella Rose DP, White Ink: Palette Noir, Copics Tools/Accessories: Cuttlebug with Round/Scalloped Nesties, Dew Drops, Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon, Crystal Effects, Sakura clear glaze pen, Dimensinoals

Supplies for the second card (size 4 1/2 x 4 3/4) ~ Stamps: Princess Anya Paper: Riding Hood Red, Basic Gray, Prism Aluminum, White Ink: Pallete Noir, Copics Tools/Accessories: Scallop Edge Punch, Cuttlebug with Textiles Embossing Folder, Crystal Effects, Silver SU glitter, Rhinestones (walmart), Dimensionals

Introducing Anya

Introducing the brand new ANYA stamps... from Pink Poison/Splendid Little Stamps : ) ! These are sold as singles stamps & each measures 3 x 3....great size!! These were SO stinkin' fun to color!!! The first one is Angel Anya! I'll add sentiments to the inside of the Angel & Nurse cards when I'm ready to give 'em away. This first one just might be a card for my grandbaby girl who is due to arrive in December :)

This next one is Princess Anya ~ she's got a sparkling silver crown and wand, and some sweet sparkle on her dress and eyelids too : ) ... these girly girl images are just the best! You can double click on the photo to get a closer look at that bling! And Nurse Anya ~ what a perfect image to make a card or scrapbook page for a special nurse! Nurse's day is in May each year (next one is 5-9-09), but you don't have to wait for nurse's day to make a card. I worked in the medical field for 20 years, so I had the pleasure of working side by side with some awesome nurses and I know how thrilled they were when someone wrote them a special note! My grandmother was a nurse and I remember she had a little hat just like this one. What a great image...love it!! That's all for now. Don't forget to get signed up for the Splendid Spree Giveaway going on all this month...2 more free sets still to be given away to some lucky duck : ) !!! Have a great evening!

Supplies for the Angel Anya card (size 4 1/4 x 5 1/2) ~ Stamps: Angel Anya Paper: Pretty in Pink, Pink Pirouette, White Ink: Pallete Noir, Copics Tools/Accessories: Flower Fusion Too, Soft Subtle Pink Brads, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, CB with Oval Scalloped Nesties, Dimensionals

Supplies for Princess Anya card (size 4 1/4 x 5 1/2) ~ Stamps: Princess Anya, Short & Sweet (SU) Paper: Orchid Opulence, Brushed Silver, Reflective Silver (non-su), White Ink: Palette Noir, Copics, Orchid Opulence Tools/Accessories: Silver Glitter, Rhinestones, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Silver Dew Drops, Dimensionals

Supplies for Nurse Anya card (size 4 x 4 3/4) ~ Stamps: Nurse Anya Paper: Pacific Point, White, Ski Slope DP (from the upcoming Holiday Mini Catalog) Ink: Palette Noir, Copics Tools/Accessories: Scallop Edge Punch, Silver brads, mini Silver brads, Silver Eyelets/Cropadile, Red gingham ribbon, Paper piercing tool/mat pack, Dimensionals

More Splendid Friends

I made a few more cards today with the newly released FRIENDS FOREVER set from Pink Poison/Splendid Little Company : ) ! This is the stamp set that Marie will be giving away tomorrow for the Splendid Spree Giveaway!! More sets to be given away as the Spree continues all this month. Click HERE to get signed up for those FREE Stamps : ) !!!

I used some fun new DP called Holiday Treasures and pulled out my Jumbo Pewter Eyelets. I haven't used those for a while, I almost forgot how much I like them : ) !! I added some wonderful Riding Hood Red Taffeta ribbon. It's my favorite new ribbon...LOVE it!! I had fun with this layout...it just sort of evolved as the card came together. Most of my layouts are fairly simple. I really went wild on this one, lol ; ) !

Here's a close-up of the girls...the blonde girl on the right has Fun Flock (Carmel latte tan) on her sweater...isn't that fun? Makes it looks fuzzy like a sweater! I tried to give each girl a little different texture on their sweater. Oh how I love to color! And adding glitter, gloss & fun flock...fun, fun & more fun.
I decided this would make a great Christmas card for a special friend, so I used another newly released set, Christmas Birds, for the sentiment on the inside...And here's my second card (back to a simple layout)...trying out more fall color combos, this one's More Mustard & Bravo Burgundy. The girl on the right reminds me of candy corn, lol! I added a little Cropadile embossing on those bottom scallops (you can double click on the photo to get a closer look). It's a fun & easy way to add a little texture. I did a brief tutorial last year on Cropadile embossing, if you haven't tried yet, just click HERE to see how it's done. That reminds me, I guess I'm coming up on my 1 year blogaversary...we're gonna need to celebrate : ) !!!

And here's the inside of the card....friends...forever : ) ~

Thanks for stopping by, have a great evening : ) !!

Supplies for the Christmas Friends card (size 5 1/2" square) ~ Stamps: Friends Forever, Christamas Birds Paper: Riding Hood Red, Old Olive, White, Holiday Treasures DP Ink: Pallete Noir, Riding Hood Red, Copic Markers Tools/Accessories: Large & Small Oval punches, Photo corner punch, Jumbo Pewter Eyelets, Cropadile, CB with Oval Nesties, Riding Hood Red Tafetta Ribbon, Self Adhesive Kaiser green rhinestones, Scallop Edge Punch, Sakura Clear Glaze pen, Spica black & clear glitter pens, Carmel Latte Fun Flock, Sakura quickie glue pen, Dimensionals

Supplies for the Friends Forever card (size 5 1/2 x 4 1/4) ~ Stamps: Friends Forever Paper: Bravo Burgundy, More Mustard, White Ink: Palette Noir, Copics, More Mustard, Bravo Burgundy, Designer Series Paper Hostess pack Tools/Accessories: Small & Large oval punches, Scallop Edge punch, Mini antique brads, Burgundy 1/4" gg ribbon, Dimensionals

Splendid Little Lucky Bunnies

Isn't this bunny just the sweetest :) ? I sure think so. These adorable images kept me smiling as I was coloring them! These are my first 3 cards from Pink Poison's newly released "LUCKY BUNNY" set! You can check out the entire stamp set right HERE!! This is kind of an unusual color combo, but I think it works. The bunny is technically a light shade of red (Copic R01, R32 & R43)...so I thought placing her on a red card would be bright and fun! Speaking of fun, don't forget to sign up for this week's FREE Stamp Set during the Spendid SPREE Giveaway, going on all this month!!! Click HERE to sign up for this week's free set, to be given away on Sunday : ) !!!! Woo-hoo for FREE stamps!

Here's a close-up of that bunny so you can see her glittery belly & ears....that lovely sparkle is Dazzling Diamonds Glitter!!!This next card is super simple, but the bunny image is so adorable, she just steals the show & simple totally works ~ Here's a close-up so you can see her ears & belly. I colored them with Copics then used my Quickie Glue Pen & Fun Flock (cotton ball white) to give her a soft, fuzzy belly & ears! I outlined the bunny & the flower with a Sakura Clear Glaze pen, which gives a nice shiny contrast to the Fun Flock. I use that Clear Glaze Pen all the time...it's easy, inexpensive and it dries really fast (about a minute)! Please excuse that little orange smudge where I went out of the lines on the flower...I totally didn't notice that until I went to take the photo...oops! You can't hide much in those close ups, lol!!

And here's a little boy birthday card : ) ! I used this week's SCS sketch (SC193) for this one. I tried to use colors that would work for a little boy. Did you notice how shiny that balloon is?

You can see it a little closer here ~ I used 2 coats of Crystal Effects and on the 2nd coat, I sprinkled a little Clear Chunky Sprinkles glitter on top. I have more Pink Poison cards to show you over the next few days! Thanks for stopping by : ) !!!

Supplies for the first card (size is 3 1/2 x 5) ~ Stamps: Lucky Bunny Paper: Real Red, White, Designer Series Prints Hostess Pack Ink: Palette Noir, Real Red, Copics (R01, 32, 43 & 46, C1) Tools/Accessories: CB with Oval Nesties, Posey Dew Drops, Red gingham ribbon, Sakura quickie glue pen, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Dimensionals

Supplies for the second card (size 4 z 3 3/4) ~ Stamps: Lucky Bunny Paper: Pixie Pink, Pumpkin, White, Sweet Always DP Ink: Pixie Pink, Palette Noir, Copics (E31 & 34, R21 & 23, YR04, YG06, C1) Tools/Accessories: Silver eyelet & Cropadile, Sakura Clear Glaze Pen, Sakura quickie glue pen, Cotton Ball white Fun Flock, 3/4" circle punch, Sheer pink ribbon (Amuse), Dimensionals

Supplies for the third card (Size 4 1/4 square) ~ Stamps: Lucky Bunny Paper: Bravo Burgundy, Not Quite Navy, White, Designer Series Prints Hostess pack, Prism Metallic Silver Ink: Palette Noir, Copics (E31 & 34, R01, B93 & 97, C1) Tools/Accessories: Paper piercing tool/mat pack, Crystal Effects, Chunky Sprinkles (clear), Silver Brads, 1/4" circle punch, Dimensionals