TGF December Sneak Peek!

Monday, November 30, 2009

Good Morning and a happy Monday morning to you all!

I apologise for the late posting this morning. We went to see a performance of the Nutcracker yesterday and it took us out of town all day. I thought I could write up my post last night but my computer decided it had had enough turkey too and it was dragging, so I didn't have the patience to type anything last night.

Anyway, I have been looking forward to showing you today's sneak peek of the new stamp singles being released by The Greeting Farm tomorrow. If you like children's book characters and make believe, you're going to looooooove these new stamps!

This is Reading Fairy and she's just one of three images from TGF's newest illustrator, Elizabeth Dulemba. I have loved children's books for their illustrations long before I had any children of my own, so to be able to color these images is such a special treat for me! (If the truth be told; I wish I could be an illustrator, but alas, I cannot draw - only color! LOL)

I couldn't wait to color up Reading Fairy sitting there, perched on top of all those books! Since this is more of a whimsical image, I kept my watercoloring light and well, watery! hehe I used this week's Friday Sketchers #80 for the layout and some papers from the Wisteria Collection by Basic Grey since it too had a fairy-like look to it. If you like on the images to make them larger, you can just make out the glitter I added to her wings, hair and book. A sprinkle of pixie dust never hurt anyone. ;)

Want to see more sneak peeks by the TGF design team? Then check out their blogs and leave them some love!

Cindy
Cheryl
Jessica
Kadie
Kim
Lisa
Lynda
Mercy

Remember; tomorrow is TGF December Release Blog Hop and the team has a few more sneak peeks up their sleeve! So get ready to hop! Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Supplies

Stamps: The Greeting Farm 'Reading Fairy'
Inks: StazOn 'Jet Black', Creamy Caramel, Almost Amethyst, Close To Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, True Thyme, Going Gray, Sahara Sand, Soft Sky, Distress Inks 'Antique Linen, Tea Dye, Vintage Photo and Frayed Burlap'
Papers: Strathmore Bristol Vellum, Bazzil Basics, PP - Basic Grey 'Wisteria Collection'
Access: Ribbon, Buttons, Decorative Scissors, Spellbinders Large Oval and Scalloped Oval Nestibilities, Sponges, Dimensionals

Sassy Suzi

Saturday, November 28, 2009

A happy Saturday morning to you all!

Did you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and Black Friday? I ate WAYYYY too much food and I'm still regretting it! How about you? Were you good or very bad? :) Thankfully, I had yesterday off work so Syd and I puttered around the house in a jammies, and only ventured outside to get a slurpy from 7-11! hehe

So did you see the special surprise characters that The Greeting Farm is releasing on December 1st?? If you missed them, check out this TFG blog post as well as the low down on this week's FFF challenge. The DT really outdid themselves with these cuties and created some AMAZING cards and projects!

Today's sassy sneak peek is one I've been waiting for since I first laid eyes on her! And I bet some of you have been hanging out for her too. Introducing the newst Wild Sprout...

SASSY SUZIE!!

She's adorable isn't she?! When I first saw her, I just loved her coat and sassy hairdo. Oh to have hair like that! I used this week's Inspirational Card Sketches #44 for this layout. If you'll remember, Kim Yu is the designer of Sassy Suzie who won the "Design My Sprout" contest. In fact, you might want to check out her blog today because a little birdie told me that she's giving away a Sassy Suzi today to one lucky commenter (courtesy of TGF)! So show her how much you love her Sprout!! Thank you Kim for another gorgeous Sprout for my collection!

You'll also want to check out what the rest of the DT did with Sassy Suzie too!

Cindy

Cheryl

Jessica

Kadie

Kim

Lisa

Lynda

Mercy

Thanks so much for stopping by today! Come back Monday for yet another TGF sneak peek that you won't want to miss!

Supplies

Stamps: The Greeting Farm 'Sassy Suzie Wild Sprout' and 'Light Up - retired'

Inks: StazOn 'Jet Black', Creamy Caramel, Pretty In Pink, Certain Celery, Taken With Teal, Cool Caribbean, Distress Inks 'Frayed Burlap, Antique Linen, Tea Dye and Vintage Photo'

Papers: Strathmore Bristol Vellum, Bazzil Basics, PP - My Mind's Eye 'Penny Lane Collection'

Access: Ribbon, Eyelets, EK Success Edge Punch, Machine Stitching, Dimensionals

There She Goes Release Party Tonight!

Good Morning!

Thank you to everyone who participated in the There She Goes blog hops this week! You made them a great success! I know many of you are super excited to get your hands on some of the December sets, so here's some info for you on tonight's release party.

To join in on the festivities, you need to register and log into the TSG forum, so if you're not a registered yet, you might want to do that now so that you can jump right in tonight. I'm planning on hanging out tonight so I hope I see some of you there! :)

Toodles!

FFF: Black Friday Surprise!!

Friday, November 27, 2009

Happy Black Friday to everyone!

You know, I've lived in this country for almost 9 years now and I still don't understand why they call it Black Friday!? It's not like it's a dark, morbid kind of day, so I really don't know where it came from. But I do know that it's a day for really great shopping deals and The Greeting Farm has a SWEET treat for you all!!

MEET THE DIGI CHIBI'S!!! As a Black Friday surprise, Marie is releasing 10 of these new characters today and you are going to FALL IN LOVE with them!

This is Punk Chibi! Don't you just loooooove her?! If I could do my life over, I'd probably come back as a punk rocker. Seriously! In my 20's I went to a friend's birthday party and she had everyone come dressed as something beginning with the letter T, so I came as Tank Girl! Remember her?? She was all attitude and she had a tank! Nuff said. :) Which reminds me; my boyfriend at the time came dressed as a transvestite and won the prize for best dressed! LOL Those were some good times! :)

Punk Chibi has 9 other friends that you NEED to see, so check out which ones the the Farmers and my fellow Gardeners have been playing with:

Cindy
Cheryl
Jessica
Kadie
Kim
Lisa
Lynda
Mercy

You can also check out all of them over at TGF blog as well as today's Farm Fresh Friday challenge! It's a sweet one! :) It's getting to be release time again and sadly, it's my last release as a Gardener. I am soooo bummed about that! Enough about me; tomorrow, the girls and I have a special sneak peek at one of the stamps being released on Tuesday, so make sure you stop by!

Toodles!


Supplies
Stamps: The Greeting Farm 'Punk Chibi'
Inks: Creamy Caramel, Pretty In Pink, Regal Rose, Pumpkin Pie, Cool Caribbean, Distress Inks 'Black Soot'
Papers: Georgia Pacific, Bazzil Basics, PP - Sassafras Lass
Access: Ribbon, Decorative Scissors, Spellbinders 'Tags Trio' and Circle Nestibilities, Dimensionals

TSG Craftier Taglines Blog Hop!

Hello and welcome to the There She Goes 'Craftier Taglines' blog hop!!

We're showing you sneak peeks all week long of the new sets being released in December and you won't want to miss a single day! If you've stopped by my blog from the uber talented Maki Jones's blog, then you're on the right track, but if you've stopped here by chance and would like to play along on this hop, just head over to TSG blog and start your journey there.

This set is such a great one for your collection! I have made a lot of online stamping friends over the past year through SCS and I plan a making a few cards using this set to send to them! Only a stamper will see the humor in the quotes. I made two very easy cards using a couple of the quotes to show you how quick and easy this set can be used. Sometimes it's just nice to make a quick card every now and then, KWIM??

I used up some old Basic Grey paper and some yummy ribbon to whip this cards up. The set contains 8-10 quotes and sentiments and even the kitchen sink! LOL And I know I say this alot, but the fonts in this set are AWESOME!

Ok, I won't keep you any longer. Your next stop for another sneak peek at this set is the talented Wendy Bond!

Supplies

Stamps: There She Goes 'Craftier Taglines'

Inks: StazOn 'Jet Black', Distress Inks 'Frayed Burlap, Tea Dye, Antique Linen and Walnut Stain'

Papers: Strathmore Bristol Vellum, Bazzil Basics, PP - Basic Grey 'Sugared Collection'

Access: Ribbon, Adhesive Rhinestones, Spellbinders Labels One and Circle Nestibilities, Corner Punch, Machine Stitching, Sponges, Dimensionals

TSG Birdie Wishes Blog Hop!

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Hello and welcome to the There She Goes 'Birdie Wishes' Blog Hop!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

We're showing you sneak peeks all week long of the new sets being released in December and you won't want to miss a single day! If you've stopped by my blog from the uber talented Maki Jones's blog, then you're on the right track, but if you've stopped here by chance and would like to play along on this hop, just head over to TSG blog and start your journey there.

Today's hop is all about the new Birdie Wishes set! It's sooo cute and the best part is that all the pieces are individual stamps, so it's all interchangeable!

For this first card I used the smaller of the two birdies and had him sing a little tune. Since there's not a lot of coloring required for this stamp set, and you know what I'm like; I HAD to color something! So I sponged in the sky around him and watercolored the grass below him. The best thing about stamp sets from There She Goes, is that you can guarantee that there will be a great sentiment or two included AND in a fabulous font! I'm all about nice fonts and this set does not disappoint! See that stitching around the oval panel? Yeah, don't try this unless you are a professional seamstress or you're a glutton for punishment! I didn't trust my sewing machine to keep the stitching straight along this curve, so I manually pulled the sewing machine wheel around and pain stakingly stitched around the oval! Call me crazy!

This this second card I used the other birdie and some of the ornaments from the set too. Can you guess how many stamps I used to compose this image? Did you guess 17?? It's crazy how many stamps are in this 4" x 6" set! I used this week's Sketch For You To Try for this layout and some of last year's Basic Grey Christmas paper because I love it so much! What you don't see in this photo is how much this card shimmers! I couldn't help myself! Sometimes the glimmer mist leaves big splotches, so I use the perfume technique of spritzing the air and waving my card in it until it's covered in the sparkly mist.

So do ya wanna win this awesome new set?! Head back to the TSG blog and add your name to the Mr. Linky at the bottom of the Birdie Wishes post. A winner will be chosen randomly using a random number generator to receive their very own set of Birdie Wishes. The winner will be announced Saturday (Nov. 28th) during the Release Party Chat.

Thanks so much for stopping by today!!

Supplies
Card 1
Stamps: There She Goes 'Birdie Wishes'
Inks: StazOn 'Jet Black', Certain Celery, Cool Caribbean, Old Olive
Papers: Very Vanilla, Bazzil Basics, PP - Cosmo Cricket 'Earth Love'
Access: Ribbon, Small Oval Nestibilities, Kaiser Pearl Adhesives, Machine Stitching, Sponges, Dimensionals
Card 2
Stamps: There She Goes 'Birdie Wishes'
Inks: StazOn 'Jet Black', Distress Inks 'Tea Dye and Frayed Burlap'
Papers: Kraft, Bazzil Basics, PP - Basic Grey 'Figgy Pudding'
Access: Buttons, Paper Piercer, Ranger's Glossy Accents, Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist - Pearl, Sponges, Dimensionals

TSG Holiday Tags Blog Hop!

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Hello and welcome to the There She Goes Holiday Tags Blog Hop!

We're showing you sneak peeks all week long of the new sets being released in December and you won't want to miss a single day! If you've stopped by my blog from the uber talented Maki Jones's blog, then you're on the right track, but if you've stopped here by chance and would like to play along on this hop, just head over to TSG blog and start your journey there.

I made two cards for you today so you could see how versatile these tags really are. If you haven't figured out by now, the tags are a three-step stamp set with a few choices for embellishments, so you can mix and match to your heart's desire!

On this first card I wanted to show the tag as it would typically be used...as a tag of course! I used this week's Whimsical Wednesday sketch for the layout. You can check it out after the hop. :)

For this second card I wanted to give you a different look at how to use the set. I stamped out the embellishment images from the set, colored them up then mounted them on squares of book text paper. It's quite striking when layered on the red patterned paper.

I think I've kept you long enough, now back to the TSG blog for some more eye candy! Thanks for hopping by!

Supplies

Card 1

Stamps: There She Goes 'Holiday Tags'

Inks: StazOn 'Jet Black', Real Red, Cranberry Crisp, Close To Cocoa, Distress Inks 'Vintage Photo

Papers: Strathmore Bristol Vellum, Bazzil Basics, PP -

Access: Ribbon, Button, Gold Thread, Martha Stewart Edge Punch, Decorative Scissors, Sponges

Card 2

Stamps: There She Goes 'Holiday Tags'

Inks: StazOn 'Jet Black', Ruby Red, Old Olive, Morning Marigold, More Mustard, Distress Inks 'Vintage Photo'

Papers: Strathmore Bristol Vellum, Bazzil Basics, PP - ??

Access: Button, PTI Rustic Button Twine, Sponging, Dimensionals

Santa's Got His Game On!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

There'a Trace Atkin's song that my Syd loves to sing from the back seat of the car and it cracks me up every time....because when a 4 year old says "I got my game on!" it is hilarious! She also likes to sing ABBA's Mama Mia, so you can imagine what our morning rides to school are like! LOL

I told you the story of Syd and the song because the name of this image is Ready To Go Santa and it just reminded me of that story. I haven't colored up a Whipper Snapper image in a long, long time. With all my DT commitments lately, my poor WS images have been severly neglected! But since the holiday season is upon us, I had to get this awesome Santa image colored up quick! (And because I still need quite a few christmas cards for my stash! Shhhh!)

This Santa is a colorer's (is that a word?!) dream! Lots of detail in it but when he's finished, he's so impressive on a card! As you can see, he's pretty big for a rubber stamp. This card is 5.5" x 5.5" and I cut him down to a 4.25" square panel so he would fit nice and snug. The paper is from Cosmo Cricket's Holly By Golly collection and I found that delicious wide ribbon at Michaels. I've been dying to use it on a card since I bought it but it hasn't worked with anything until now. You all know what I mean when you just have to use it! I couldn't resist and had to add some glitter snow to his beard and the pompom on his hat!

You'd never know it was Thanksgiving in two days with all the Christmas cards I've been whipping out! LOL I guess I'm more of a Halloween and Christmas kind of gal. :) Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Supplies
Stamps: Whipper Snapper 'Ready To Go Santa'
Inks: StazOn 'Jet Black', Creamy Caramel, Cool Caribbean, Ruby Red, Cranberry Crisp, Morning Marigold, More Mustard, Old Olive, Taken With Real, Pretty In Pink, Distress Inks 'Antique Linen, Tea Dye, Vintage Photo, Walnut Stain'
Papers: Strathmore Bristol Vellum, Bazzil Basics, PP - Cosmo Cricket 'Holly By Golly'
Access: Ribbon, Stampendous Crystal Snow Glitter, Sponges, Dimensionals

TSG30: Sketch Challenge

Monday, November 23, 2009

Good Morning!

I hope you all had a great weekend. Well, I tried going to see New Moon this weekend, but unfortunately it was not to be. Hubby and I had dinner and a movie planned for Friday night and we thought we'd buy our tickets early. The movie was at 9.35pm and we went to buy the tickets at 7.30pm. I was about 15th place in line when they announced that they were sold out! Nooooo! Hopefully this weekend we can try again...keep your fingers crossed. :)

Ok, lets get down to business. Today's There She Goes challenge is a sketch challenge and it's a great one, so get your stamps ready!

I have been wanting to do this technique with the Stick Together set ever since I knew it was being released. It's just a stamped and sponged image with kaleidoscope embossing powder covering it, but boy does it create a cool look!

Firstly, I stamped the sentiment then the snowflakes get stamped all around it with a combination of distress inks. Then I sponge around the edges in layers of distress inks. I start with Antique Linen, then Tea Dye then a little bit of Vintage Photo. Once the image is done, apply the Versamark ink to the top of image, then sprinkle the Kaleidoscope embossing powder and heat set it. That's it! The embossing powder intensifies the color in the sponged edges and this whole card just sparkles because of it.

Now it's your turn: create your card using the sketch provided and leave a link to your card using Mr. Linky on today's TSG post. If your card is chosen, you'll win a $5 gift certificate to the There She Goes store! So get busy! :)

Supplies

Stamps: There She Goes 'Stick Together' mini set

Inks: StazOn 'Jet Black', Versamark, Distress Inks 'Antique Linen, Tea Dye, Vintage Photo, Walnut Stain'

Papers: Strathmore Bristol Vellum, Bassil Basics, PP - Memory Box 'Dew Frost'

Access: Ribbon, Stampendous Kaleidescope Embossing Powder, Sponges, Dimensionals

Happy New Moon!

Friday, November 20, 2009

Well, I had planned to go to the New Moon midnight showing last night with The Man and have Syd stay with my MIL, but it was not to be. Syd came down with a fever the other night and even though it's gone now, my MIL has been down and out with the flu all week, so I can't unleash an overactive 4 year old on her - especially if she had the dreaded H1N1 flu! And couple that with the fact that I am working all day Saturday to make up for the day I missed while staying home with Syd, I am hoping and praying that I get to see the movie this weekend!! Sometimes life throws you curve balls doesn't it??

So anyway, in honor of the movie being released today, I created this card for it. These ADORABLE digi stamps were released for one day only last weekend by The Greeting Farm and I am not sure if they'll ever make a return....maybe if we ask nicely, Marie might reissue them for the Eclipse movie release!

When I printed them out, I wasn't paying attention to how big they were, so when I got them home, I wiped the sweat off my brow when I could at least fit these three on a 5.5" x 5.5" card! Phew!

Jacob, Bella and Edward were all colored with my reinkers, ink pads and an aquapainter brush on Georgia Pacific cardstock. I'm really pleased with how the coloring turned out considering how hard it is to color on that cardstock. Unfortunately I have no choice since it's the only paper that will go through the laser printer at work. :(

Here's a close up of the images. Sweet aren't they?? I used some of Basic Grey's Eerie Collection paper for the background and the heart button came from a stash I found at Michaels during Valentine's day. The sentiment is a quote from the New Moon book. It's one of the ones I remember quite well and my heart did break a little for Jacob, but only a little. ;)

Have a great weekend! And don't forget to bring a drool bib when you see the movie! LOL

Supplies

Stamps: The Greeting Farm 'Twilight Digis - limited edition'

Inks: Creamy Caramel, Pretty In Pink, Close To Cocoa, Really Rust, Chocolate Chip, Buckaroo Blue, Almost Amethyst, Going Gray, Distress Inks 'Frayed Burlap and Black Soot'

Papers: Georgia Pacific, Bazzil Basics, PP - Basic Grey 'Eerie Collection'

Access: Ribbon, Heart Button, Dimensionals

Happy Birthday Mary!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARY!!

It's Mary's birthday today and I wanted to wish her a very happy birthday! I hope you have a lovely day and you get some sweet crafting things! :)

I made her this card because she's a sassy and hip girl just like Elizabella! And Mary loves to shop! There's a good chance there's A LOT of stamping supplies in her bag! hehehe

I used this week's Mojo Sketch Challenge (MOJO113) for the layout and some old and new paper from Scenic Route and Dream Street. And I couldn't send the card without some bling! So I added a teeny tiny rhinestone to her belt and some Stickles to her handbag.

If you know Mary, hop over to her blog and wish her a happy birthday! I know she'd love it!Enjoy your day Mary! Wish I lived closer so we could go for drinks and see New Moon together! (((hugs)))


Supplies
Stamps: Stamping Bella 'Elizabella', MFT 'Essential Sentiment'
Inks: StazOn 'Jet Black', Creamy Caramel, Close To Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Ruby Red, Cranberry Crisp, Cool Caribbean, Sahara Sand, Morning Marigold, More Mustard, Distress Inks 'Black Soot'
Papers: Strathmore Bristol Vellum, Bazzil Basics, PP - Scenic Route '??', Dream Street '??'
Access: Ribbon, EK Success Circle Punches, Rangers Stickles - Orange Peel, Taylor's Tiny Twinkles, Dimensionals

Today's FFF Challenge Gave Me Hives!

Seriously! I thought I was going to break out in hives or something when I saw what today's Farm Fresh Friday challenge was! I looooooove my patterned paper and it pretty much what starts my whole design process for a card, so when I can't use it....I stall....BIG TIME!

I kid you not: It took me three whole days to do this card! I kept avoiding my craft desk like it had the plague at times and I swear I think I even heard it call my name at some point. *shudder* But I couldn't let it beat me, so I went looking for inspiration.

I found superstar Kim Teasdale's blog and used some of her technique's for adding texture and interest on a card. She uses her cuttlebug embossing folders, machine stitching and rounded corners to add interest to a lot, so I tried to do the same. I sponged the tan background panel (which started out as a blank piece of watercolor paper) with a bunch of Distress Inks and ran it through my weathered wood embossing folder. Then I sponged the edges, matted it with some chocolate cardstock and ran the sewing machine around it. To sew around the corners I manually turn the wheel to get a smooth curved stitch. Then I did the same thing to the pick cardstock but with the swirls embossing folder. Then I didn't know what else to do, so I forced myself to add some of that super cute pompom trim I've been hoarding, added the sentiment and called it a day before I drove myself insane! LOL

I'm really going to enjoy seeing what you all come up with for your cards! Remember, you have until next Wednesday to get your submissions in TGF gallery!

Thanks so much for stopping by today! Be on the look out for a couple more posts from me and have a great weekend!. :)


Supplies
Stamps: The Greeting Farm 'Madelynn Twinkle Tot' and 'For Someone - retired'
Inks: StazOn 'Jet Black', Creamy Caramel, Pretty In Pink, Ruby Red, Cranberry Crisp, Cool Caribbean, Sahara Sand, Close To Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Distress Inks 'Antique Linen, Tea Dye, Vintage Photo'
Papers: Strathmore Bristol Vellum, Bazzil Basics, PP - NONE!! boohoo
Access: Ribbon, Pompom Trim (LSS), Cuttlebug Embossing Folders. EK Success Circle Punches, Machine Stitching, Sponges, Dimensionals

The Fairies Are Finally Here!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

A happy Thursday to you all!

I have been wriggling in my seat waiting to show you these cards today!! They are the new digi's from Marie and The Greeting Farm and they are available TODAY!!

This is Spring Fairy. Being the oblivious person that I am, I didn't pay attention to the names of the fairies when I printed them, and luckily I had the luck of the Irish behind me because I managed to pick out some old Basic Grey paper that looks quite spring-like! I didn't notice this happy mistake until I emailed Jess for the names of the fairies! Phew!

A fairy isn't a fairy without any glitter! Am I right?? So I added some Eucalyptus Stickles to her dress, eyelids and some Frosted Lace Stickles to her hair and wings. The iridescent ribbon was a Michael's find.

Meet Autumn Fairy. She looked very mischievous to me, so I pulled out this Ambrosia butterfly paper from Basic Grey again and colored her in fiery colors. I sponged around her with Frayed Burlap ink from Distress Inks to take the edge off the white cardstock and to play up the moody look I wanted to give the card. I used black lace instead of ribbon since it was more girly and little bit sexy. :) Then I added some Black Diamond, Orange Peel, Yellow and Burgundy Stickles to her wings and sprayed the whole card with Pearl Glimmer Mist. You can click on her for a bigger image. You should see how much this card shimmers in real life! It's gorgeous!!

There's something seriously fun and whimsical when you color up a fairy, don't you think?? These girls remind me of a series of books I was given to read by a friend when I was in college. They were about fairies and goblins and the drawings in this book really ran away with my imagination. Sometimes I buy my Syd children's books just because the drawings are simply so creative. If you know of any kids books with amazing illustrations, let me know, ok? :)

Only one more sleep till New Moon everyone!! Sweet dreams.


Supplies
Card 1
Stamps: The Greeting Farm 'Spring Fairy digi'
Inks: Creamy Caramel, Certain Celery, Taken With Teal, Pretty In Pink, Cool Caribbean, Distress Inks 'Antique Linen, Tea Dye and Vintage Photo'
Papers: Georgia Pacific, Bazzil Basics, PP - Basic Grey 'Pheobe Collection'
Access: Ribbon (Michaels), Large Circle Nestibilties, Decorative Scissors, Ranger Stickles, Machine Stitching, Sponging, Dimensionals

Card 2
Stamps: The Greeting Farm 'Autumn Fairy digi' and 'Never Ever - retired'
Inks: Creamy Caramel, Morning Marigold, Pumpkin Pie, Really Rust, Cranberry Crisp, Sahara Sand, Distress Inks 'Antique Linen, Tea Dye and Frayed Burlap'
Papers: Georgia Pacific, Bazzil Basics, PP - Basic Grey 'Ambrosia Collection'
Access: Lace, PTI Rustic Button Black, Twine, Sponges, Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist - Pearl, Ranger Stickles, Dimensionals

Easel-ly Influenced

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Good Morning!

If you haven't noticed already, this week's turning into a Greeting Farm kind of week! Since I have been a little behind in showing you a few of the new digi's that have been released over the past couple of weeks, I thought I'd spend a good portion of this week playing with them. Hope you don't mind! ;)

It's Whimsical Wednesday again and this week our challenge is to create an easel card. It's Mama Jess's favorite thing to make these days, so she challenged us to give it a go. But wait a minute! What's an easel card you ask?? I had to ask the same question. So Jess and Jacquie sent us a link to these awesome instructions and it looked easy peezy!

This is a close up on the coloring of Gothic Roxy; the digi stamp by designer Janet McDonnell. Her images have a real human quality to them and I just love the sweet look on Roxy's face. Even in all her goth clothing, she's still someone's little girl. :)

Here's my finished easel card. Don't laugh! :) It's my first attempt at it so I obviously need some more experience at it. I do love how they fold down into a perfect square card that fits in a standard envelope. Please note that the instructions are for a 4"x4" card but you can make it any size as long as you keep the proportions the same.

Need some more ideas?? Check out what the other daredevils have created:

Cassie Larson

Darla Wilson
Debbie Lee

Heather Schlatter

Jacquie Peifer

Jessica Diedrich

Kim Ross

Lisa Hjulberg

Randi Wall

Rebecca Ednie

Sandra MacLean

Please leave a link to your creation on today's Whimsical Wednesday post using Mr. Linky so the Daredevils can check out your creation and leave you some love. And while you're there, check out the amazing creation this week's featured Daredevil, Randi Wall created! :D

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Supplies

Stamps: The Greeting Farm 'Gothic Roxy digi', MFT 'Essential Sentiments'

Inks: StazOn 'Jet Black', Creamy Caramel, Buckaroo Blue, Going Gray, Pretty In Pink, Pink Passion, Sahara Sand, Almost Amethyst, Distress Inks 'Black Soot'

Papers: Georgia Pacific, Bazzil Basics, PP - KI Memories 'Love Elsie Collection - Roxie Math Class' and 'Scenic Route Loveland Collection - Ruby Ave'

Access: Ribbon, Making Memories Brads, Prima Flowers, Decorative Scissors, Micron Pen

Warm Wishes Miss Anya

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Good morning!

Well, there's only three more sleeps until New Moon is here and I for one am SERIOUSLY excited! :D The best part; The Man is just as excited as me to see the movie since the action barometer sky rockets now that Jacob and the wolves are on the scene! Gotta love that man! :)

Club Anya and The Greeting Farm just released a bunch of gorgeous stamps this weekend and one of them was this fall beauty, Miss Anya Autumn. She is so cute in her puff jacket and Ugg boots! I can see a lot of teens and college girls loving this image, can't you?! Even though my little girl is only 4-1/2, I like to think I'm collecting TGF stamps for her stamp collection when she's a little older. :) She already loves to color, so I'm sure she'll be a stamper just like her mum in a few years! hehe

I really loved how this Miss Anya turned out! I'm really trying to work on leaving highlights on my images and it's a little harder with reinkers and an aquapainter because you don't have the chance to remove any color like you do with the Copic markers. The blonde hair was created with a layer of Antique Linen, then highlights of Tea Dye and then Vintage Photo in the shadows.

I used this week's Sketch For You To Try for the layout and the sentiment came from the Keep Cosy set, also from The Greeting Farm. Have you seen the new fairies on TGF website?? They're almost here! You are going to want to snag a couple for your collection. I don't know what it is about coloring in fairy wings, but they are FUN!! :)

As always, I really appreciate the feedback you leave me each day. If you ever have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask them, ok?


Supplies
Stamps: The Greeting Farm 'Miss Anya Autumn digi' and 'Keep Cosy'
Inks: StazOn 'Jet Black', Creamy Caramel, Pretty in Pink, Pumpkin Pie, Really Rust, Old Olive, Cool Caribbean, Distress Inks 'Antique Linen, Tea Dye, Vintage Photo, Frayed Burlap and Black Soot'
Papers: Strathmore Bristol Vellum, Bazzil Basics, PP - Basic Grey 'Mellow Collection'
Access: EK Success Circle Punches, Sponges, Dimensionals

Two Tots and some Sketches

Monday, November 16, 2009

Good morning again!

I've soooo been missing coloring my Tots in lately so on Friday night I sat down at my desk and colored up Izzy and Princess Ava. My method of madness usually involves picking the stamp first, then the sketch/layout, the patterned paper and only then can I begin to color! It's definitely a process that can take a long time - especially if I can't decide on the paper!

I ended up choosing some old Basic Grey paper from the Sugared collection for Izzy and paired them with Taylor's TESC91 sketch this week. I've never done that kind of ribbon treatment before and I'm still unsure of whether I did it correct or not, but I think it worked and it's growing on me....slowly. ;)

Princess Ava...I can't help smile and think of my little girl when I color her up! :) It's such a sweet image isn't it?? Since I did a very Snow White themed card the last time I colored her up, I decided to do something a little different with her this time. I used some Sunny Glen paper and this week's Friday Sketchers #78 layout. For just a little bit extra, I added some Crystal Snow Glitter to Ava's crown and dress which worked for this week's Cute Card Thursday #86 challenge which was to go glitter crazy! Ok, maybe not crazy, but a little bit can go a long way!

Thanks sooo much for stopping by today!

Supplies

Card 1

Stamps: The Greeting Farm 'Izzy Twinkle Tot', PTI 'Mixed Messages'

Inks: StazOn 'Jet Black', Creamy Caramel, Pretty In Pink, Morning Marigold, More Mustard, True Thyme, Really Rust, Close To Cocoa, Perfectly Plum, Distress Inks 'Tea Dye and Vintage Photo'

Papers: Strathmore Bristol Vellum, Bazzil Basics, PP - Basic Grey 'Sugared Collection' and MME 'In Bloom Collection'

Access: Ribbon, Button, Twine, Martha Stewart Tag Punch, Sponges

Card 2

Stamps: The Greeting Farm 'Princess Ava Twinkle Tot'

Inks: StazOn 'Jet Black', Creamy Caramel, Pretty In Pink, Ruby Red, Cranberry Crisp, Morning Marigold, More Mustard, Sahara Sand, Old Olive, Distress Inks 'Antique Linen, Tea Dye and Black Soot'

Papers: Strathmore Bristol Vellum, Bazzil Basics, PP - The Greeting Farm 'Sunny Glen'

Access: Ribbon, Prima Flowers, Buttons, PTI Rustic Twine, Sponges, Dimensionals

TSG29: In Stitches

A happy Monday morning to you all!

Yesterday was such a nice day in New England! It hit 65 degrees which for mid November, that's very rare! Sadly, I spent most of it inside getting chores done and making a soup in the crock pot for dinner. Still, it was nice to have all the windows opened up in the house. That's the one thing that gets to me in the dead of winter - not being able to open windows up.

Anyways, onto today's challenge from There She Goes (TSG29)! It's all about stitches; the real kind and the fake kind. You can use your sewing machine or pierce holes in your paper and hand sew thread into them, or just use your pen to draw them in. Whatever way you're most comfortable doing, just get some stitches on your cards!

I love using my sewing machine to create stitches! I usually use it in spurts; I'll use it on every card for a straight week, then I'll get tired of the look and tuck it away for a while. And since I haven't used it in a while, it was nice to get it out again!

I ended up using the straight stitch and zigzag stitching on my card. Zigzagging around the circle panel is a little tricky, but as long as you line up the edge of the piece you're sewing with a mark on your presser foot (and sew slowly!), you should be ok. It's sooo hard not to create a little scene with the new Penguin Love set! Why fight it right?! Luckily, it fits this week's A Spoon Full Of Sugar challenge #77, just in the nick of time! I have seen the technique of dry embossing the image with Cuttlebug's Swiss Dots folder to create the look of falling snow around blog land for a while, so I thought this would be the perfect chance to give it a go. Not sure I'm entirely happy with the outcome, but it was fun to try. The layout is from this week's Sweet Sunday Sketches #44 and all that glitter also fits this week's Cute Card Thursday challenge #86. So that's four challenges in one card! Holy cow, I think that's a first for me! Wow!

So if you'd like to give stitching a go, just create your card and head on over to the There She Goes post and leave a link to it using Mr. Linky. You'll then have a chance to win a $5 gift certificate towards anything in the TSG store!

Thanks so much for stopping by. I have one other post this morning, so stick around!

Supplies
Stamps: There She Goes 'Penguin Love'
Inks: StazOn 'Jet Black', Going Gray, Cool Caribbean, Ruby Red, Cranberry Crisp, Distress Inks 'Tea Dye'
Papers: Strathmore Bristol Vellum, Bazzil Basics and Bling, PP - Basic Grey 'Eskimo Kisses Collection'
Access: Fiskars Circle Cutter, EK Success Circle Punches, Martha Stewart Snowflake Punches, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Machine Stitching, Sponges, Decorative Scissors, Dimensionals

Hanna Stamps Blog Hop!

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Hope you all are having a relaxing Sunday evening. Grab yourself a glass of wine or a hot cocoa and get comfy because it's time to hop along with the Hanna Stamps design team!

This is your first stop along the hop you're all set to start hopping! :)

I made a card for you tonight using Spa Hanna. She's ready for a bit of pampering and perfect for a gift certificate card to give a friend or relative! She was colored with reinkers and an aquapainter brush.

Ok, your next stop on this hop is the super talented Kerry Donovan! If you get lost, the blog hop list is below to help you on your way. :)

Sandra

Kerry

Frances

Cindy

Laurie

Cathy

Jeanne

Silke

Don't forget the November's release challenge! You still have time to create a card using the sketch and get your entry in to win a $20 gift certificate!! The winner will be announced at the release party tomorrow night!

Thanks for dropping by!

Supplies

Stamps: Hanna Stamps! 'Spa Hanna', MFT 'Essential Sentiments'

Inks: StazOn 'Jet Black', Creamy Caramel, Pretty In Pink, Close To Cocoa, Regal Rose, Going Gray, Old Olive, Cool Caribbean

Papers: Strathmore Bristol Vellum, Bazzil Basics, PP = Bo Bunny 'Back To Basics Collection - Tutu Dot and Alissa Twirls'

Access: Ribbon, Spellbinders Large Oval Nestibilities, EK Success Corner Punch, Sponges, Dimensionals

Waiting...for Mr Right!

Friday, November 13, 2009

Hi there! Me again. :)

Monday night is the Hanna Stamps release party/chit chat night starting at 9pm EST in the Hanna Stamps forum on SCS! Typically the DT show you sneak peeks all weekend long but because Kristi released them early so you could get your holiday stamps quick, the DT have been showing you the sets for the past couple of weeks.

This is a card I made using this week's Sketch For You To Try. It really was the perfect layout for this set! Hanna is very sophisticated in this set and all ready for a night on the town.

I colored Hanna with reinkers and an aquapainter brush and sponged around her with some Cool Caribbean ink. The paper is from K&Company. To check out some more cards from the DT using the new sets, check out this SCS gallery.

This Sunday is the Hanna Stamps blog hop! It starts at 10pm EST at Kristi's blog and it'll give you a chance to see all the new sets all in one place. And blog hop candy will be given away, so you won't want to miss out on it!


Supplies
Stamps: Hanna Stamps! 'Waiting for Mr Right Hanna', MFT 'Essential Sentiments'
Inks: StazOn 'Jet Black', Creamy Caramel, Pretty In Pink, Regal Rose, Morning Marigold, More Mustard, Cool Caribbean
Papers: Strathmore Bristol Vellum, Bazzil Basics, PP - K&Company 'Cut n Paste Collection'
Access: Spellbinders Large Circle Nestibilties, Sponges, Dimensionals

FFF Sketch Challenge and Round Two

Are we all excited that it's Friday?! I know I am! I've had a very mundane week at work full of filing and paperwork - boring. So I'm ready for some fun time with my family. I hope you all have something fun planned to do.

It's time for another Farm Fresh Friday challenge today from The Greeting Farm! Remember; if you are participating in the contest for a guest designer spot and got a card done (and posted in the Galleria) for last week's 'Where The Wild Things Are' challenge, then you need to complete a card for this week's FFF challenge in order to be eligible for selection! Ok, this week's challenge is a sketch by DT gal Cindy and it's perfect for a Marina Neira image!

I chose to use the sweet Marlene. Don't you just love her apron and striped dress?? And you know, I think I hear her singing "The hills are alive with the sound of music..." hahaha

As usual, my go to coloring medium are my reinkers and aquapainter brush. This time I painted some grass underneath her. The papers are from Basic Grey's Lemonade collection (I think I'm going to go into mourning when they retire this collection!) and the sentiment is from the now retired Wonderland set. Speaking of which, have any of you seen the preview to the new Tim Burton 'Alice in Wonderland' movie coming out? We saw it (the preview) at the IMAX theatre last week and at the end of the trailer, Syd shouted out "Awesome!" It was such an unexpected comment that she had everyone around us laughing!

Speaking of movies, is everyone counting down the sleeps until we see Edward on the big screen once more?? *sigh* I, for one, will be drooling with the rest of the Twilighters on Friday! =) Only seven more sleeps girls!!!

Please check out the rest of the DT girls' blogs to see what they did with the sketch!

Cindy

Cheryl

Jessica

Kadie

Kim

Lisa

Lynda

Mercy

Thanks so much for stopping by today and this week! Look out for another post from me later today.


Supplies
Stamps: The Greeting Farm 'Marlene Monkey' & 'Wonderland - retired'
Inks: StazOn 'Jet Black', Creamy Caramel, Close To Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose, Cool Caribbean, Old Olive, Distress Inks 'Antique Linen and Tea Dye'
Papers: Strathmore Bristol Vellum, Bazzil Basics, PP - Basic Grey 'Lemonade'
Access: Ribbon, Circle Punches, Sponges, Dimensionals

Little Red Riding Hood

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Good Morning!


For the past few months, my friends Kadie and Mary have been taking turns swapping card kits with each other. It's been so much fun opening those packages and checking out what yummy things we get to work with each month! And this month was no different! Kadie sent me and Mary the super cute Red Riding Hood image from The Greeting Farm and various Christmas papers!


I have to admit; at first, I was really thrown as to how to make Red Riding Hood into a Christmas card, but then I thought that little Red Riding Hood could be carrying some Christmas presents in her basket so it could pass as a Christmas card! I start out slow, but catch on quick! ;)

I used almost all of the paper Kadie supplied and this week's Weekend Sketch Challenge (WSC#105) was the perfect layout to showcase them all! That red thread is from Kadie's kit too, and even though Kadie supplied some yummy ribbon, I borrowed some from my own stash just because I made this card 5"x7" so that the image could fit comfortably on the card and show off all that great paper and I wouldn't have had enough ribbon to tie a bow.

I have a small stack of Christmas cards piling up now! If I keep going at this pace, I might have enough to give to everyone on my list! Sweet! Ok, I'm off to check out what Kadie and Mary have done with their kits now. You might want to do the same!

See you tomorrow with a few posts from me!

Supplies

Stamps: The Greeting Farm 'Signature', Papertrey Ink 'Mixed Messages'

Inks: StazOn 'Jet Black', Creamy Caramel, Ruby Red, Pretty In Pink, Morning Marigold, More Mustard, Cool Caribbean, Distress Inks 'Frayed Burlap and Tea Dye'

Papers: Watercolor paper, Very Vanilla, Bazzil Basics, PP - Supplied by Kadie

Access: Ribbon, Thread, Brads, Button, Martha Stewart Tag Punch, Fiskars Decorative Scissors, Sponges, Dimensionals

Just Because Lottie

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Hey there!

I have another Whimsical Wednesday challenge for you all this week and it's an inspiration image challenge! You can check out the details and the image on the Whimsical Wednesday blog...HERE! And while you're there, check out the awesome card created by this week's featured Daredevil - Lisa Hjulberg!

I am starting to really like inspiration challenges because you can take any piece of the inspiration and make it yours. I decided to go with the colors of the mugs since they were a perrrfect match to my new favorite patterned paper - Earth Love by Cosmo Cricket! And can you believe I found this paper at Michaels?!? I was so beside myself when I spied them in the store!! :D That was a excellent shopping day! hehehe

I paired the paper with she sweet Twinkle Tot 'Lottie' from The Greeting Farm and this week's Inspirational Card Sketches (ICS#42) layout. And can I tell you; I could NOT contain my excitement when I saw that their sponsor this week was....THE GREETING FARM!! (If you don't have Keep Cosy in your collection, you might want to play along too!) Just a suggestion. ;)

Lottie was colored up with reinkers again and this time I cut her out and made her appear to sit on the horizontal panel, like all the Magnolia cards you see out there in blogland. :) All the decorative edges were done with either decorative scissors or a corner punch. No fancy machine or tool; just staple supplies. I was a little worried that I Lottie would look a little lost against that pattern but I think leaving some white paper around her and lifting her off the page helped it some.

If you'd like to play along this week, just create your card and leave a link to it on this week's WW post so the Daredevils can leave some love! And if you upload your creation to SCS or PCP, don't forget to use the keyword DDSC10! Don't forget to check out how the other Daredevils used the mugs as their inspiration this week!

Cassie Larson
Darla Wilson

Debbie Lee
Heather Schlatter
Jacquie Peifer
Jessica Diedrich
Kim Ross
Lisa Hjulberg
Rebecca Ednie
Sandra MacLean

I think this cold is getting the better of me this week. It probably hasn't helped that I haven't gotten enough sleep these past several days, but I'm hoping that all the orange juice and cough medicine I've been taking will pay off soon. And if it doesn't, well...I'm a mum; I don't have a day off! Am I right?! You all know what I'm talking about. I also found out that Syd's daycare class had 6 absentees yesterday; all out with a fever or cold. I've got my fingers crossed she doesn't come down with another cold...or worse!

Thanks so much for stopping by again today. :)

Suppplies
Stamps: The Greeting Farm 'Lottie Twinkle Tot' & 'PTI Mixed Messages'
Inks: StazOn 'Jet Black', Creamy Caramel, Pretty In Pink, Blush Blossom, Certain Celery, Old Olive, Close To Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, More Mustard, Ruby Red, Distress Inks 'Tea Dye and Frayed Burlap'
Papers: Strathmore Bristol Vellum, Bazzil Basics, PP - Cosmo Cricket 'Earth Love'
Access: Ribbon, Buttons, PTI Rustic Button Twine, Martha Stewart Tag Punch, EK Success Corner Punch, Fiskars Decorative Scissors, Sponges, Dimensionals

TSG28: Chipboard

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Good Morning!

This week's challenge for There She Goes is to use chipboard on our cards. Now this is a real challenge for me because all of the chipboard I own was bought for my scrapbooking and I very rarely use it on a card!

So I dug through my small stash and found something that would work for a winter/Christmas theme. I think snowflakes qualify don't you?!

If I must tell the truth though, this isn't a piece of chipboard. It's actually a thin piece of wood. I found it at Michaels in the wood section. It's so thin it could pass for chipboard! I sponged the edges with Tea Dye and Vintage Photo Distress Inks and covered it with some of Martha Stewart's Mica Flake Glitter by applying a layer of UTEE on it first and while it's still hot, I sprinkle the mica glitter over it. Then I stamped out a sentiment from the recently released Home Sweet Home Holiday Additions set and cut it out with the Spellbinders Labels 4 nestibilities. Then, using this week's Friday Sketchers layout, I adhered the sentiment to the snowflake, and then the snowflake to the card base, which I created using some of that yummy Cosmo Cricket Holly by Golly paper.

Now it's your turn! Create a card using some chipboard, and leave a link to it on Monday's TSG Challenge post and you're then the draw for a chance to win a $5 gift certificate to use in the TSG store! Nice no?! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by today, I really appreciate it!

Supplies
Stamps: There She Goes 'HSH Holiday Additions'
Inks: StazOn 'Jet Black', Distress Inks 'Antique Linen, Tea Dye, Vintage Photo'
Papers: Bazzil Basics, PP - Cosmo Cricket 'Holly By Jolly'
Access: Wooden Snowflake, Ribbon, Spellb inders Labels Four Nestibilities, Martha Stewarts Mica Flake Glitter, Dimensionals, Sponges

Hanna Stamps Release Challenge!

Monday, November 9, 2009

Good Morning!

As promised, I have this month's Hanna Stamps release party challenge for you all! I know how you all love your sketches, so you're going to love this one!

As this is a release party challenge, you all have one week, starting from today, to create a card using this sketch and either your Hanna's or Riley's. When you've finished your card, upload it to SCS using the keyword HSNOV09 and leave a link to it on this post in the Hanna Stamps Challenge Forum. Remember; those who play along go into the running to win a $20 gift certificate and an unmounted stamp of their choice from Hanna Stamps! Worth playing along for, right? (The winner will be announced at the release party, on Monday November 16th, 2009 at 9pm in the SCS/Hanna Stamps forum.)


I made a card using the sketch and dreidel from the Happy Chanukkah Hanna set. I spent about three hours trying to pick out paper that wasn't christmas-sy and more Jewish in color, but then it hit me; there are Jewish people who celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas - like my boss at work. So I dare say that my boss is getting this card for Christmas! :)

If you haven't heard already, there are some big changes on the horizon for Hanna Stamps and because of this, the Hanna Stamps store is down so Kristi can makes this changes. As yet, we haven't heard on when it will be back up, but hopefully it won't be too much longer. Thanks so much for your patience!

Ok, so get busy with this sketch! I can't wait to see what you all create with it!

Supplies

Stamps: Hanna Stamps 'Happy Hannukah Hanna'

Inks: StazOn 'Jet Black', Creamy Caramel, Distress Inks 'Antique Linen, Tea Dye, Walnut Stain
Papers: Strathmore Bristol Vellum, Bazzil Basics, PP - Basic Grey 'Wassail Collection'

Access: Ribbon, Button, Twine, Spellbinders Oval Nestibilities, Sponges, Dimensionals