Smoochies

This was another card that I made for the Paper Pretties Anniversary Party on Sunday. This time I used the Sealed With a Kiss set that was re-released in rubber. I decided to keep the card simple to showcase the image of the couple about to smooch. Look at that hair - the face may be youthful but the hair tells another story! LOL!

It is difficult to tell in the picture but I did apply stickles to the woman's headband, necklace and belt.

All images copyright Paper Pretties. Stamps: Sealed with a Kiss. Paper: Riding Hood Red, Chocolate Chip, PTI Select White, Urban Prairie designer (Basic Grey). Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Chocolate Chip Classic, Copic markers. Other: heart ribbon (Amercan Crafts), Stickles, pink brads (Queen & Co.), diemensionals.

Pretties Wednesday

Two weeks ago Jana issued the Prettie Girls a very specific card recipe for the challenge! On your card you needed to use the following:

1 dry embossed piece (embossing folders and texture plates count!)
* I used the Swiss Dots embossing folder on my card base. Check!

2 pieces of patterened paper
* I used two different patterned papers from The Green Stack: one with trees the other with words. Check!

3 colors of solid cardstock (this includes any neutrals you use)
* I used Kraft, Chocolate Chip and PTI Select white: hmm... all neutrals. Check!

4 embellishments
* I used one piece of hemp twine, one piece of Alphine Ribbon Originals and two jumbo eyelets. Check!

5 layers
At the thickest point there is exactly five layers: Kraft, Chocolate Chip, Patterned (trees), Patterned (words) and white. Check!

Whew - I didn't mess the challenge up! At least I don't think I did. You'll have to let me know for sure Jana! :) AND I also made this card for last week's Prettie Weekly Challenge #36 which was to use the stamp set Rainy Day Friends and/or Howdy Girlfriend and eyelets to make a card. You can see more details on the challenge here.

If you would like to see more takes on Jana's challenge, check out the rest of the Prettie Girls:
Charmaine Ikach
Christi Thorsen
Frances Byrne
Jackie Pedro
Jackie Rakoski
Jana Weaver
Jessica Diedrich
Jessica Rone
Jillian Winters
Jodi Collins
Julie Masse

All images copyright Paper Pretties. Stamps: Howdy Girlfriend. Paper: Kraft, Chocolate Chip, PTI Select White, The Green Stack (DCWV). Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Chocolate Chip Classic, Copic markers. Other: Alpine Ribbon Originals, Hemp Twine, Antique Brass Jumbo Eyelets, dimensionals, mat pack, paper piercer, Swiss Dots embossing folder (CuttleBug), sponge.

Blue... So Blue

Just a quick post of a card using one of the new 2009 Sale-A-Bration stamp sets (available Feb. 1st).

Quick notes: The stems/outlines were stamped in Not Quite Navy over which I stamped the flowers in Baja Breeze. Dazzling diamonds glitter was added to the flower centers for a bit of sparkle. Overall a very easy and quick card to make! With plenty of time left over to take the garbage out. Which is why I'm feeling a bit blue at the moment - it is cold outside!!! Brrrrrr....

All images copyright Stampin' Up!. Stamps: Botanical Blooms (SAB), Sanded Background. Paper: Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze, Kraft, Very Vanilla. Ink: Not Quite Navy Classic, Baja Breeze Classic. Other: silver brads, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Top Note BigZ die, Whisper White gorsgrain ribbon, dimensionals.

Perfectly Red

A couple months ago I spent some time making samples for Stampin' Up!'s Leadership conference in January. I can now share those samples with you! I thought I would pick some of my favorites and post them to my blog over the next week!

One of my absolute favorites of the 3D items I made was this very red triangle box I decorated with the Sale-a-Bration stamp set Botanical Blooms (available Feb. 1st). For details on making a triangle box check out this great tutorial by Beate on SplitCoastStampers. The designer paper is called Delicate Dots and is also available as one of the promotional SAB products. There is also a ribbon bundle - which has my name written all over it. Well, not really but it will be making its way to my home!!!

Here is a side shot - look at that bow?! That is a pretty nice bow for me! :)

I'll be back in a few with a simple card that I made using the same set.

All images copyright Stampin' Up!. Stamps: Botanical Blooms (SAB), Sanded background. Paper: Riding Hood Red, Mellow Moss, Whisper White, Delicate Dots designer (SAB). Ink: Riding Hood Red Classic, Chocolate Chip Classic, Mellow Moss Classic, Black StazOn. Other: Antique Brass jumbo eyelets, Chocolate Chip taffeta ribbon, half pearls (Pretties kit), scalloped edge punch, dimensionals, paper piercer, mat pack, jumbo oval punch, vintage brads, Dazzling Diamonds glitter.

Wanna Stay In?

Maybe have some Chinese?

I really wish that I had a Chinese restaurant within delivery range of my house especially when the weather is unfriendly (or really cold!) But I don't! I guess that is what happens when you live in an itsy bitsy little town! Although there are a couple of pizza places but they just do not cure the craving for Beef with Ginger and Garlic sauce. And I really don't think that would make an appetizing pizza! No, I really don't! There are just some things that should not be combined! :)

Quick notes: I colored the chop sticks from Flirty Fortunes with Copic markers and then inked with VersaMark, coated with Clear embossing powder and heat set (I repeated this a couple times for a nice thick coating). The designer paper is from a new 6" x 6" paper pack from Die Cuts With a View that I just purchased called The Green Pack.

All images copyright Paper Pretties. Stamps: Flirty Fortunes. Paper: Kraft, Really Rust, Buckaroo Blue, Georgia Pacific White, designer (DCWV). Ink: black, VersaMark, Copic markers. Other: Crystal Clear embossing powder, linen thread, button (Making Memories), scallop edged punch, mat pack, paper piercer, dimensionals, Soft Sky striped grosgrain ribbon.

Sneak Peek Revealed

Several days ago I teased you with a sneak peek of the newest Paper Pretties SOTM Sophia (for March). Now that the news is out that the new Sophia is a cutie ballerina dancing I can share my card. Yay! I just LOVE this stamp and it has been very difficult keeping my card a secret!

The new sets being released can be seen here on the Paper Clip and you really need to check out this post (another fabulous Ballerina card by Charmaine). For full details on the SOTM Club and how it works click here.

All images copyright Paper Pretties. Stamps: Ballerina Sophia (March SOTM image). Paper: Creamy Carmel, Close to Cocoa, Pink Pirouette, Georgia Pacific white, Just Dreamy 2 designer (My Mind's Eye). Ink: black, Close to Cocoa Classic, Copic markers. Other: striped ribbon (American Crafts), linen thread, Button Bouquet, large oval punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, designer label puch, Top Note BigZ die, CuttleBug embossing folder, mat pack, paper piercer, brown brads, dimensionals.

It's a Paper Pretties Blog Hop - Day 3

Welcome to the final day of our 3 day Pretties Blog Hop. If you are just joining us now, you can view all of the details here. The hop started Thursday on Christie's blog and continues today with Jodi. Have fun and we'll see you on the 25th at 8pm (EST) in the Paper Pretties forum.

Just a reminder the winner of the blog hop contest will receive a 6 month subscription to the Stamp of the Month Club. In order to win the prize, you'll need to collect all of the clues from the blog hop - 13 in all and email your answer to Christie at Paper Pretties: christie@paperpretties.net. Answers must be in by 9am (EST) on the 25th to qualify.

Hello Weekend!

I'm so happy that the weekend has finally arrived! Even though I only worked four days this week it seemed link a really long one - maybe it is the headache I've had all day today? Regardless of the reason I am happy to have two days off from work and to make things even more fun there is a Paper Pretties release party on Sunday. Woo hoo! Not only that but one of the sets being released is Flirty Fortunes which I finally had a chance to sit down and use to make a card. Double woo hoo!

So what do you think? Are you thrilled? LOL!

All images copyright Paper Pretties. Stamps: Flirty Fortunes. Paper: Marigold Morning, Chocolate Chip, Georgia Pacific white, Chocolate Chip patterns designer, Close to Cocoa prints designer (retired). Ink: Black, Close to Cocoa Classic, Copic markers. Other: Stickles, Summer Sunrise Topnotch Twill (PTI), brown brads (DoodleBug?), mat pack, paper piercer, dimensionals.

It's a Paper Pretties Blog Hop - Day 2

Welcome to Day 2 of our 3 day Pretties Blog Hop. If you are just joining us now, you can view all of the details here. The hop started yesterday on Christie's blog and continues today with Jessie. Have fun and we'll see you on the 25th at 8pm (EST) in the Paper Pretties forum.

Just a reminder the winner of the blog hop contest will receive a 6 month subscription to the Stamp of the Month Club. In order to win the prize, you'll need to collect all of the clues from the blog hop - 13 in all and email your answer to Christie at Paper Pretties: christie@paperpretties.net. Answers must be in by 9am (EST) on the 25th to qualify.

It's a Paper Pretties Blog Hop

Welcome to Paper Pretties' 2nd Anniversary Blog Hop.

We're celebrating in true Prettie style and you won't want to miss out! The blog hop will be happening over 3 days, beginning today. On the 25th at 8pm (EST) we'll all meet in forum on the Paper Pretties web site to celebrate and find out who our grand prize winner is, as well as the winner of a few other goodies. We will be giving prizes away every 1/2 hour from 8-11 (EST). Everyone who orders that night will receive a free roll of American Craft ribbon.

Our hop this time requires a bit of work on your part. Paper Pretties is giving away a 6 month subscription to the Stamp of the Month Club. In order to win the prize, you'll need to collect all of the clues from the blog hop - 13 in all and email your answer to Christie at Paper Pretties: christie@paperpretties.net. Answers must be in by 9am (EST) on the 25th to qualify.

Sound like fun?

I thought so! Let's get the party started! We are releasing a new Sophia stamp for our March SOTM. Your job is to guess what this Sophia is doing. Ready to put on your thinking cap? If you didn't start the hop at Prettie Mama Christie's blog you'll want to jump over there for the first clue.

However if you have just arrived here from Christi Thorsen's blog then you are ready for the next clue!!!

The clue I am sharing is BUN!

Here's a sneak peek of my card - think you know what Sophia is doing? No? You need another clue? Well hop on over to Jules' blog for the next one!

Remember to collect all the clues and email Christie with your guess at christie@paperpretties.net.

Pretties Wednesday: Urp!

Two weeks ago Charmaine challenged the Prettie Girls to use... pastels... as in... chalks. Eek! So uh, do me a favor and don't look too closely at my coloring job today. Okay? Maybe even take off your glasses or remove your contacts or even hold a piece of cellophane in front of your face... might look a wee bit better blurry. :)

If you would like to see more pastel-y goodness, check out the rest of the Prettie Girls:
Charmaine Ikach
Christi Thorsen
Frances Byrne
Jackie Pedro
Jackie Rakoski
Jana Weaver
Jessica Diedrich
Jessica Rone
Jillian Winters
Jodi Collins
Julie Masse

Now it is my turn to issue the Prettie Girl Challenge. I debated this for a while after completing the pastel challenge. Do I feel bad for myself and the rest of the Prettie Girls and should therefore issue an easy challenge? Or not? Hmmm... well, hopefully the girls will think this one is fun. Hee hee. My challenge is to use a texture-y material on your card (not including ribbon or Primas). So cut/die-cut some felt, cork, vinyl, fabric or whatnot and plop it on your card. Heck you can even use marshmallows. ;)

All images copyright Paper Pretties. Stamps: Bunny Hop Sophia (February SOTMC). Paper: Certainly Celery, Blue Bayou, Buckaroo Blue, PTI Select White, Bazzill, Chick-a-doo designer (SEI). Ink: black, Creamy Caramel Classic. Other: Wide Oval punch, designer label punch, Stars #2 Die (Sizzix - available from SU!), mat pack, paper piercer, vintage brads, medium metallic brads (Recollections), Swiss Dots ribbon (PTI), dimensionals, Button Bouquet, linen thread, Stampin' Pastels, blender pen.

Welcome to the Neighborhood

I'm popping in with a quick post tonight. I'm procrastinating a project - it involves using chalks/pastels. Huh?! That and my crafting mojo is in serious need of a caffeine infusion... or something. :)

However I have this card I made a few days ago to share with you. It uses an Anna Wight cling set called Hello Neighbor and lots of coloring with Copic markers. I even airbrushed the sky around the hourse and added Crystal Effects to the windows (can see that better in the closeup).

Later gators... I'm off to stare at my Stampin' Pastels. Maybe they will 'speak' to me. LOL!

All images copyright Whipper Snapper Designs. Stamps: Hello Neighbor Anna Wight Cling set (Whipper Snapper). Paper: Blue Bayou, Basic Black, Mellow Moss, PTI Select White, Urban Prairie designer (Basic Grey). Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic markers. Other: black brads (Recollections), Black pen, mat pack, paper piercer, dimensionals, Blue Bayou double-stitched ribbon, Crystal Effects.

This May Look Like a Cupcake...

But you never know what is inside! Sorry, I couldn't resist. This Cupcake Kitty from Whipper Snapper Designs looks like he has done something very bad yet very funny. LOL! I stamped him in Memento Tuxedo Black ink and colored with Copic markers. I used Copic AtYou Spica pens to add a bit of glitter to the candle flame and the pom pom on the hat. And added a touch of Crystal Effects to the cupcak frosting.

For the sentiment I stamped "Eat Cake" (from the 29 Again cling set) in Memento Tuxedo black on Tempting Turquoise cardstock and cut out with the Designer Label punch. I then knotted a piece of ribbon around the punch out. After which I attached a label from Stampin' Up!'s Styled Silver Hodgepodge hardware set. In retrospect I would tie the ribbon around the hardware instead of just the cardstock as it was a bit of a pain to keep the hardware stuck to the cardstock with the bulky ribbon in the way. I ended up coating the cardstock with Crystal Effects and holding the metal label to it until it dried a bit. Oh... I also used some metal snips to cut off parts of the metal label (the pieces with the holes for the brads).

Finished card size is 5 1/4" x 5 1/4".

All images copyright Whipper Snapper. Stamps: 29 Again Anna Wight Cling set, Cupcake Kitty. Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Rose Red, PTI Select White, Urban Prairie designer (Basic Grey). Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers, Copic AtYou Spica pens. Other: Soft Sky double-stitched ribbon, Styled Silver Hodgepodge hardware, silver brads (Recollections), mat pack, paper piercer, dimensionals, Crystal Effects.

Pretties Thursday: Nom Nom Nom

Do you have a favorite Valentine's candy? Hee... mine are Peppermint Nougats by Brach. Yum-o! I could just eat a whole bag of those! However since I like to share I thought I would put a half dozen or so of them into this neat little box that I made for this week's Prettie Challenge to make a box.

You can find all of the details on the challenge in the Paper Prettie's Challenge Forum or at The Paper Clip (where you can find all of the latest Paper Pretties' news!). There is also a sketch and some notes on how I made my little box over there. :)

First off, here is a shot of the front of the box. I did punch a hole to create a window so that the yummy nougats would peek through. Proof that I didn't eat all of the candy. Heh heh!

Here is a shot of the side and the top of the box. I stamped the sides with the cookie from Sweets for the Sweet. I also added bit speckling using a stamp from SU!. For the top I layered to flowers and sewed a red button onto them with linen thread.

The box was accented with some pretty red patterned designer paper from Basic Grey and Riding Hood Red Taffeta ribbon from SU!.

To finish here is a shot of the box opened. Those candies are just screaming "EAT ME". Nobody will know if one goes missing, right? LOL!

Stamps: Sweets for the Sweet (Paper Pretties), Itty Bitty Backgrounds (SU). Paper: Riding Hood Red, Wassail designer (Basic Grey). Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Riding Hood Red Classic. Other: Painterly Prints Harmony flowers (Prima), Wassail Button (Basic Grey), linen thread, Riding Hood Red taffeta ribbon, acetate, 1 3/8" circle punch, dimensionals, slot punch.

Pretties Wednesday: Casing Another Prettie Girl

Two weeks ago Julie challenged the Prettie Girls to case a Prettie Girl. How fun! I get to case one of my fellow talented teammates. Now for the hard part of the challenge - picking just one card to case! LOL!

I finally made a selection and choose this fabulous card by Jodi. Isn't it sweet?! I love the layout, the pearls and everything about the card. I did switch it up a bit for my card and used a slightly different color scheme, stamp and added a button. Just one button... and it has a purpose. A most purposeful button is a good button dontcha' agree?

Want to see what the rest of the team created? Check them out here:
Charmaine Ikach
Jackie Pedro
Jackie Rakoski
Jessica Diedrich
Jessica Rone
Jillian Winters
Jodi Collins
Julie Masse

Quick notes: I stamped Bunny Hop Sophia (February SOTMC image) in Memento Tuxedo Black and Colored with Copic markers. I added just a touch of shimmer to the bunny ears, eggs and shoes with a Clear Copic AtYou Spica pen. Do you see her hair? I went with a subtle light brown/dark blond dye job this time. I thought about making her a red head but decided that might be a bit much with the red and pink dress. :)

For the sentiment I used the designer label punch, 1 3/8" circle punch and large oval punch. Added some piercing to the circle and sandwiched 'em all together using dimensionals to adhere the large oval cutout on top of the other two pieces.

Let me start off by saying... this might be confusing. For the ribbon treatment I punched a hole with the slot punch through the Cameo Coral, designer paper and Real Red layers. The ribbon was then wrapped around all three of these layers so that both ends were sticking out from the left side of the card. I then ran some linen thread through a button, through the top of the punched slot and out the back of the card. I then scrunched the ribbon up so that it was narrower than the punched slot and ran the linen thread over it and back through the opening to the front of the card where I finished the loop by threading it through the second buttonhole. I tightened the linen thread up at this point and did the loop a second time and tied off the linen thread in a bow on the front. I'm liking the look of this a lot - I'll probably be adding this button ribbon technique to my favorites! :)

Here is a shot of the back before I finished assembling the card. Probably much easier to understand than my explanation above! LOL! :)

All image copyright Paper Pretties. Stamps: Bunny Hop Sophia*. Paper: Cameo Coral Textured, Naturals Ivory, Riding Hood Red, PTI Select White, Laundry Line Sundress "Heirloom" Pretty Vintage designer (My Mind's Eye). Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic markers, Clear Copic AtYou Spica pen. Other: Wassail button (Basic Grey), Very Vanilla/Riding Hood Red striped grosgrain ribbon, slot punch, designer label punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, large oval punch, Champagne self-adhesive pearls (KaiserCraft), linen thread, mat pack, paper piercer, dimensionals.

* You can find more details about the Paper Pretties' Stamp of the Month Club here.

Four Hearts

Thought I would post a peek at one of the new Sale-a-Bration stamp sets that will be available on the 1st of February from Stampin' Up!. :) This one is called Polka Dot Punches and has four different images one of which is a very pretty heart.

Notes: The heart image was stamped four times on the Ski Slope designer paper in VersaMark, coated with black embossing powder and heat set. The hearts were then cut out and the edges sponged with Pacific Point Classic ink. Next a 3" square of Pacific Point cardstock was cut and the edges paper pierced. The hearts were adhered to this layer and a layered flower was affixed with a big silver brad from the Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware set. To finish this layer a brad was added to each corner.

Next a 3 3/4" square of Basic Black cardstock was cut. I also paper pierced the edges of this layer although you might need to squint to see it in the picture. :) Around this layer some Basic Gray Taffeta ribbon was wrapped and knotted. For the cardbase I used an 8 1/2" x 4 1/4" piece of Baja Breeze cardstock cut in half. I added a little 1 1/4" strip of the same Ski Slope designer paper to the bottom (edges sponged with Pacific Point). To finish the layers were adhered together with dimensionals.

I did add a bit of stamping and a sentiment (On Your Birthday) to the inside of the card. I went with a birthday theme because I am still focused on creating a big ol' pile of bday cards for when I need them. However I think this card would have made a great thinking of you, congrats or even sympathy card. One step at a time though! :)

All images copyright Stampin' Up!. Stamps: Polka Dot Punches (2009 SAB set), On Your Birthday. Paper: Baja Breeze, Pacific Point, Basic Black, Ski Slope designer. Ink: VersaMark, Memento Tuxedo Black, Pacific Point Classic. Other: Black embossing powder, heat tool, Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware, mat pack, paper piercer, Basic Gray Taffeta ribbon, Flower Fusion Too dimensionals.

Happy Birthday Birdie

Just popping in with a quick post! I'm still thinking thoughts of Spring so here is another bright and cheery card! For the main image and sentiment I used a stamp set that I bought from Unity a while ago that had not seen ink yet. Please don't report me to the Office of Rubber Stamp Neglect and Abuse. I promise to be better! :)

Quick notes: I inked the image in Memento Tuxedo Black and stamped on PTI Select White cardstock. I masked the image and airbrushed a blue sky around the bird with a Copic marker and the air brusing system. Love my air compressor!! I then removed the mask and colored the bird and flower.

All images copyright Unity Stamps. Stamps: Birds of a Feather. Paper: Chocolate Chip, Bashful Blue, So Saffron, PTI Select White, Urban Prarie designer (Basic Grey). Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Chocolate Chip Classic, Copic markers. Other: Petite Scalloped Circle and Circle Nestabilitie dies, metallic circle medium sized brads (Recollections), Chocolate Chip Taffecta Ribbon, Paisley embossing folder (Cuttlebug), air brushing system, dimensionals.

Chocolate-y Goodness

Can you tell what my favorite flavor of ice cream is? Chocolate all the way! Although sometimes I do switch it up and have Chocolate Mint Chip or Moose Tracks or that other one with chocolate chunks or brownies. Hee... can you see a pattern here? :)

Chocolate aside, I did make this card for My Favorite Things' (aka MFT) January Ambassador Challenge to create a one layered card. One layer? Usually not my thing but this time it worked and I actually like the card I made. Of course the subject matter might be swaying my opinion... just a bit. :)

Quick notes (really quick since there is only one layer!): I used Nestabilities (Scalloped Rectangle and Rectangle) to create the embossing. I nested a rectangle die inside a scalloped rectangle die and ran through my Wizard die cutting system using the embossing pad (embosses instead of cutting). The ice cream cones were stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black and then colored with Copic markers. I added a bit of Mica Flakes to the tops of the cones for an extra Yum-O factor. I punched two holes and set jumbo eyelets in them. Through the eyelets I looped two different colors of taffeta ribbon and knotted. That's it... another simple yet fun card!

Closeup of the ice cream cones so you can see the glitter better.

All images copyright MFT. Stamps: Here's the Scoop. Paper: PTI Select White. Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic markers. Other: Kraft and Chocolate Chip Taffeta ribbons, Antique Brass jumbo eyelets, Mica Flakes Glitter (Martha Stewart).

Sweetly Simple

Thought I would share a quick and simple birthday card using the soon to be released Sweet Stems stamp set from Stampin' Up!.

Quick notes: stamped image on white cardstock, colored with Copic markers and added a touch of glitter with Copic AtYou Spica glitter pens. Then cut the image out with the wide oval punch. I cut a piece of Maine Blueberry designer paper (my favorite) and added a white scalloped border to the bottom. To finish a sentiment was stamped and some extra wide grosgrain ribbon was knotted around the designer paper.

All images copyright Stampin' Up!. Stamps: Sweet Stems (available January 18th), A Little Birthday Cheer. Paper: Kraft, Whisper White, PTI Select White, Maine Blueberry designer paper. Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic markers, Copic Spica AtYou Glitter Pens. Other: wide oval punch, scalloped edge punch, Bashful Blue 1" double stitched grosgrain, mat pack, paper piercer, dimensionals.

Snow... Oh So Wonderful Snow!

I just wanted to start this post off by saying that I'm done with snow. I am so over shoveling it, snow blowing it and driving through it. Blurgh! In the last 28 hours or so I've removed snow from my driveway (which is way too big) and my porch (again oversized) twice and it has snowed a couple more inches since then. Yurk! My bottom feels cold just thinking about going outside and doing it all over again tomorrow. Which is why instead of sharing a couple of winter cards I've made over the last week or two I am going to skip forward and share a Spring card I made today.

First off I used the latest sketch by Jen del Muro at i{heart}2stamp.com. It was perfect for a Spring card! :) Also have you seen on Jen's blog that she is doing a huge blog candy giveaway? All you have to do is make a card or two and mail it. Check out the deets here.

Next I used some new Kim Hughes stamps I ordered earlier in the week from Cornish Heritage Farms. I don't know how they bribed the post office but those stamps traveled FAST!

To create the scene I stamped the pudgy squirrel then masked him and stamped the tree. Added a few bumblebees for the fun of it. Next I drew some grass to finish the scene and then colored with my Copic markers (skip the leaves and flowers for now). I stamped the tree a second time on another piece of cardstock and cut out the top portion, which was colored and then adhered over the first tree with dimensionals. I added a bit of shimmer to the flower centers with a Copic AtYou Spica pen. Finished card size is 5 1/4" x 5 1/4".

Nice and Spring-y isn't it? :)

Stamps: Kim Hughes Spring Trees (Cornish Heritage Farms), Sanded Background (SU!). Paper: Baja Breeze, Certainly Celery, PTI Select White, Soft Sky Prints designer. Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Certainly Celery Classic, Copic markers, Copic AtYou Spica pens. Other: Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware, mat pack, paper piercer, Wide Oval punch, dimensionals.

Pretties Thursday: Lookin' Good

Have you seen this week's Prettie Challenge Sketch? Hee... I think I outdid myself on this one and can you tell that I was thinking warm thoughts when I drew it? You can find more details on the challenge at The PaperClip (the fabulous Paper Pretties blog) or in the Paper Pretties forum.

You would think after drawing this sketch I would use a bunch of bright colors on my card. But nope, I went with glitz and glam. I do believe I was subconsciously thinking of this card by the talented Jana and it heavily influenced my creation. Thanks for letting me borrow some of your stamping mojo Jana! :)

Also, there is something unusual about this card. Can you tell? I didn't use a single brad and I didn't paper pierce. Yikes! However I did use a lot of glitter to give Wade an extra sparkly hat and vest. All this card needs is a disco ball and some music: "Stayin' Alive! Stayin' Alive! Ah ah ah ah Stayin' Aliveeeeeee." He he he.

In other notes I did add a pointy edge to the red designer paper using a 1/4" square punch. The circle was cut with the Coluzzle cutting system and the cirlce template. I've heard a rumor that Stampin' Up! is going to be releasing a new circle cutting tool with their new catalog. Maybe oh maybe I can finally replace my coluzzle!

Here is a closeup of the extremely handsome and sparkly Wade as well as the pointy border. Ah... my little disco dancing gent!

All images copyright Paper Pretties. Stamps: Wade E. Bug (Paper Pretties), 29 Again (Whipper Snapper). Paper: Sahara Sand, Basic Black, Riding Hood Red, PTI Select White, Ski Slope designer, Gray patterned paper (American Crafts). Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic markes. Other: Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, 2-way glue pen, 1/4" square punch, Coluzzle cutting system and circle template, dimensionals.

Pretties Wednesday: Nature's Paint Brush

Two weeks ago Jessica (pinkgirl76) challenged all the Prettie girls to make a card using Kraft, Chocolate Chip, Old Olive, and Baja Breeze. This combo reminds me of a nature scene: blue sky, green grass and great big Maple trees (I love trees)! However I did not use a tree on my card instead I used next month's Stamp of the Month Club Sophia: Bunny Hop. She's my new favorite! :)

Ready for more inspiration Prettie Girl style? I thought so! Here are links to the rest of the Prettie Girls where you are sure to find some fabulous samples:
Charmaine Ikach
Jackie Pedro
Jackie Rakoski
Jessica Diedrich
Jessica Rone
Jillian Winters
Jodi Collins
Julie Masse

All images copyright Paper Pretties. Stamps: Bunny Hop Sophia (February SOTM). Paper: Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Kraft, Baja Breeze, PTI Select White. Ink: Black, Copic Marers, Vintage Photo Distress Ink (Ranger). Other: Avocado Swiss Dots Satin ribbon (PTI), brown brads (Doodlebug), Large Oval punch, Scalloped Rectangle and Rectangle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Tiny Bubbles Embossing Folder (CuttleBug), dimensionals and dimensional foam tape, 1/4" circle punch, mat pack, paper piercer, sponge.

Card Organizer Times Two

Are you experiencing deja vu? A couple of months ago I decorated another one of these card organizers and I had so much fun doing so that I had to make another but in green and brown. This was actually a gift for a stamping buddy and I've been waiting to share pictures of it until I wouldn't spoil the surprise. :)

I used some of the Ski Slope Designer paper from Stampin' Up! to cover the box. All outside surfaces including the back with the brown paper and then the fronts of the pockets with the white/green/brown patterned paper. To adhere and seal the paper I used some Perfect Paper Adhesive (like mod podge). I also sponged some Chocolate Chip Classic ink along the edges for a distressed look.

To finish I added some ribbon and a decorated label (from Sweet Celebrations set). I used some felt flowers and a big epoxy brad from Basic Grey and built a lovely layered flower. For the sentiment I used one of the words from Fundamental Phrases and cut it out with the oval punch. All edges of the label had Chocolate Chip Classic ink sponged on them. Label was adhered to the box with dimensionals.

Of course the card organizer can be used to hold more than just cards. Maybe a bunch of stamping goodies?! :)

All images copyright Stampin' Up!. Stamps: Sweet Celebrations, Fundamental Phrases. Paper: Kraft, Old Olive, Ski Slope designer. Ink: Chocolate Chip Classic, Old Olive Classic. Other: Wassail Epoxy brad (Basic Grey), oval punch, silver brads, dimensionals, Kiwi Kiss striped ribbon, sponge, foam brush, Perfect Paper Adhesive, paper mache card organizer.

*** Edited to Add: Just wanted to let all of you know that the place I purchased these paper mache card organizers still has them! You can find them at USArtQuest and here is a link directly to the paper mache page. These are called the Two Tier Card Holder. USArtQuest is also were I purchase the Perfect Paper Adhesive (matte finish usually).

A New Year needs a Calendar!

A few months ago I began working on a 2009 calendar and I've finally finished it! I was procrastinating because I did not have an air can for my Copic airbrushing system. However I now have an air compressor setup so I am good to go! Now that the calendar is finished I thought I would share several more pages of it with you. You can see the original post here.

August: uses Bunny Slippers Sophia, some Prima flowers and adhesive rhinestones.

Supplies: Bunny Slippers Sophia. Paper: Basic Gray, Brocade Blue, Bashful Blue, Georgia Pacific white, Chocolate Chalet Designer (Cloud 9). Ink: Copic markers, Memento Tuxedo Black. Other: Prima flowers, Brocade Blue brads, twill ribbon (Taylored Expressions), mat pack, paper piercer, dimensionals, adhesive rhinestones (KaiserCraft), flowers (Prima).

September: uses Off to School Sophia, some vibrant Basic Grey Wassail buttons and American Crafts dotted ribbon.

Supplies: Off to School Sophia. Paper: Basic Gray, Riding Hood Red, Tangerine Tango, Georgia Pacific white, Chocolate Chalet Designer (Cloud 9). Ink: Copic markers, Memento Tuxedo Black. Other: Wassail Buttons (Basic Grey), Real Red brads, dotted ribbon (American Crafts), mat pack, paper piercer, dimensionals.

October: uses Falling for You Sophia, some felt flowers and epoxy brads.

Supplies: Falling for You Sophia. Paper: Basic Gray, Mellow Moss, Apricot Appeal, Georgia Pacific white, Chocolate Chalet Designer (Cloud 9). Ink: Copic markers, Memento Tuxedo Black. Other: Flower Fusion, Flower Fusion Too, Mellow Moss brads, epoxy brads (Basic Grey), twill ribbon (Taylored Expressions), mat pack, paper piercer, dimensionals.

November: uses Snowflake Kisses, more Basic Grey Wassail buttons and American Crafts dotted ribbon.

Supplies: Snowflake Kisses. Paper: Basic Gray, Mellow Moss, Tangerine Tango, Georgia Pacific white, Chocolate Chalet Designer (Cloud 9). Ink: Copic markers, Memento Tuxedo Black. Other: Wassail Buttons (Basic Grey), dotted ribbon (American Crafts), mat pack, paper piercer, dimensionals.

December: uses Trim the Tree Sophia, fun Felt Flurries, big epoxy brads and some striped ribbon. I also added some glitter to the ornament and Sophia's pink sash and hair bow with Copic Spica AtYou glitter pens.

Supplies: Trim the Tree Sophia. Paper: Basic Gray, Bashful Blue, Riding Hood Red, Georgia Pacific white, Chocolate Chalet Designer (Cloud 9). Ink: Copic markers, Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Spica AtYou glitter pens. Other: Wassail Expoxy Brads (Basic Grey), striped ribbon (May Arts), Felt Flurries, mat pack, paper piercer, dimensionals.


To finish here is a side shot of the completed calendar. Wowza did it ever end up bulky, but cute! Now I just need to wrap it in some bubble wrap, put it in a box and mail it to the recipient. None other than Prettie Mama Christie! Hope she likes it! :)

Pretties Wednesday: Trading Cards

Yeah, I'm a day late with my Paper Pretties challenge card. I was having some issues Tuesday night finishing the card and wasn't home at all on Wednesday to complete it! But I did today and I'm happy to share it with you! Yay!

Two weeks ago Jackie Pedro challenged the Prettie Girls to make an ATC (Artist Trading Card) and then use it on a full sized card. I love this challenge! Although I did have to look up the size of an ATC. It's 2.5" x 3.5" by the way. :)

For my ATC I used the Snowflake Kisses stamp set and some pretty glitter embossed designer paper from My Mind's Eye. I stamped the mitts on PTI Select White cardstock, colored with Copic markers, cut out and embellished. I then stamped the same image on the embossed paper, paper pierced the edges and then mounted the colored gloves on top of it with dimensionals. To finish, I layered on Bordering Blue and added ribbon before layering again on Basic Gray and finishing with two silver brads.

For the full sized card I cut a piece of 4" x 5 1/4" Ski Slope designer paper, paper pierced the edges and layered on another slightly larger piece of Basic Gray cardstock. I then stamped a sentiment and mounted on a River Rock cardbase. I added the ATC with dimensionals and accented the finished piece with a couple of diecut stars and rhinestones.

Do you want to see what the rest of the team made? I thought so! Here are links to their blogs:
Charmaine Ikach
Jackie Pedro
Jackie Rakoski
Jessica Diedrich
Jessica Rone
Jillian Winters
Jodi Collins
Julie Masse

Also, the fantastically talented Julie Masse is this week's challenge issuer and she even has a challenge for you (including blog candy!). Check it out here!

All images copyright Paper Pretties. Stamps: Snowflake Kisses (Paper Pretties). Paper: River Rock, Basic Gray, Bordering Blue, PTI Select white, Laundry Line designer (My Mind's Eye), Ski Slope designer (Stampin' Up!). Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic markers, Copic Clear Spica AtYou Glitter pen. Other: mat pack, paper piercer, adhesive rhinestones (KaiserCraft), Bashful Blue Taffeta ribbon, Stars #2 Sizzix Die (available from SU!), dimensionals.