Thursday, April 28, 2011

TUIC Newsprint Challenge

Jenn has hosted the second Tangled Up in Creativity Challenge for April. She requested that our design include newsprint. I created these newsprint blossoms with my Peony Nestabilities and the leaves with my Martha Stewart balloon punch.
Stamps: Make a Wish Quotes by Fiskers
Papers: Certainly Celery and Riding Hood Red by Stampin' Up
hello luscious by BasicGrey
Ink: Groovy Guava, Riding Hood Red, and Certainly Celery by Stampin' Up
Tools: Peony Nestabilities, Martha Stewart Balloon Punch
Embellishment: Jeweled Brads

TUIC April Showers Bring May Flowers Challenge


Heather is hosting one of April's challenges for Tangled Up in Creativity. Her theme is April showers bring May flowers. We are in a huge drought here in South Texas and are still waiting on our April showers. So far we haven't seen a single one. There is still one more day left in April! We are keeping our fingers crossed!

Stamps: Rainy Daisy Days 02 by House-Mouse Desings, Inc.
the beautiful sentiment is from Happy Pansies by Mark's Finest Papers
Papers: Stampin' Up
Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black and Grape Jelly
Tools: Cuttlebug Embossing Folder and Copic Markers
Embellishment: Ribbon

Something's Fishy

The Ways to Use It Challenge at Splitcoaststampers today is called "Boy, oh, Boy!". Images used were to be things little boys love like toys, sports, animals, etc. I love this max & whiskers paper from BasicGrey which goes so perfectly with this delightful fish from Fish You Were Here by Mark's Finest Papers so I combined them in my design today. The die cuts and embossing are from Cuttlebug.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

SCS Sketch Challenge 330

My SCS sketch challenge design today was created with images from 3 Step Baseball and Honey Bunny (grass) by Kitchen Sink Stamps. The papers are from Stampin' Up and BasicGrey.

These are the inks in the order I stamped the images:
Color Recipe for Glove

Layer 4 - SU Early Espresso
Layer 3 - Memento Rich Cocoa
Layer 2 - Memento Potter's Clay
Layer 1 - Memento Potter's Clay stamped off once

Color Recipe for Baseball

Layer 2 - Memento Rich Cocoa stamped off once
Layer 3 - Memento Ladybug
Layer 1 - Memento Desert Sand

Color Recipe for Bat

Layer 3 - Memento Rich Cocoa
Layer 2 - Memento Potter's Clay
Layer 1 - Memento Potter's Clay stamped off once

Sentiment - Memento Tuxedo Black

Grass - Memento Bamboo Leaves

Sky - sponged SU Blue Bayou

SCS Color Challenge 320

I created today's card for Splitcoaststampers' Color Challenge 320. Today's required colors were Bashful Blue, Baja Breeze, and Certainly Celery by Stampin' Up. This cute lime rickey paper by BasicGrey contained all three colors so I pulled out Mark's Finest Papers' Tweet Blessings to go with it! The greenery and flower were punched with Martha Stewart punches.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Kitchen Sink - 10 Minute Card Challenge #17

The twist on this week's Kitchen Sink 10 Minute Card Challenge is to add interest to your design by stamping your Kitchen Sink image directly on designer paper. It adds richness and depth to any clean and simple design. Try it and let me know what you think! If you play along with this week's challenge, upload your card to the Kitchen Sink Gallery and include keyword 10MC17.

Stamps: Multi Step Cowboy Boots by Kitchen Sink Stamps
Paper: Sahara Sand and Early Espresso by Stampin' Up
cappella by BasicGrey and textured paper by the Paper Studio
Inks: Boots - 4 SU Soft Suede, 3 SU Soft Suede, 2 SU Soft Suede
stamped off once, 1 Memento Desert Sand, 5 SU Early Espresso
Sentiment - SU Early Espresso

Stamps: 3 Step Hydrangea and Whole Family by Kitchen Sink Stamps
Papers: Sage Shadow by Stampin' Up, Lovely Lavender by Gina K Designs
porcelain by BasicGrey
Inks: Hydrangea - 3 Memento Grape Jelly, 4 SU Concord Crush, 2 Memento
Grape Jelly stamped off once, 1 Memento Lulu Lavender
Leaves - 1 SU Old Olive, 2 SU True Thyme, 3 SU True Thyme
Urn - 3 SU River Rock, 2, SU River Rock stamped off once,
1 Memento Desert Sand, 4 SU True Thyme
Sentiment - Memento Grape Jelly
Tools: Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Dimple Corner Punch
Embellishment: Ribbon

Stamps:  Letters from the Past and Father's Pocket Watch by Kitchen Sink Stamps
Papers: Crumb Cake and Early Espresso by Stampin' Up
On the Road Travel Log by K&Company
Inks: Pen and Watch - 3 SU Early Espresso, 2 SU Soft Suede
1 SU More Mustard
Sentiment - SU Early Espresso and Soft Suede
Tools: Corner Rounder and Cuttlebug Embossing Folder

Stamps: Multi Step Berries by Kitchen Sink Stamps
Papers: Groovy Guava and Poppy Parade by Stampin' Up
nook & pantry by BasicGrey
Inks: Strawberries -3 SU Cherry Cobbler, 2 SU Poppy Parade,
1 SU Poppy Parade stamped off once, 4 SU Rich Razzleberry
Leaves - 1 SU Wild Wasabi, 2 SU Wild Wasabi, 3 SU Handsome Hunter
Sentiment - SU Poppy Parade
Tools: Big Bite, Corner Rounder
Embellishment: Ribbon

If you are ordering from Kitchen Sink Stamps today, remember to save 10% on your order by CLICKING HERE  to enter the store.

Check out the sweet treats whipped up for you this week by the other members of the Kitchen Crew!

Friday, April 22, 2011

Kitchen Sink Word of the Week - Hallelujah


I was busy planning a card for the Kitchen Sink Word of the Week Challenge (the word is hallelujah) when I discovered that our beloved Benji had been crowned this week's Queen for the Day and headed off to explore her fabulous gallery.

I had researched the flowers of Israel and had selected the yellow lupine (it is the first cousin to the Texas Bluebonnet I believe) to use on my Easter card, but when I was looking at the beautiful cards in Brenda's gallery, I fell in love with her Sunflowers by the Ocean and remembered from my research that the sunflower was also grown in Israel.

Congratulations, Brenda!! How fabulous it is to be under your reign this week!!

Stamps: Multi Step Sunflowers by Kitchen Sink Stamps
Paper: Early Espresso, Sahara Sand, and Whisper White by Stampin' Up
Inks: Sunflowers - 3 Memento Cantaloupe, 2 Memento Dandelion, 1 Memento Dandelion stamped off once, 4 SU Soft Suede, 5 SU Early Espresso,
Leaves - 1 SU Old Olive, 3 SU Wild Wasabi
Tools: Sizzix Brick Wall Embossing Folder, SU Punches, Dimensionals

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Using Ovals

The Ways to Use It Challenge at Splitcoaststampers today required the use of ovals. I used my oval Nestabilites to add the Easter eggs for this gorgeous digital bunny from Angels Landing. It was colored with Copic markers. The edge was sponged with Mellow Moss ink by Stampin' Up.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

SCS Sketch Challenge 329


This wedding card was created for today's sketch challenge at Splitcoaststampers using my heart Nestabilities, Roses for You by Mark's Finest Papers, and the Victoria Embossing Folder by Cuttlebug. The wine glass charms were part of the crafting stash I purchased at a garage sale last week.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Kitchen Sink Monday

This Monday I wanted to play along with some of the wonderful challenges posted by members of the Kitchen Sink Crew in the Kitchen Sink Forum this week. My first card today was made for Connie's sketch challenge as well as Julie's Word of the Week Challenge. The word is spring!! What beautiful spring weather we have been enjoying in Texas these past few weeks so what word could be more perfect?


Stamps: 3 Step Daisy, Multi Step Ivy, 3 Step Butterflies, 
and 3 Step Honey Bunny by Kitchen Sink Stamps
Papers: Pear Pizzazz, Blushing Bride and Tangerine Tango by Stampin' Up,
green at heart by BasicGrey
Inks: Ivy - 4 SU Handsome Hunter, 3 SU Always Artichoke, 2 SU Old Olive,
1 SU Pear Pizzazz, Butterflies - 3 SU Pear Pizzazz
Daisies - 2 SU Peach Parfait, 1 SU Blushing Bride, 3 SU Tangerine Tango
Embellishment: Martha Stewart Punched Hydrangea, Pearls, Seam Binding Ribbon,
Dimensionals

These next four are for my 10 Minute Card Challenge. The Challenge this week is to stamp a KSS flower on your card front and then add a vase, pot, or bowl to hold it. I think these will make a fun note card set for a gift! Play along with me and upload your creation to the KSS gallery. Be sure to add keyword 10MC16 so I'll be sure to see it!! Most of all----have fun!!

Stamps: Multi Step Giant Sunflower
Papers: Pure Luxury Lemon Drop by Gina K Designs, Creamy Caramel by Stampin' Up
Inks: Sunflower - 3 SU More Mustard, 2 SU Crushed Curry, 1 SU So Saffron,
4 SU Soft Suede, 5 SU Early Espresso
 Leaves - 1 SU Old Olive, 2 SU Old Olive, 3 SU Always Artichoke
Tools: Sizzix Embossing Folder



Stamps: Heart & Roses by Kitchen Sink Stamps
Paper: SU Bashful Blue and Basic Black
Inks: Rose - 3 SU Cherry Cobbler, 2 SU Ruby Red, 1 SU Ruby
Red stamped off once, 4 SU Rich Razzleberry
Leaves - 1 SU Always Artichoke, 2 SU Always Artichoke,
3 SU Handsome Hunter
Tools: Cuttlebug Embossing Folder

Stamps: Multi Step Lilacs by Kitchen Sink Stamps
Papers:  Pure Luxury Lovely Lavender by Gina K Designs
Lovely Lilac by Stampin' Up
Ink: Lilac - 3 Memento Grape Jelly, 2 Memento Grape Jelly stamped off once,
1 Memento Grape Jelly stamped off twice, 4 Versafine Imperial Purple
Leaves - 1 SU Pear Pizzazz, 2 SU Pear Pizzazz, 3 SU Old Olive
Tools: Cuttlebug Embossing Folder

Stamps: Multi Step Hydrangea and Multi Step Lilacs by Kitchen Sink Stamps
Papers: Pure Luxury Innocent Pink by Gina K Designs
Melon Mambo by Stampin' Up
Inks: Hydrangea - 3 SU Melon Mambo, 4 SU Cherry Cobbler, 2 SU Melon Mambo
stamped off once, 1 SU Melon Mambo stamped off twice
Leaves: 1 SU Pear Pizzazz, 2 SU Pear Pizzazz, 3 SU Old Olive
Tools: EK Success Border Punch, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder

Thanks so much for dropping by to visit today!!


Check out what the crew has created for you!



Saturday, April 16, 2011

Speedy the Cat - Challenge 51

Colleen has asked that participants create a collage for Speedy the Cat's Challenge this week. I picked up 475 of these doilies at a garage sale today for $2. I think one is perfect for my collage. It is hard to see in this photo, but the rose is stamped and cut out three times. The large rose has two layers and is popped up twice so it has great depth. The bud is the center cut from the rose image.


Stamps: Roses for You and Happy Pansies by Mark's Finest Papers
Papers: Mark's Finest Papers, BasicGrey
Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black, SU Early Espresso and Pink Pirouette
Tools: Copic Markers, SU Punches, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder
Embellishment: Paper Doily, Ribbon, Heart Charm, Pearl


Thursday, April 14, 2011

Mark's Finest Papers - April Blog Hop - Day 4

Welcome to the final day of the MFP April Blog Hop! This month, we are releasing 4 NEW SETS!


Our New Sets are: In My Mother's Garden, Bearded Iris, Oh Boy, It's a Girl, and Garden Fairies. For your convenience, all 4 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

We have a NEW Blog Candy Contest! BE A GUEST DESIGNER!***

What do you need to do to qualify? Just comment on the Design Team blogs during the blog hop. The winner will be announced on the Mark’s Finest Papers blog on Saturday, April 16, 2011. ***See the MFP blog for all the contest rules and PRIZES!


FRIDAY, April 15, 2011: Garden Fairies






















Stamps: Garden Fairies by Mark's Finest Papers
Paper: Naturals Ivory and Early Espresso by Stampin' Up
indian summer by BasicGrey
Ink: Versafine Vintage Sepia
Tools: Prismacolor Pencils, Odorless Mineral Spirits, Martha Stewart Fern Punch,
Martha Stewart Loop Corner Punch
Embellishment: Stickles and Ribbon

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Mark's Finest Papers - April Blog Hop - Day 3

Welcome to the third day of the MFP April Blog Hop! This month, we are releasing 4 NEW SETS!


Our New Sets are: In My Mother's Garden, Bearded Iris, Oh Boy, It's a Girl, and Garden Fairies. For your convenience, all 4 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

We have a NEW Blog Candy Contest! BE A GUEST DESIGNER!***

What do you need to do to qualify? Just comment on the Design Team blogs during the blog hop. The winner will be announced on the Mark’s Finest Papers blog on Saturday, April 16, 2011. ***See the MFP blog for all the contest rules and PRIZES!

Thursday, April 14, 2011-In My Mother's Garden


















Lynn - That's Me!





 Stamps: In My Mother's Garden by Mark's Finest Papers
Paper: Watercolor Paper, Summer Sun, Sage Shadow, and 
Basic Black by Stampin' Up, BasicGrey
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black
Tools: Watercolor Wonder Crayons by Stampin' Up
Embellishment: Seam Binding Ribbon by Martha Stewart, Paper Rose

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Mark's Finest Papers - April Blog Hop - Day 2

Welcome to the MFP April Blog Hop! This month, we are releasing 4 NEW SETS!


Our New Sets are: In My Mother's Garden, Bearded Iris, Oh Boy, It's a Girl, and Garden Fairies. For your convenience, all 4 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

We have a NEW Blog Candy Contest! BE A GUEST DESIGNER!***

What do you need to do to qualify? Just comment on the Design Team blogs during the blog hop. The winner will be announced on the Mark’s Finest Papers blog on Saturday, April 16, 2011. ***See the MFP blog for all the contest rules and PRIZES!

WEDNESDAY, April 13: Oh Boy, It's a Girl!













Lynn - That's Me!






 Stamps: Oh, Boy! It's a Girl! by Mark's Finest Papers
Papers: Snowstorm by Mark's Finest Papers, Pink Pirouette, 
Pixie Pink, and Basic Black by Stampin' Up, BasicGrey
Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black, Stampin' Up Pixie Pink
Embellishment: Twill Ribbon, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Molded Rose, Rhinestone Swirl

Monday, April 11, 2011

Mark's Finest Papers - April Blog Hop - Day 1

Welcome to the MFP April Blog Hop! This month, we are releasing 4 NEW SETS!


Our New Sets are: In My Mother's Garden, Bearded Iris, Oh Boy, It's a Girl, and Garden Fairies. For your convenience, all 4 stamp sets are available for purchase TODAY!

We have a NEW Blog Candy Contest! BE A GUEST DESIGNER!***

What do you need to do to qualify? Just comment on the Design Team blogs during the blog hop. The winner will be announced on the Mark’s Finest Papers blog on Saturday, April 16, 2011. ***See the MFP blog for all the contest rules and PRIZES!


TUESDAY April 12, 2011- Bearded Iris

Lynn - That's me!



I love flower pot pocket cards, and what could be more perfect for these gorgeous bearded irises!!



Stamps: Bearded Iris by Mark's Finest Papers
Papers: Mark's Finest Papers
Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black and Grape Jelly, 
SU Soft Suede and More Mustard
Tools: Copic Markers and Martha Stewart Edge Punch
Embellishment: Ribbon



Timeless Wisdom, Wonderful Father

I have just returned home for attending the bi-annual Gulf Coast Paper Crafters' swap. What a sensational day of card making and fellowship with fellow stampers! This is the Father's Day card which I created to share with the girls at the swap. This fun fold makes a great stand alone design.



Stamps: Father's Pocket Watch by Kitchen Sink Stamps
Paper: Gray Bazzill, Whisper White and Basic Gray by Stampin' Up, Silver Shimmer Paper
Inks: Watch - 3 Memento Tuxedo Black, 2 SU Going Gray, 1 SU Sahara Sand
Sentiment - SU Sahara Sand and Memento Tuxedo Black
Embellishment: Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, black tiles

Monday in the Kitchen Sink also brings another 10 Minute Card Challenge. Today's challenge is a one layer card with an out-of-the box stamped KSS image, a sentiment, and a frame drawn with a pen or colored pencil. I used a metal ruler to create the square frames and I drew around the inside edge of my Nestability to create the circular frame.  Should you wish to play along, upload your card to the Kitchen Sink Gallery and add 10MC15 as you keyword.

Stamps: Multi Step Pansies and 3 Step Daisies by Kitchen Sink Stamps
Paper: Snowstorm by Mark's Finest Papers
Inks: Pansy - 4 SU Cherry Cobbler, 3 SU Melon Mambo, 2 SU Pixie Pink,
1 SU Pixie Pink stamped off once, 5 SU Rich Razzleberry
Leaves - 1 SU Pear Pizzazz, 2 SU Old Olive, 3 SU Always Artichoke
Tools: Ruler and Black Ball-point Pen
Embellishment: Ribbon

Stamps: Multi Step Cup of Warm Comfort by Kitchen Sink Stamps
Paper: SU Naturals Ivory
Inks: Mug - 4 SU Early Espresso, 3 SU Soft Suede stamped off once,
2, SU Creamy Caramel stamped off once, 1 SU Creamy Caramel
stamped off twice, Sentiment - SU Early Espresso
Embellishment:  Ribbon


Stamps: Multi Step Baby by Kitchen Sink Stamps
Paper: SU Bashful Blue
Inks: Mug - 3 SU Marina Mist, 2 SU Marina Mist stamped off once,
1 SU Bashful Blue stamped off once, 4 SU Marina Mist
Embellishment: Ribbon

Check in on the ladies in the crew!!

Thursday, April 7, 2011

A Few Sneak Peeks!

Next Tuesday Mark's Finest Papers will be releasing four new stamp sets. Today I am sharing a little peak at some of those images.


Stamps: In My Mother's Garden by Mark's Finest Papers
Papers: Mark's Finest Papers, curio from BasicGrey
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic Markers
Tools: Deckle Scissors


Stamps: Garden Fairies by Mark's Finest Papers
Paper: Baja Breeze, Pear Pizzazz, Whisper White, and Poppy Parade by Stampin' Up
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic Markers
Tools: Cuttlebug Embossing Folder


Stamps: Oh, Boy! It's a Girl! by Mark's Finest Papers
Paper: Whisper White, Pink Pirouette, and Early Espresso by Stampin' Up
porcelain by BasicGrey
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, SU Pink Pirouette, SU Passion Pink
Tools: SU Oval Punches
Embellishment: Swirls of Rhinestones

Each of these sets will be available for purchase on April 12 from Mark's Finest Papers.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Kitchen Sink Monday

I found time today  to create a few cards for the challenges over at Kitchen Sink Stamps. Each member of the design team hosts a challenge each week in the forums.

On Mondays I host the 10 Minute Card Challenge.
On Tuesdays Makiko hosts the Kitchen Pantry Challenge in which she chooses an ingredient or tool to be used in the challenge.
On Wednesdays Lisa hosts the Stock Up on Occasions Challenge where one occasion is the focus of the week.
On Thursdays Julie hosts the Word of the Week Challenge where inspiration for the projects is to come from the word selected for the week.
On Fridays Connie hosts the Sketch Carte Challenge.
On Saturdays Maria hosts the Case the Crew Challenge.
On Sundays Angela hosts the Everything Plus the Kitchen Sink Challenge which has something new and unique every week.



This first challenge card I am sharing with you above was created for Connie's Sketch Carte Challenge. I had a lot fun with this great layout! It allowed me to mix this beautiful paper from my "owl pal, Christy" with my beloved KSS roses!!


Stamps: Hearts & Roses, Words of Comfort and Joy, and Champagne Celebration
by Kitchen Sink Stamps
Papers: Very Vanilla and Blue Bayou by Stampin' Up, Gold Shimmer Paper,
Julianne by K&Company
Inks: Rose - 4 SU More Mustard, 3 SU More Mustard stamped off once,
2 SU So Saffron, 1 SU So Saffron stamped off once
Leaves - 1 SU Mellow Moss, 2 SU Mellow Moss, 3 SU Always Artichoke
Sentiment - SU Blue Bayou
Embellishment: Paper Roses

This next bunch of cards were created for my 10 Minute Challenge. The challenge this week is to select one color (the same for the paper and the ink) and one neutral color paper for the creation of your 10 minute card.

This first 10 minute card used Julie's Word of the Week as the inspiration. Her word this week was BOLD! No one is bolder or braver than our service men and women. This card is going to a group collecting cards for them.
Stamps: Tanks a Ton by Kitchen Sink Stamps
Paper: Crumb Cake and Naturals Ivory by Stampin' Up
Ink: Crumb Cake by Stampin' Up
Tools: Sizzix Embossing Folder, Sponge


10 Minute Card Challenge 14

Stamps: Bunch 'O Balloons and Simple Sentiments by Kitchen Sink Stamps
Papers: Real Red and Whisper White by Stampin' Up
Ink: Balloon - 3 SU Real Red, 2 SU Real Red stamped off once,
1 SU Real Red stamped off once, 4 SU Real Red
Sentiment - Happy Birthday - SU Real Red, Wishes - SU Real Red stamped off once
Tools: Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Sponge


10 Minute Card Challenge 14

Stamps: Gift by Kitchen Sink Stamps
Paper: Pacific Point by Stampin' Up, Snowstorm by Mark's Finest Papers
Inks: Bow - 3 SU Pacific Point, 2 SU Pacific Point stamped off once,
1 SU Pacific Point stamped off twice, 4 SU Pacific Point
Package - 4 SU Pacific Point stamped off once, 3 SU Pacific Point stamped
off once, 2 SU Pacific Point stamped off twice, 1 Pacific Point stamped off 3 times
Tools: Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Ticket Corner Punch


10 Minute Card Challenge 14

Stamps: Sea Shells and Father's Pocket Watch by Kitchen Sink Stamps
Papers: Soft Suede and Naturals Ivory by Stampin' Up
Ink: Sand dollar - 3 SU Soft Suede, 2 SU Soft Suede stamped off once,
1 SU Soft Suede stamped off twice
Sentiment - SU Soft Suede


10 Minute Challenge 14

Stamps: Father's Pocket Watch by Kitchen Sink Stamps
Papers: Basic Gray and Whisper White by Stampin' Up
Ink: Watch - 3 SU Basic Gray, 2 SU Basic Gray stamped off once,
1 SU Basic Gray stamped off twice
Sentiment - Time - SU Basic Gray stamped off once
Well Spent - SU Basic Gray

Check out the Kitchen Sink Challenges in the KSS Forum and pick one to play along. If you play in the week's 10 Minute Challenge, the keyword when loading in the KSS Gallery is 10MC14.

Visit the Crew! See what they have cooked up today!

Friday, April 1, 2011

Long Live Queen Lois!!

Lois Bak, aka Clownmom, was crowned today as Queen for the Day at Splitcoaststampers. I serve with Lois on Mark's Finest Papers Design Team and what a delight it has been working with her. Her designs and projects are amazing, and I was thrilled to case this beautiful card from her SCS gallery  in her honor today.

Stamps: Roses for You by Mark's Finest Papers
Papers: Pure Luxury Ivory by Gina K Designs,
Julianne by K&Company
Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers
Embellishments: Silk braid, SU embossing folder,
Fine Sharpie, and paper rose