Make-a-Wish Thank Yous

Today I am using a couple of my favorite Kitchen Sink sets to help a friend with a very special project. Mary is a working mom and Albuquerque, New Mexico native. She and her husband are the proud parents of three young adult sons. Following her youngest son's successful battle with bone cancer, Mary has pledged to support the Make-a-Wish Foundation annually with the donation of 1000 thank you cards. I am putting a set of eight of these cards in the mail today to help her reach her goal. Read about her efforts on Mary's page on the Paper Craft Planet.


Stamps: Heart & Roses Multi Step Clear Stamps and Other Important People Clean Stamps
by Kitchen Sink Stamp

Paper: Riding Hood Red, Regal Rose, Pink Pirouette by Stampin' Up

Ink: Riding Hood Red, Regal Rose, Pink Pirouette, and Always Artichoke by Stampin' Up

Tools: Cuttlebug Textile Embossing Folder, Martha Stewart Punch, Sponge

Embellishment: Ribbon

Since it's Monday all my fellow Kitchen Sink Crew members also have posted fabulous new designs. Be sure you drop by to be inspired by their latest Kitchen Sink creations!!

Maria Colosimo

Nicole Cooke

Lori Tecler

Julie Masse

Dee Jackson

Angela Knopf

Tammy Hershberger

Ready or Not, Here I Come!

Today's Kitchen Sink Crew Challenge comes to us from Crew Chief Dee Jackson who invites us to "Ring in the New Year!" I think we are all looking forward to better times to come in 2009. May it be a year of health, happiness, and prosperity for each and every one of you!

Nothing could be more perfect for "ringing" than the Kitchen Sink 3 Step Bells. To create this card, I stamped and cut out 4 bells. The bottom bell was glued to the BasicGrey panel and the remaining bells layered over it with dimensionals.

The pattern used on the Pink Pirouette card front was created using a stamp from Playful Ovals. The sentiment and year were created with Mix It Up!

Stamps: Bells Multi Step Clear Stamps  and Mix It Up! Clear Stamps by Kitchen Sink Stamps

Papers: Pink Pirouette and US White by Stampin' Up, Two Scoops by BasicGrey

Inks: Apricot Appeal, More Mustard, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, and Pink Pirouette by Stampin' Up, Metallic Gold from Colorbox, Versafine Onyx Black

Embellishments: Ribbon and Dimensionals

Be sure to check out the fabulous ways our Crew Members are "Ringing in the New Year" and then come play along with us!! Post a link to your creation on the Kitchen Sink Page at Paper Craft Planet!

Dee Jackson

Maria Colosimo

Nicole Cooke

Lori Tecler

Tammy Hershberger

Julie Masse

Angela Knopf

Family Christmas Cookbook

Since 1997, my husband's family has made a tradition of creating and sustaining an on-going family cookbook which last year expanded into its third binder.

At Christmas each family prepares a recipe page and a brief family history for the year to be added to each family's book. As the children grow and graduate from high school, they become contributing members to the cookbook and get their own binder of recipes. This year I prepared 19 copies of this scrapbook page for our celebration. The back of the page gives events of the year along with photos.

On Sunday we will be preparing our dishes and bringing our recipe pages to share with our family as we celebrate Christmas together this year. It will be a great day of fun and fellowship served up with a whole lot of love!!!

Stamps: House-Mouse & Friends Christmas by the Paper Studio
So Very by Stampin' Up
Hoilday Words by Stampendous!

Paper: Baja Breeze, Chocolate Chip, Riding Hood Red and US White by Stampin' Up
Figgy Pudding by BasicGrey

Ink: Versafind Onyx Black
Riding Hood Red, Chocolate Chip, and Baja Breeze by Stampin' Up

Coloring: Prismacolor Pencils and Gamsol

Embellishment: Ribbon

Tools: Circle Nestabilities, Circle Punch

Christmas Memories Frame

I picked up a bunch of these sheer frames by Making Memories during the after Christmas clearance last year thinking they would make great scrapbook page embellishments. Well, I never got around to that scrapbooking so I decided to use them to make frames for some of my favorite Christmas photos. With Christmas in the air I just cannot seem to put down my beautiful poinsettia stamps.

The sheer frame adheres directly to the photo. I then glued that to a 5 x 7 sheet of Handsome Hunter cardstock which I decorated with Kitchen Sink Poinsettias and red velvet ribbon. I stuck that to the front of a stand-up acrylic frame.

Stamps: Poinsettia Multi Step Clear Stamps by Kitchen Sink Stamps

Paper: Handsome Hunter and US White by Stampin' Up

Inks: Real Red, Purely Pomegranate, Bravo Burgundy, Wild Wasabi, and Handsome Hunter by Stampin' Up

Embellishments: Red velvet ribbon, Sheer Frame by Making Memories, Stickles, Dimensionals.

This is Monday so all the Kitchen Sink Crew Members will be posting their latest creations. Be sure to drop by their blogs to check out their fabulous work:

Maria Colosimo

Tammy Hershberger

Nicole Cooke

Lori Tecler

Angela Knopf

Dee Jackson

Love and prayers going out to crew member Julie Masse today who is down without power following an ice storm. Missing you, Julie, and hope you stay safe and warm!

Kitchen Sink Crew Challenge Hosted by Emilia

What an exciting day for Kitchen Sink Stamps. Hosting today's challenge is Emilia, the winner of the first Kitchen Sink Crew Challenge. Today Emilia asked us to alter a tin or box or bag to give as a gift for a friend using Kitchen Sink Stamps and no designer paper. You can see the fabulous gifts Emilia has created to inspire us and read the rules for her challenge here.

I had stockpiled a bunch of Christmas pins last year during my after-Christmas bargain shopping knowing they would make beautiful gifts for my friends this year. I bought every one of these beautiful crystal poinsettias which they had. Who knew Maria would design the perfect poinsettia this year with which to decorate my tins!!!

I covered the top of my tin with Bravo Burgundy paper which I had embossed with gold Christmas trees. Gold braid was then attached around the lid of the tin with super sticky tape. The tag was created with my square Nestabilities. I embossed the sentiment in gold and added the cut out and popped up poinsettia. The flower center was added with gold Stickles.

Stamps: Poinsettia Multi Step Clear Stamps and Playful Christmas 1 Multi Step Clear Stamps
 by Kitchen Sink Stamps

Papers: Bravo Burgundy and US White by Stampin' Up, Metallic Gold Paper

Inks: Bravo Burgundy, Cranberry Crisp, Wild Wasabi, and Handsome Hunter by Stampin' Up
Versamark

Embellishments: Gold Embossing Powder, Ribbon, Gold Braid, Gold Stickles, Dimensionals

Please view all the wonderful creations by the Kitchen Sink Crew inspired by Emilia's challenge!

Emilia our Guest Host

Maria Colosimo

Lori Tecler
Nicole Cooke
Julie Masse
Tammy Hershberger
Dee Jackson
Angela Knopf

A HUGE thank you, Emilia, for inspiring us today!! This was such a fun project and absolutely perfect for the decorative pins I purchased for my friends this year!!

It's Official! I Have Enough Christmas Cards to Mail!

When I saw the sketch challenge selected by Roxie on SCS this morning, I knew it was perfect for this bold designer paper from BasicGrey and my 3 Step Pontsettia from Kitchen Sink.

Stamps: 3 Step Ponsettia and 3 Step Bells from Kitchen Sink Stamps

Papers: Baroque Burgundy, Baja Breeze, and US White from Stampin' Up, Figgy Pudding from BasicGrey

Inks: Cranberry Crisp, Purely Pomegranate, Bravo Burgundy, Old Olive, Always Artichoke, and Baja Breeze from Stampin' Up

Tools: Nestabilities

Embellishments: Pearl Microbeads, Ribbon, Dimensionals

The poinsettia was stamped on US White and then cut out and popped up on dimensionals.

More Fun with Monograms

I am having the most fun with three of my favorite things: Playful Ovals and Mix It Up! by Kitchen Sink Stamps and my oval Nestabilities. They work so well together to created quick and easy monogram cards for many of the people on my Christmas gift-giving list!!

While creating this card, I also happened upon a bow which lays flatter and doesn't have a hard, thick knot at the center. To attach my ribbon, I wrapped it around the front panel and then pulled both ends through a hole punched in the monogrammed oval. Here is the part that is important, do not cross the ends and tie before you make the first loop. Just make the first loop and proceed with the bow. The result is a bow that is softer and flatter and easier to mail without additional postage!

Stamps: Mix It Up! Clear Stamps by Kitchen Sink Stamps

Paper: Basic Black, Sahara Sand, Very Vanilla by Stampin' Up

Ink: Versafine Onyx Black, Sahara Sand by Stampin' Up

Tools: Oval Nestabilities, Crop-a-Dial

Don't forget to check out the Blue Plate Special over at Kitchen Sink Stamps today. It's Wednesday so Maria has a special group of items on sale all day long!!

Tie-Dyed Christmas

When I saw the technique which Lynn shared as TLC197 on Splitcoaststampers today, I knew I wanted to give it a try.

The technique by Pat Huntoon of Technique Junkie Newsletter involved braying glossy paper with a Kaleidacolor pad and then spritzing it with Simple Green. After the background dried, I ironed it flat and added these colorful Kitchen Sink trees.

Stamps: Playful Christmas 1 Multi Step Clear Stamps by Kitchen Sink Stamps

Papers: Glossy White, US White, Orchid Opulence by Stampin' Up

Inks: Calypso by Kaleidacolor, Orchid Opulence, Tempting Turquoise, Yoyo Yellow, Tangerine Tango, Riding Hood Red, Taken with Teal by Stampin' Up

Tools: Brayer, Spritzer filled with Simple Green

Embellishments: Rhinestones and Ribbon

Trim-the-Tree Gift Card or Cash Holder

Well, here it is Kitchen Sink Monday, and I bet I'm not the only one shocked to find that December has arrived so quickly this year. While decorating my tree this weekend, I decided I wanted to find a way to hang my gift card holders on the tree and use them as part of the decoration. With so many tweens and teens in our family, gift cards and cash have found their way to the top of almost everyone's What I Want for Christmas List. When the kids arrive on Christmas morning I'll have my own version of the old German tradition of find the pickle for them to play!!

I crafted this gift card holder by attaching a 1/8 inch thick open-top box to the bottom front of my Nestabilities tag. The gift card drops right in.

Stamps: Playful Christmas 1 Multi Step Clear Stamps by Kitchen Sink Stamps

Paper: Certainly Celery, Riding Hood Red, and Chocolate Chip by Stampin' Up and Figgy Pudding by BasicGrey

Inks: Certainly Celery, Riding Hood Red, Baja Blue, and Chocolate Chip at Stampin' Up

Tools: Rectangular Nestabilities, Round Tab Punch, Crop-a-Dial

Embellishments: Eyelet and Ribbons

Be sure to visit the blogs of all the Kitchen Sink Crew members to see the delightful projects they have posted today!!

Maria Colosimo
Nicole Cooke
JulieMasse
Dee Jackson
Angela Knopf
Lori Tecler
Tammy Hershberger

Blue Bird in a Topiary

Ladies and gentlemen, you better hurry on over to Paper Craft Planet this morning where all kinds of excitement is happening!! Today is the kick-off for their 12 Days of Christmas event. For the next 12 days there will be challenges and prizes from sponsoring companies each and every day!!

The First Day of Christmas is hosted today by Kitchen Sink Stamps. Maria will be giving away her two newest sets, 3 Step Bells and 3 Step Poinsettia, to the lucky winner.

The winner will be selected from cards loaded on Paper Craft Planet which contain a tree and/or a bird for the First Day of Christmas! The key word on your upload needs to be 12day1.

I created my topiary tree by using layers 1 and 2 of the 3 Step Hydrangea, the rose stem from Hearts & Roses, and the sentiment from Playful Christmas all by Kitchen Sink Stamps.

The bird was created with circle punches by Stampin' Up and the fern punch by Martha Stewart.

Stamps by Kitchen Sink Stamps: Hydrangea Multi Step Clear Stamps, Heart & Roses Multi Step Clear Stamps, and Playful Christmas 1 Multi Step Clear Stamps

Papers by Stampin' Up: Cranberry Crisp, Tempting Turquoise, and US White

Papers by BasicGrey: Figgy Pudding

Inks by Stampin' Up: Wild Wasabi, Going Grey, Basic Gray, and Chocolate Chip

Versamark and Gold Embossing Powder were used for the sentiment.

Don't miss the fabulous entries by all the Kitchen Sink Crew designers:

Maria
Dee
Nicole
Tammy
Julie
Lori
Angela

Rachel's Kitchen in the Kitchen

Here it is Monday again and time for Kitchen Sink Crew Challenge #2. Today Angela is hosting our challenge and has selected this photograph by Rachel Denbow of her amazing kitchen for us to use as inspiration! I fell in love with the awesome colors and fifties flair!

Check out Rachel's blog Bling on my Sewing Machine to see more of her fabulous work. What a talented artist!! You can see her Happy*Kitchen here in her remarkable flickr gallery.

As you can see I created my card today using the beautiful colors I saw in Rachel's kitchen. I was also inspired by the pegboard and solid images on the glasses. They remind me so much of the jelly glasses my mother collected when I was a child in the fifties!






Stamps:
Autumn Squirrel Multi Step Clear Stamps and Never a Loss 4 Words Clear Stamps by Kitchen Sink Stamps





Papers:
Cool Caribbean, Not Quite Navy, Really Rust,
Yoyo Yellow, and US White by Stampin' Up

Inks: Not Quite Navy by Stampin' Up, Versamark

Tools: Swiss Dots Embossing Folder by Cuttlebug, Nestabilities, Paper Piercer

Embellishments: White Embossing Powder and Ribbon

I hope you are inspired by Rachel's kitchen and join the Kitchen Sink Crew in today's challenge!

You don't have to use Kitchen Sink Stamps to play! Be sure to post your card in the KSS Discussion Group on Paper Craft Planet.

And don't forget to check out what the other KSS Crew Members were inspired to create by Rachel's kitchen.

Angela Knopf
Tammy Hershberger
Nicole Cooke
Maria Colosimo
Dee Jackson
Lori Tecler
Julie Masse

Triangle Fold Medallion

This week's SCS Technique Challenge was exactly that to me, a REAL challenge. I tried it once as soon as Lynn posted the challenge and that attempt ended up in the trash can. Later in the day I returned to the gallery to study all the beautiful samples and decided to give it another try. This card is the result.


Stamps:
Playful Christmas by Kitchen Sink Stamps
Snowflakes by Stampin' Up

Papers:
Baja Breeze and Bravo Burgundy by Stampin' Up
Figgy Pudding by BasicGrey

Inks: Bravo Burgundy by Stampin' Up

Embellishments: Ribbon and Rhinestone Brad

Don't forget that it is Wednesday which means it's time for another fabulous Kitchen Sink Blue Plate Special. Be sure to check in on the sensational items on sale today!! Remember you have just 24 hours to take advantage of today's bargains!

Kitchen Sink Monday

I decided today to mix up a couple of my favorite Kitchen Sink Christmas sets to create another Christmas card to add to my stash. I started with the four jingle bells in the center of the card. I stamped the first layer in Marigold Morning, the second in Color Box Metallic Gold, the third in Close to Cocoa, and the final layer was stamped with Versamark and embossed with gold embossing powder.

I then masked the bells and stamped the holly. The first holly layer was stamped with Wild Wasabi stamped off once, the second Wild Wasabi, and the third Handsome Hunter.

The berries were stamped with Real Red craft ink and embossed with clear embossing powder.

The ribbons were stamped with Purely Pomegranate stamped off once, Purely Pomegranate, and Bravo Burgundy. The sentiment was added with Bravo Burgundy.

Kitchen Sink Stamps:
Bells Multi Step Clear Stamps
Holly & Mistletoe Multi Step Clear Stamps

Papers: Purely Pomegranate, Bravo Burgundy and US White by Stampin' Up and Figgy Pudding by BasicGrey

Inks: Marigold Morning, Close to Cocoa, Wild Wasabi, Handsome Hunter, Real Red, Purely Pomegranate, Bravo Burgundy by Stampin' Up, Metallic Gold by ColorBox, and Versamark

Embellishments: Gold Embossing Powder, Clear Embossing Powder, Gold Ribbon

My design team partners have also posted new Kitchen Sink projects today. Be sure to check out their wonderful work:

Maria's Quick Gift Card Gift Bag
Angela's Mistletoe and Holly Christmas Card
Julie's KSS Project of the Month
Lori's Silver Bells Shadow Box
Nicole's 3-Step Pansy
Tammy's Thanks with Style

What wonderful designs they have all created for you today!!

Don't forget that next Monday, November 24, will be the Kitchen Sink Crew Challenge hosted by Angela. Please join us on that day and share your creations!!

Monograms

With lots of Christmas gift giving just around the corner, I felt today was a good day to break out my newest Kitchen Sink sets to create some monogram cards for friends and family. The oval frames in Playful Ovals fit perfectly inside the largest ovals in my Nestabilities sets so I knew I was in business!! I chose to use the letters from Mix It Up! to create the monogram.

Kitchen Sink Stamps:
Mix It Up! Clear Stamps

Papers:
Bravo Burgundy and US White by Stampin' Up
sugared by BasicGrey

Embellishments:
Primas
Ribbon
Rhinestones

Nature Silhouettes

This is my favorite set from the current Stampin' Up catalog! I love silhouettes and this one lends itself so well to masculine cards of all kinds.

The rock 'n roll moon was created using the circle from Little Shapes and So Saffron and Summer Sun craft ink.

The stars come from Itty Bitty Backgrounds stamped in Whisper White craft ink.

Stamps by Stampin' Up:
Nature Silhouettes
Little Shapes
Itty Bitty Backgrounds

Inks:
So Saffron, Summer Sun, Whisper White craft inks by
Stampin' Up
Versafine Onyx Black

Papers: Basic Black and Bordering Blue by Stampin' Up

Embossing Folder: Leafy Branches by Cuttlebug

Golden Christmas Bells

When I read the Limited Supply Challenge on Splitcoaststampers today and saw "acrylic stamps only," I knew I would be reaching for my favorite Kitchen Sink Stamps.

I loved stamping these bells in silver late Sunday night, but they are truly stunning done in gold. The photograph doesn't do them justice! Believe me!!

The top bell was stamped first and then masked to add the second bell. The ribbon was stamped separately and then cut out to be mounted on top of the bell.

Kitchen Sink Stamps used to create this card:

Bells Multi Step Clear Stamps
Plaid Plus! Clear Stamps
Holly & Mistletoe Multi Step Clear Stamps

Papers:
Real Red and US White by Stampin' Up
Shimmer Gold Paper

Stampin' Up Inks:
Marigold Morning, More Mustard, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Real Red, Bravo Burgundy

Color Box Ink: Metallic Gold

Cuttlebug Embossing Folder: Snow Dots

Hope you like it!! It may be landing in your mailbox this Christmas!!

KSS Crew Challenge #1 - Silver and/or Gold

Welcome, stampers, to the first KSS Crew Challenge!!

For today's challenge you will use silver and/or gold as a key element in your design. It is not necessary for you to use Kitchen Sink Stamps to create your card for the challenge, but remember, if you do, you can enter it in the What's Cook'n with your Kitchen Sinks Stamps? Contest.

Our host for this first challenge is Mario Colosimo, owner of Kitchen Sink Stamps. Read all about the challenge on the KSS blog.




If you haven't already done so, hop on over to Paper Craft Planet and join the Kitchen Sink Stamps Group. You can load your design to your blog or any public gallery. Use kitchensinkstamps or KSS in your keyword entry. Then simply link your project to the discussion in the Kitchen Sink Stamps Group at Paper Craft Planet. We cannot wait to see your sparkly creations!!

So, this is the card I have created for this first challenge!

Remember that silver and gold shimmer paper found at Target that had everyone buzzing last week? Well, that is what I used to create my Silver Bells card for today's challenge.

To create the bells, I started with the top bell, masked it, and added the second. I then masked the second bell and added the third.

Stamps - Bells Multi Step Clear Stamps by Kitchen Sink Stamps

Paper - US White, Real Red and Basic Black by Stampin' Up, Silver Shimmer from Target

Inks - Going Grey and Basic Gray by Stampin' Up (Don't ask me why they aren't spelled the same!) Versafine Onyx Black and Versamark by Tsukineko, Inc.

Embellishments - Holly Leaves, Red Crystals, Ribbon, Silver Embossing Powder

Tools - Allegro Embossing Folder by Cuttlebug

Hope you can come and play with us today!!! Just in case you may need a little more inspiration take a look at what my partners in crime have created:

Angela's Nugget Box
Maria's Swirly Christmas Tree
Julie's Wreath of Poinsettias
Dee's Poinsettias and Silver Bells
Lori's Icy Blue Jingle Bells
Nicole's Gift Card Holder with Poinsettia Belly Band
Tammy's Golden Leaf

Dee's Christmas Tag Challenge

I'm playing along with Dee's Christmas Gift Tag Challenge. Read all about it in the Kitchen Sink Group on Paper Craft Planet.

I used my Nestabilities to create this oval tag.

Stamps: Poinsettia Multi Step Clear Stamps and Playful Christmas 1 Multi Step Clear Stamps by Kitchen Sink Stamps

Papers: US White and Real Red by Stampin' Up

Inks: Real Red, Purely Pomegranate, Bravo Burgundy, Kiwi Kiss, Old Olive, Wild Wasabi, Handsome Hunter by Stampin' Up

Embellishmenst: Ribbon and Gold Microbeads

The bow is attached with red line stick tape and red line sticky was also attached to the back for sticking to the package.

Christmas Card #32

I really need to get moving if I am going to have the Christmas cards I need to have ready to mail the first week in December.

This card was created for this week's Splitcoaststampers' Sketch Challenge #201. All paper, ink, and images for today's card are from Stampin' Up.




Stamps: Peaceful Wishes, Stampin' Up - 2006
Heard from the Heart, Stampin' Up - 2008

Papers: Old Olive, Always Artichoke, Naturals Ivory, Riding Hood Red, and True Thyme Christmas designer paper.

Inks: Really Rust, Chocolate Chip, Always Artichoke, Ruby Red

Embellishment: Gold Ribbon, Versamark and Gold Embossing Powder, Gold Stickles


Don't forget to drop by Kitchen Sink Stamps today. They are hosting a Blue Plate Special all day with lots of great items on sale!!!

SCS Technique Challenge 193 Decorative Circles

When I saw the technique challenge on Splitcoaststampers I knew I couldn't put my stamps up just yet. After watching the amazing tutorial Making Decorative Circles with Corner Punches by Becca Feeken, I knew I would be stamping more poinsettias.

Another delightful thing I discovered about 3 Step Poinsettia by Kitchen Sink Stamps is that you can vary the size and shape of each blossom by simply adding more leaves in red before adding the green ones! What fun!!

This holiday card has a 5 inch square base.

Stamps - All images are from Poinsettia Multi Step Clear Stamps by Kitchen Sink Stamps.
Paper - Purely Pomegranate, Old Olive, US White by Stampin' Up
Fruitcake by BasicGrey

Ink on Blossoms - Marigold Morning, Real Red stamped off once, Real Red, Purely Pomegranate,
Bravo Burgundy by Stampin' Up

Ink on Leaves - Old Olive stamped off once, Old Olive, Always Artichoke, Handsome Hunter by
Stampin' Up

Sentiment - Bravo Burgundy by Stampin' Up

Embellishments - Gold Microbeads, Ribbon, Dimensionals

The inside blossoms were stamped on the white background. The out-of-the-box blossom was
stamped on US White, cut out and popped up on dimensionals.

My First Kitchen Sink Monday

How exciting for me that on my first Kitchen Sink Monday I get to share a card I created with a brand new Christmas set being released by Maria tomorrow. This card was created using Poinsettia Multi Step Clear Stamps.

When I saw it, I knew that I would make a card which reflects the holidays at our house. For almost 20 years I have been collecting copper ornaments and decorations for my Christmas tree and home decor for the holidays. After piling these on my tree and over the windows and doors, I love to accent the copper with pots of peachy, pink poinsettias.

To create this card I used the following:

Papers - Groovy Guava, Blush Blossom and US White by Stampin' Up

Inks for the flower petals - Cameo Coral stamped off once, followed by Cameo Coral, Regal Rose, Cranberry Crisp stamped off once, and Cranberry Crisp by Stampin' Up

Inks for the leaves - Certainly Celery, Wild Wasabi stamped off once, Wild Wasabi, and Always Artichoke by Stampin Up.

The embossed panel beneath the flowers was embossed with the Cuttlebug Textile Texture folder and sponged with Cameo Coral ink all over and Cranberry Crisp ink on the edges.

The sentiment was stamped with Versamark and embossed with copper embossing powder.

Embellishments - textured copper ribbon and microbeads.

In addition to this awesome set, Maria is also releasing 3 Step Bells tomorrow. Be sure to visit the blogs of my fellow designers to see the remarkable creations they have made with these new stamps which will be available for purchase tomorrow.

Maria Colosimo (owner)
Nicole Cooke
Tammy Hershberger
Angela Knopf
Dee Jackson
Julie Masse
Lori Tecler

Remember, too, that we each will be posting new designs with our Kitchen Sink Stamps every Monday! Next Monday will be the first Kitchen Sink Challenge. Please come and play with us!!

Excitement at My House

What an exciting day for me!!! Today I became an official member of the Kitchen Sink Stamps design team. What a tremendous honor it was when Maria asked me to join this group of talented stampers! When I received her invitation by email, I think it took me about 5 minutes to respond, "Yes, yes, yes!!"

I have been Maria's biggest fan since I began to see the beautiful creations she and her amazing design team were posting on the web just over a year ago. As soon as I figured out where they were getting these divine images, I started packing my cabinets with as many sets as I could afford!!

If you have visited my gallery at Splitcoaststampers, you know that it is packed with cards and projects made with these wonderful images. I love the depth they create with layer after layer of vibrant color.

On Tuesday, November 4, Maria is releasing two new Christmas sets. Be sure to check back here tomorrow for a peak at what they look like!!! I have a card ready and I know you will love these new sets as much as I do!!

Congratulations to Angela Knopf who is also a new crew member!! She does the most amazing and creative things with these stamps!! It feels so good not to be the only new kid on the block!!

The remaining gifted designers are long-time Kitchen Sink Crew Members Nicole Cooke, Dee Jackson, Tammy Hershberger, Julie Masse, and Lori Tecler. I can't wait to work with and learn from these ladies!!!

Christmas Card #29

This card was created for Sketch Challenge 200 on Splitcoaststampers.

The snowflakes were punched with a dimensional snowflake punch by EK Success.

I fluffed the flakes out and coated them with Frosted Lace Stickles before adding the rhinestone centers.

The sentiment is from Festive Favorites by Stampin' Up and is stamped in Versafine Onyx Black.

Papers: Baroque Burgundy (yes, I have hoarded it this long!!), True Thyme, Baja Breeze, and US White by Stampin' Up. The designer paper is Figgy Pudding by BasicGrey.

I finished the card off with a big old bow! Hope you like it! It may be coming to your house this Christmas!!!

Mothermark's Teapot Tuesday

I have been following for many weeks the delightful Teapot Tuesday Challenge posted by Mothermark each Tuesday. Please check her blog This is My Story to read about it and see all the amazing teapots.

When I saw that today's beautiful teapot was decorated with roses and pansies, I knew I had to play along since I would get to use my favorite Kitchen Sink Stamps Hearts & Roses and 3-Step Pansy.

The images were stamped as follows using Stampin' Up Inks:

Rose
Layer 1 - Pink Pirouette
Layer 2 - Regal Rose stamped off once
Layer 3 - Regal Rose
Layer 4 - Purely Pomegranate stamped off once

Rose Leaves
Layer 1 - Certainly Celery
Layer 2 -Kiwi Kiss stamped off once
Layer 3 - Kiwi Kiss

Pansy
Layer 1 - Almost Amethyst
Layer 2 - Almost Amethyst again
Layer 3- Lovely Lilac stamped off once
Layer 4 - Lovely Lilac
Layer 5 - Elegant Eggplant

I colored the center of the blossom with my yellow Prismacolor pencil.

Pansy Leaves
Layer 1- Kiwi Kiss
Layer 2 - Old Olive stamped off once
Layer 3 - Old Olive

The sprigs of amethyst were stamped with an image from Petal Prints by Stampin' Up.
The birthday greeting was stamped in Regal Rose from It's Your Birthday by Stampin' Up.

The cardfront is embossed with the Textile Texture folder by Cuttlebug and the edges sponged with Pink Pirouette.

The circle and scalloped circle were cut with Nestabilities.

Christmas Card #28

I used Sketch Challenge #199 on Splitcoaststampers to increase my Christmas card stash.

I created this Christmas card using one of my favorite Santa faces: Santa Collage by Rubber Stampede. The card base is Handsome Hunter by Stampin' Up. The designer papers are from Happy Holidays with Glitter from Hobby Lobby.

The Santa face is stamped with StazOn Black on US White by Stampin' Up and colored with Prismacolor Pencils and gamsol. Green crystals are attached to the snowflake centers and a single loop bow completes the card! Hope you like it!!

SCS Color Challenge 189

The wonderful colors for today were the perfect opportunity for me to break out and ink up my newest Kitchen Sink Stamps Pansy Multi Step Clear Stamps! I can tell already that this set will be one of my favorites. The layers line up so easily to create these gorgeous blossoms!!

These are the Stampin' Up Inks I used to create this card:

Pansies:
Layer 1 - Pink Pirouette
Layer 2 - Pixie Pink stamped off once
Layer 3 - Pixie Pink
Layer 4 - Pink Passion
Layer 5 - Purely Pomegranate

Leaves:
Layer 1 - Kiwi Kiss stamped off once
Layer 2 - Kiwi Kiss
Layer 3 - Old Olive

Stripes and Sentiment:
Chocolate Chip

Papers: Stampin' Up Pink Pirouette, Kiwi Kiss, and US White.

I started on the US White with the two large pansies which I then masked. Next I added the smaller blossoms. I then masked them and finally added the leaves. The strip of blossoms was then cut out and mounted on top of the card front. Flat back pearls were added as the finishing embellishment.

The Chocolate Chip stripes were created using Plaid Plus! Clear Stamps from Kitchen Sink Stamps.
The sentiment is from Whole Family also by Kitchen Sink Stamps.

Christmas Card #27

I found this wonderful Penny Black stamp while out shopping yesterday and had to use it for today's Christmas Card.

Stamps:
Gathering by Penny Black, 2008
Pines by Stampin' Up, 1998
Peaceful Wishes by Stampin' Up, 2006

Paper:
Soft Sky and US White by Stampin' Up

Ink:
Handsome Hunter, Chocolate Chip by Stampin' Up

The sentiment and deer are stamped on separate white panels and then torn, glittered, and layered on the Soft Sky cardfront.

Sisters

In addition to crafting parents, I also have a stamping sister with whom to share my love of ink and paper. I was the first one to start collecting and using stamps, but Liz is the one to really got us on the committed path of serious card making. She became a Stampin' Up demonstrator and joined Splitcoaststampers and the rest, as they say, is history.

You can find her wonderful work on her blog Right Brain Madness as well as her SCS Gallery were she goes by lazylizard. She is the creative stamper, always coming up with beautifully unique and original designs. I am the paper crafter worried about straight lines and smudges! So our personalities played a big part in my choosing to include left-brained in my blog title. Thanks, Liz, for your inspiration and encouragement! I would not be stamping or blogging now if it weren't for you!

Countdown to Christmas

It seems a natural progression of events that I would end up being a card maker. Every year of my life the kitchen table at our house would be wallpapered with folded cards and cut out pretties ready to be assembled into Christmas cards. You see, for almost 60 years now, my parents have created and sent handmade Christmas greetings to family and friends.

During the years when I was raising my family and teaching school, it would be hit or miss whether or not I made my cards. Mostly not! But about 8 years ago, I finally joined in on this delightful family tradition. Most of those years, I picked a design and produced 60 or 70 cards all alike. Usually I was working right down to the wire during that most hectic of seasons.

Last year I decided to try something different to avoid some of the holiday stress. I began in September trying to create at least one Christmas card a day, each with its own unique design.
When December 1 arrived, my cards were complete and ready to go. What fun having my granddaughters help me decide who got which one!!

That worked so well for me that I have challenged myself to do the same thing this year. So here is Christmas card #26. I hope you like it!!

Stamps: Holly & Mistletoe Multi Step Clear Stamps and Heart & Roses Multi Step Clear Stamps by Kitchen Sink Stamps

Inks: Real Red, Cranberry Crisp, Certainly Celery, Wild Wasabi, Old Olive, and Handsome Hunter by Stampin' Up

Papers: Baja Breeze, Cranberry Crisp, and US White by Stampin' Up
Figgy Pudding by BasicGrey

To create this Christmas spray, the rose was stamped first and masked. The greenery was then added.

New to the Blogging World

Today begins my blogging journey! I'm looking forward to sharing with and learning from other avid stampers!!

The first card I am sharing today was created for the Ways to Use It Challenge at Splitcoaststampers. The challenge is Mad about Plaid. I used the Plaid Plus set by Kitchen Sink Stamps to create my plaid background with the 2008 in colors from Stampin' Up.

Stamps:

Santa Face by Paper Inspirations, 2005
Plaid Plus by Kitchen Sink Stamps
All Year Cheer I by Stampin' Up, 2002
Snowflakes by the Paper Studio

Paper:

Kiwi Kiss, Riding Hood Red, Baja Breeze, and US White by Stampin' Up

Ink:

Kiwi Kiss, Riding Hood Red, and Baja Breeze by Stampin' Up