Monday, February 28, 2011

VSN and LAD


I had fun this weekend playing a little VSN while Skyping with some stamping friends!  Since the theme was You Make My Heart Sing, I was determined to get to play at least a little bit!  It just so happened that two of the challenges inspired me to reach for my Lizzie Anne stamps, so I'm posting them together today.

The first was a sketch challenge hosted by Denise.  Those squares were just perfect for Timeless Textures, and with this menswear flannel look, I thought that this quote was a great fit!  A very uncluttered, CAS card, but it works, don't you think?


This one's for Michelle's challenge, the key to a man's heart!  No bonus for me, because I couldn't figure out how to incorporate a key image, but I really love how this dotted Cosmo Cricket paper looks with the grater and cheese from In the Kitchen!  I colored the image with Copic markers, and used three sizes of circle nestabilities for the image, mat and the cut into the designer print.  This is a great card for my guy, who loves to cook and makes lots of *grate* Italian dishes with fresh parmesan!  ;)

I am hoping to get to make at least one more card before tonight's 8 EST VSN deadline!  I'm finishing up cards for some other stuff that is due tomorrow, so we shall see!
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Friday, February 25, 2011

CSS Blog Hop!


Welcome to Gina K's Center Stage Spotlight Design Team blog hop! We're paying tribute to the Animal Kingdom!  There are lots of really cute critters, some of 'em brand new and just in time for Spring/Easter!

You should've arrived from Cheri's...and if you didn't, you should start at the StampTV Forum!

My card features a sweet pair of giggling bunnies from Melanie's set, Basket Blessings.  A left-over scrap of some of my favorite Easter designer paper inspired the colors, and the sketch is one from last month.  I sponged the edges of the ocean mist mat to mimic the color variations of the designer paper, and tucked in a few blades of hand-cut grass for the bunnies to nestle in.  The sentiment panel was also sponged with a tiny bit of color, then accented with rhinestones to draw the eye and to balance the colors within the design...a girl's gotta have a little bling, right?!

Notes:
Basket Blessings
Pure Luxury card stock (fresh asparagus, ocean mist and lovely lavender)
Memento ink, Memento Dew Drops
Copic markers
Label 1 Nestabilities
Flower Soft

Your next stop on the hop is Geri's!  Can't wait to see what she has created!
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OCL Blog Hop!


It's finally Friday, and it's gonna be a hoppin' weekend!  Our Craft Lounge is revealing the final sets of the Winter 2011 release, and we're also giving away some free stamps!  Each of our designers is giving away one free set, so as you make your way through the hop, be sure to leave a comment that includes information on how we can contact you should your name be drawn to win!

My card features this sweet Spring/Easter set, Shower of Blossoms, illustrated by Marianne Walker.  I wanted to pair the darling oriental image with some oriental designer paper from the Lush collection by Kaiser Craft and to use this week's OCL sketch challenge for my layout.  I also submitted it for this week's SCS Free4All challenge...I helped my friend Wendy come up with this week's theme, "Aloha Friday!"

The image was stamped with Memento ink, colored with Copic markers, cut out with a Nestabilities petite oval and inked with distress ink while still in the die.  I love the contrast of the soft inking and ivory border against the darkness of the gray mat underneath.

The sentiment (from Oriental Garden) was stamped and inked in the same manner, using nestabilities classic circles...it is embellished with a small bow made from hand-dyed trimmings and a Petaloo flower, both tinted to match with Copic markers.  Peeking from under the Bow Easy bow and image is a pretty pearl studded scalloped border made with Nina's Spellbinders' Borders 2 die set.

Today's designers:
Thanks for visiting this week, and for all your kind comments!  I hope you will come back often and soon!  Enjoy your weekend!
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Thursday, February 24, 2011

More OCL Peeks!


It's Day 2 of Our Craft Lounge's sneak peeks, and today I'm sharing a set called Tea Time!   Isn't this tea set the cutest thing?!  I looked through my 6 x 6 designer paper pads and was delighted to find this Basic Grey Kioshi print which mimics the flowers of the stamp and also works for this week's OCL photo inspiration challenge.

I used Copic markers to color the tea set in soft shades to match the designer paper, keeping the layout very clean and simple because that is what tea time is to me...simple, uncluttered, calm, and soothing.  A strip of glimmer ribbon and a trio of button-embellished scallops ground the design.  Love these colors together!  So serene!

Remember, tomorrow there's a blog hop with one more peek...you don't wanna miss out on the chance to win a free set!  Be sure to check out today's designers and leave comments on their blogs, because today's comments also qualify as a chance to win!
See you tomorrow!
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Wednesday, February 23, 2011

OCL Sneak Peek!


It's time for a sneak peek of a brand new Our Craft Lounge set that made its debut at CHA, available now at i {heart} papers.

This set, Pretty and Pampered, is a great set for making a card for someone who's had one of *those* days!  You know the ones where Murphy's law rules and nothing goes the way it is anticipated...a nice hot soak with some bubbles (and maybe some bubbly *wink*) will help wash those worries away and make things better, at least for a little while!  Calgon, take me away!  It would make a fun girls' day out invite for a trip to the spa/nail salon, too!

Hopefully my card reminds you of a bathroom from the era of patterned one-inch-square-tile floors and harvest gold or avocado green appliances!  I thought these papers would work well to achieve the look of wallpaper and a pleated shower curtain (inspired by one of Kate's recent cards).  A pair of petite ovals stamped with a sentiment mimic a bath mat, and there's even a shelf of shampoo and sundries within easy reach.

Here are the supplies I used to make my card:

Notes:
OCL Pretty and Pampered
Memento Tuxedo Black ink
Tim Holtz tea-dye distress ink
Copic markers, multiliner, Spica pen
Basic Grey Pyrus designer paper
Scor-buddy
Nestabilities petite ovals
bamboo skewer

Here is the list of OCL designers that are sharing sneak peeks of this release today:
Be sure to come back tomorrow for a peek at another set!  Then, on Friday, there's a blog hop...and a chance to win some blog candy!  In fact, it would be wise for you to comment on each blog now...just sayin'!

Looking forward to your next visit!  Have a fun day!
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Tuesday, February 22, 2011

CPS #206


This card is for this week's CPS sketch...I love this fun layout!  I substituted Lizzie Anne's apron image for the rectangle in the sketch, and kept the theme going with some fun paper and a little dangling muffin tin.  You have to look closely to see the linen texture of the blue...I stamped it with white craft ink to mimic the texture of the mixing bowls in the designer paper, but it is very subtle and difficult to catch on camera!

Notes:
Stamps:  Lizzie Anne Designs Lucky in Love, SU linen background
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, SU Craft White
Markers, multiliner:  Copic
Card stock: PTI
Designer Paper:  The Paper Studio
Dies:  Nestabilities eyelet circles, classic circles
Ribbon:  Alexx Kesh
Jute:  PTI
Button:  Cosmo Cricket
Charm:  ? (I think, Jolee’s)
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Friday, February 18, 2011

Lizzie Anne Design Team Challenge


Our Lizzie Anne design team was issued a fun challenge this month!  We were to CASE one of the cards in the Lizzie Anne sketchbook.  The card I chose was one made by former design team mate Maren Benedict...I love it because of the music background and the layout.  I really love the kraft/colors she used too!

I decided to combine another music-themed stamp with the same background stamp that Maren used.  Because Florida has been having lots of gray weather lately, I chose some scraps of yellow Queen Bee Pink Paisley designer paper...even though it is not a color I go to often, it just looks like sunshine to me!  The focal image was stamped with gray ink on a pale yellow print from the designer paper pack and backed with a strip of stripes with a bracket-punched bottom edge.  The card stock base was a little bright in comparison so I toned it down by sponging it with a little black soot distress ink, also sponging the edges of the focal panel to tie the design together.

The black edge-stitched grosgrain ribbon had white stitching, so I dyed it with a yellow Copic marker before tying it with some ivory jute.  I also used the Copic to color some clear rhinestones to add to the focal image.

My card just doesn't have the nice color/contrast that Maren's does, but the happy yellow and the music theme still speak to me!  It was really fun to CASE her card!


I had a little muffin tin from In the Kitchen already colored, so I decided to CASE Wendy's idea of a recipe card too.  This one has the sentiment, honeycomb, and the bee (from the pot) from Lucky You.  I ended up having to mat it with card stock because it got ink from my mat on the back...decided that was just another opportunity to carry the bee/honey theme throughout.

The sketchbook is a great resource, and this challenge is one that I want to revisit ever so often!  Check out the Lizzie Anne blog to see what the rest of our designers created for today's challenge!
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Thursday, February 17, 2011

Final February Preview


It's the last day of previews, and then PARTY TONIGHT! :)  Hope to see you there!  It starts at 8 EST.

My card features this month's Free with Three, Framed Greetings.  I chose to use my Grand Calibur with a large nestabilities label to make a shaped card.   I hope you like it!

Notes:
Pure Luxury card stock
Memento ink
Tim Holtz tea-dye distress ink
Copic markers
Grand Calibur
Nestabilities labels
velvet ribbon
silk flowers (colored with Copics)

Here are the designers previewing this set:

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Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Day 3 of GKD Previews!

Are you having fun seeing all the previews of the upcoming sets?  Thank you so much for all of your wonderful comments!  They are a real encouragement to me!  I love knowing that you enjoy looking, and that you're inspired by what you see here!

Today I'm a little bit out of my "comfort zone!"  One of the sets I'm previewing contain solid stamps (as opposed to line art), and since I'm a girl who loves to color, sometimes solid stamps fluster me!  I'll be anxious to see how you think I did!


My first card uses Nina's set, He is Risen!  I stamped the image once on ivory card stock, and twice on green designer paper, cutting two out to layer atop the third.  I colored and shaded it with Copic markers, then added a bit of distress ink to the edges.  I kept the layout simple...the paper has a subtle design similar to a heart near the corner, and with this sentiment, I just didn't wanna cover it up!

Notes:
Tim Holtz tea-dye distress ink
Copic markers
Basic Grey Capella designer paper
sheer ribbon
Bow Easy
lace
pearls
paper roses



My card with Tami's Life Live Loud" set is definitely "out there" for me!  I was going for a grungy, heavy metal kind of look.  How's that for some contrast from my first card?  ;)

Notes:
Tim Holtz black soot distress ink
Kaleidocolor ink
scraps of designer paper
silver adhesive nail heads
torn black tulle

These were a lot of fun to make, and I hope you like them!
Lots of inspiration here:
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Flower Soft Blog Hop!


We have a special blog hop today! The Flower Soft team will be showing you some new products that were recently released at CHA. Lots of fluffy goodness along this hop!  We're welcoming a new team member too!  Say hello to Debbie Sherman!  Yay, Debbie, so glad you're official now! ;)  I had to be late to the party, but I'm happy to finally be joining in on the fun!

One lucky blog hopper who comments on all the blogs will win a $50 Flower Soft gift certificate!!!

The blog hop will remain open until Tuesday February 22nd. The winner will be announced on the Flower Soft blog on February 23rd.

If you get lost along the way please visit the Flower Soft blog where there will be a complete list of the Flower Soft Hop participants.

This sepia topper was perfect for Valentine's Day, but is still a great choice for any day when paired with the right sentiment!  (This one is from a JustRite set that I won!)  I softly tinted the topper with a single, soft pink Copic marker, embellished it with some Kaiser Craft lace, some jute-tied buttons, and little felt flowers with Baby Pink Flower Soft "pollen."  I love how the marker is transparent so all the shading and highlighting of the topper shines through.  The layout was inspired by this week's ICsketch102...I just love this My Mind's Eye Life Stories designer paper, so perfect with this sweet, soft image!

And now, you're off to Gini's!  I'm sure she's got something spectacular for you to see!
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Oldies but Goodies Blog Hop!


It's another DIVAS Oldies but Goodies Blog Hop (officially starting at 10 EST, but it was necessary for me to post early)!  I'm so happy to see you!  You should have arrived from my friend Chrissy's!  If not, you can start at the beginning at Brenda's!

This time around I'm combining challenges:
Notes:
Our Craft Lounge Hoppin' Into Spring
Cosmo Cricket Garden Variety designer paper
Basic Grey button

What a joy to be listed between two sweet, talented stampers that I have had the immense privilege of meeting IRL!  :)  After my friend Chrissy, and before my friend, Jessica!  Love you girls!
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Tuesday, February 15, 2011

More Gina K!




More fun Gina K Designs sets to share with you today!  My first card is made with a set by Theresa Momber called Little Critters.  Lots of cute animals and great sentiments in that set!  I love pairing this slow tortoise with a wish for a speedy recovery!

I don't know if you can see it, but I painted on some matte glaze to give the tortoise shell some texture.  He is an image that is really fun to color and texturize.  I love the colors of this Basic Grey designer paper.  These river colors were everywhere at Winter CHA.

Notes:
Copic markers
Basic Grey Oliver designer paper
matte glaze

My second card features Asela's set, Chocolate Bunnies.  So darling and traditional for Easter.  For this card I did a little weaving with the paper, then snipped the green plaid to make some grass for the bunny to nestle into.

Here are the designers who will be sharing cards made with these sets:


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ihp DT challenge


It's challenge day for the i {heart} papers design team.  I have to laugh because (little did I know!) when I planned this challenge about a month ago...to be inspired by a story...I had no idea that my nearly 17 year old would be spending the entire weekend watching every Disney Renaissance film in his VHS library!  He's been watching (and I've been hearing) classic Disney films like Snow White,  Pocahontas,  Beauty and the Beast, and The Little Mermaid, and so many more!  Love love LOVE!  I truly don't think that one can ever outgrow Disney!

My card for today was inspired by those cute little field mice who sing, "Cinderellie, Cinderellie!"  I think this image is absolutely darling!  I decided that the day AFTER Valentine's Day would be a good day to encourage the ones I love to indulge in a healthy snack! I adore the patchwork quilt feel of this Hopscotch paper, which inspired me to pull out an old scrap of quilting fabric for a topper for this snack tube.

Notes:
Stampavie image (Mouse with Sunflower)
Basic Grey Hopscotch designer paper
Spellbinders' Nestabilities Labels 2 die
Memento ink
Copic markers
Zva pearls
Zva adhesive dots
two-tone satin ivory ribbon
scalloped trim 
ivory jute


Here's the list of the team members playing along in today's challenge!

Carolyn
Cathleen
Gretchen
Kendra
Loretta
Lori
Lynn
Megan
Tracy
Kate
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Monday, February 14, 2011

GKD Previews!


Happy Valentine's Day!  It's Day 1 of the February 2011 Gina K Designs previews!  It is going to be an exciting week!  Today we're previewing Melanie Muenchinger's set, Spring Basket, and its companion set, Basket Blessings.

You might not know that I am a basket weaver...I learned when we were living in Hawaii, and almost every year I teach basketry lessons in the Spring, just in time for Easter.  In fact, my very first rubber stamp was a basket stamp that I had to have but had absolutely no idea what to do with!  It sat in the craft bin, uninked, for years, and finally I figured out what to do with it!  I won't tell you how long it took!

I am so happy to see Melanie's interchangeable, beautiful sets!  They're great for Easter and so much more!  I am sharing two cards today to illustrate that point!  One for Easter...and another to welcome a wee babe!


I wanted my Easter card to have the characteristic zig-zag design so often seen on patterned eggs, so I layered borders of different colors along with a scalloped edge made with Nina's new banners die.  LOVE that die because it has holes that are perfect for guiding the placement of some pretty rhinestone bling!

The baby card is a fun bib design with a basket full of soft fuzzy animals.  Makes me smile because when Matthew was born, a friend gave us a soft plushy musical elephant much like this one...it was such a sweet, sentimental gift that we still have it, and Matthew will be turning 17 this Friday!

Easter Chicks Notes:
Copic markers
Spellbinders' Banner Basics 2 dies
border punch
rhinestones
silk ribbon

Sweet Baby Notes:
Copic markers, multi-liner
Basic Grey Marjolaine designer paper
Spellbinders' Eyelet Circles, Classic Circles dies
pearls
satin ribbon
snap brad

Here are the design team members previewing today's sets!
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Sunday, February 13, 2011

Stampin' with Friends!


This is a special day for me for several reasons!

First of all, I'm so excited to be joining the amazing design team at Card Positioning Systems!   What an honor!  CPS is celebrating its fourth anniversary this week, so not only do I get to play along with the fabulous, current team, but also with many of CPS' talented designer alumni!  It's gonna be a great week!  Sketch 205 is being sponsored by DRG Publishers.  I'm wavin' hi to Tanya, editor of CardMaker Magazine...I had the privilege of meeting Tanya at CHA in LA just a few weeks ago!

Reason #2 to be excited:  today Kraftin’ Kimmie Stamps is releasing their new FEBRUARY images, and I get to play along in their release blog hop!  I was tickled pink when Kimmie sent me this darling Patsy stamp set with her cute music notes skirt and fun FIFTIES songs sentiments.  That would definitely be perfect for a girl whose blog is called "With a Stamp and a Song!"

And if those two reasons were not enough to be excited (yeah, right!), get this:  you should have arrived here from the blog of my sweet friend, the amazing Beate!  Love you, girl!  I am honored to be your neighbor for today!  :)

You will get to see most of Kraftin' Kimmie's new images while you sit back and enjoy our Krafty Hop! You’ll see all the Krafty Girls, along with some very special Krafty Guests along the way!!  If you want to start from the beginning, just head over to the Kraftin’ Kimmie Challenge Blog! As you hop from blog to blog, be sure to leave a comment at each and every stop because some lucky stampers will win packages of stamps from the new release!! And when you’re done hoppin’, be sure to head over to the Kraftin’ Kimmie shop, because ALL the new images are NOW available!

We have lots of great new stuff to share with you today!
  • a new line of stamps called Krafty Quotes!!  These sets of stamps are perfect for scrapbooking or for the scrappier stamper....as these stamps can be used as the focal point of your creation, or in addition to your coloured images! We’ll have a new set each month!
  • Annie Rodrigue's FIFTIES themed stamps!!  There are seven images in the complete set and they are Danny, Fanny, Joanie, Judy, Jukebox, Patsy and Richie!!  Each one comes with TWO or THREE coordinating sentiment stamps!!  Let’s go to the HOP!
  • Steven Leary is helping us shake off those winter blues by helping us to THINK SPRING!! Miles and Maisie and some new friends are playing in the springtime sunshine!!! We have Bicycle Miles, Catching Butterflies, Rainy Day Miles, Springtime Maisie and Springtime Bunnies!!!  Stinkin’ CUTE!!
  • Gimme Kimmie’s Kits for those of you who just HAVE to have all the new images! We’ve grouped each line of stamps together and called them the "Gimme Kimmies Kits"!!! Instead of clicking on each image that you’d like, you only have to click once to pick up a Gimme Kimmies Kit AND it’s at a discounted price!! What could be better??
I stamped Patsy with Memento ink, colored and shaded her with Copic markers, and gave her glasses a little sparkle with a Copic Spica pen.  Her hair cracks me up!  It is salt and pepper, just like mine, although hers is definitely a lot pouffier and longer with that FIFTIES flip!  I used BoBunny papers, BoBunny chipboard, and a BoBunny button, along with a scrap of music notes paper and some hot pink ribbon to follow a flipped version of the CPS Sketch #205 layout.  

Kimmie, thank you SO much for inviting me to be part of your release hop! I've had such a great time!   I have long loved your stamps, and I am thrilled that this cute FIFTIES Patsy is my first one!  I adore her!  I am so glad that I got to meet you last year, and hope to see you again in Chicago this summer!  :)

So now I'm sending you off to Kimmie's blog, the last stop on the hop!  Are you ready for some new stamps?!
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