Monday, January 31, 2011

Top 10 Reasons I Love You!

Hello!  I am very proud of my card today.  First a little background of how I came to make this card ... at the end of December and into the first week of January, I was busy making a bunch of desk calendars.  The first one I made I posted here.  Since then I have made 8 more for gifts.  After I made the one I posted, I stamped and cut out 10 of the Pure Innocence girls to be ready to be used on my calendars. So, I ended up with a couple of girls left so that is when I decided I should use one for a Valentine card, after all she is writing a list.  And in this case, she is writing her list of the top 10 reasons that she loves you!  I can't believe digging around in my box of clear stamps I actually came up with a stamp that says this!  How perfect.  My card today has lots of layers and lots of detail.  Which is probably why I love this card so much.  I hope you will enjoy it too ...  

 

Double click on the card, to see the detail bigger.  Is this not just about the cutest "love" card you have ever seen?  I said "love" because this card could be given anytime for any occasion, not just at Valentine's Day!  Please leave me a comment on this post.  I would love to hear your thoughts!

Recipe:

Paper - Love & reverse of Pink Hearts by Bo Bunny Crushed Sugar line, Dress & bottom panel by We R Memory Keepers Be My Valentine line, Notepad paper by My Minds Eye Tickled Pink pad, Cardstock Red, White
Stamps - My Favorite Things Pure Innocence Girl with List, Top Ten Circles by K & Co. Citronella line, Tiny Heart on list by Hero Arts
Ink - Versafine Black, Versfine Satin Red, Prismacolor Pencils, Gamsol, Copic (for face)
Tools - Classic Scalloped Heart, Classic Heart Nestibilities, Tim Holtz Sizzix Bracket Die, Stampin' Up Scalloped Border Punch
Other - Stampendous Heart Sparkler stickers, Button by Doodlebug Design bon appetit asst., Linen Thread by TCP, Grosgrain ribbon by Stampin' Up

Now, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to show you the desk calendars I made. Different papers were used on each one so they all have a little bit of a different look.  I think there is one missing as I forgot to photograph it before I gave it away.
Enjoy!

 
Guess what?  I already have tomorrow's Texas Tues-Step card ready.  So, I will see you tomorrow for a little "Cowboy Love"!  Oooo ... a hint!

Happy Stamping!
Tina

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Twinkle, Twinkle Baby Love!

Here I am interrupting the scheduled program!  On a Saturday night no less!  You see, in my reader today, I noticed a post from Verve reminding everyone of a challenge called "Baby Love" that ends tonight at midnight.  I also noticed that the number of entries so far was pretty low, around 50 which is low compared to how many usually participate which would give me a better chance if I were to participate. I had ruled out the thought of participating a few days ago because most of my Verve stamps are sentiments.  Don't get me wrong, I love all my Verve sentiment stamps, but I wasn't sure what baby one I had.  Well, in this morning's post, I saw that it specifically said you did not have to use Verve stamps to get in on the challenge.  So, I decided if I got time to go out to the "shack" today and inspiration came, I would participate.  It happened and an idea came and you know what else?  I ended up using my Verve sentiment stamps after all!  I remembered I have the one that says ..."twinkle, twinkle little star, do you know who loved you are?"  How perfect is that?  I also remembered that early last year I made a baby boy card with some paper that said baby boy on it.  I did a happy dance when I found some scraps left that would work.  Now, I could tie in my twinkle love stamp to baby!  I have no idea when I might need another baby boy card, but I will be ready.  A while back a friend let me borrow her copy of a magazine put out by Papercrafts called Go To Sketches, so I went with an idea I saw in there.  I love how it came out ... here it is... enjoy!


Recipe:

Paper - Baby Boy unknown (scrap), Bo Bunny Brilliant Blue Dot, Best Creation Inc. Glitter Blue Dot, Cardstock White, Blue
Stamps - Both sentiments by Verve Stamps
Ink - Versafine Black, Tombow Markers (for stars)
Tools - Eyelet Circle, Classic Circle, Ribbon Tag Trio, Sizzix Stars Die
Other - Grossgrain Ribbon, Button, Metal Star by Making Memories, Linen Thread by TCP

I really do have the cutest "love" card to show you on Monday, so be sure to stop back by.  Thanks for letting me interrupt with this fun challenge card.  Wish me luck!

Happy Stamping!
Tina

Friday, January 28, 2011

I Heart Ewe!

Hello!  Originally, I thought I would wait until Feb. 1st before I start bombarding my blog with all the cute Valentine cards, but the last couple of days, I have come up with so many ideas, I was afraid I couldn't get them all made to show you by Feb. 14th!   Right now, the ideas are just ideas written on paper, but I hope to make them into cards for you!  I figure most "love" cards can be given to friends as thinking of you or for birthdays.  Like today's card.  It definitely has a Valentine feel, but could be used for other occasions too!  It came out too cute!  Let me show you ... enjoy! 


I do want to mention that the sentiment actually reads "I Miss Ewe", but in honor of "love", I had to change it!  I reversed the sheep on the left by stamping the image on a solid piece of rubber and then stamping the rubber on the cardstock.  It came out slightly lighter inked but I fixed it by going over the outline with a black pen.  What do you think?  Pretty darn cute, huh?

Recipe:

Paper - Bo Bunny Crazy Love 6 x 6 pad, Cardstock White, Red, Pink (paper pieced sheep)
Stamps - Cornish Heritage Farms
Ink - Versafine Black, Prismacolor Pencils, Gamsol
Tools - Labels 8, Petite Ovals Small, Classic Heart Nestibilities, Marvy Corner Rounder, MFT Grass Die
Other - Button, Pearls Hearts by Hero Arts, Ribbon by May Arts, Stampendous Heart Sparkler Stickers

Have a great weekend.  Tune in on Monday for another "love" creation!
Happy Stamping!
Tina

Thursday, January 27, 2011

You Were So Tweet!

Hello!  Today's card uses the same stamps I used yesterday, but it is a totally different look!  This sentiment stamp was purchased at the same time I got the branch and the birdies so I made a second card so I could add this fun sentiment!  My panel with the birdies kept getting smaller and smaller because I was trying to show as much of the paper as possible.  Crazy, since this card should be about the stamps, and not the paper!  But, the paper had these birdies on it, that I didn't want to cover up!  Let me show you my card, so you can see what I mean!  Enjoy!

Do you see after I colored the branch and the birds, that I ran it thru the swiss dot folder?  I am not sure I have ever done this, but it needed something, so I did it!  And you know what?  I like the look.  I think it added "the something"!  What do you think?

Recipe:

Paper - We R Memory Keepers Blue Bird, Cardstock White, Teal
Stamps - Endless Creations
Ink - Versafine Vintage Sepia, Prismacolor Pencils, Gamsol
Tools - Labels 4 Nestibilities, Stampin' Up small scalloped border punch, Cuttlebug Swiss Dot embossing folder
Other - Ribbon, Button, Linen Thread, Rhinestones by Hero Arts

It's back to a Valentine's theme tomorrow ... see you then!
Happy Stamping!
Tina

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

You're a Tweet-Heart!

Hello!  For today's card, I wanted to use some of my new stamps I got at the convention.  At the Endless Creations booth, I purchased a branch and a cube with 2 little birdies, one facing each way when stamped.  Yes, I already have branches, and birds, but I couldn't resist a couple more!  I knew I wanted to make some Valentine's Day cards, so going with that theme, I decided to add some hearts hanging down from my branch.  I remembered there was a Hero Arts set with a sentiment that might work and it so does!  "You're a Tweet Heart" is perfect.  But, at this point I wasn't sure where I was going to add my sentiment.  And then ... the light bulb came on.  I recently die-cutted some clouds out from a friend's die, so I added the sentiment to one of the clouds!  So perfect!  What do you think ... here it is!  Enjoy!

 

I don't know if you can tell in the photo, but I added Stickles to the hearts.  And around the edge of the clouds, a line of crystal glitter.  I love the look of glitter, but I don't often use it.  It loves me and no matter how little bit I do use, it just stays on me, even through showering, for days and days!  Oh, how about the cork, I added?  Another fun element to this card.  I love it!

Recipe:

Paper - We R Memory Keepers Valentine Sweetness, Cardstock White, Pink, Yellow, Cork
Stamps - Branch, Birds by Endless Creations, Heart by Hero Arts, Sentiment by Hero Arts
Ink - Versafine Vintage Sepia, Prismacolor Pencils, Gamsol, Tombow brown to make lines to hearts
Tools - Classic Oval, Big Scalloped Oval Nestibilities, Sizzix Giant Scalloped Die, Clouds die by Papertrey Inc.
Other - Fruit Punch Stickles, Quicky Glue Pen, Art Institute Crystal Glitter, Pearls by Hero Arts, Button, Grosgrain Ribbon, Linen Thread by TCP

I made another card with this same little branch and birdies in blue - tune in tomorrow for that creation!
Happy Stamping!
Tina

Monday, January 24, 2011

God Quote Creations!

Happy Monday!  I have two cards for you to start off the week!  I realized yesterday that I had made two cards for the Viva LaVerve sketch challenge, but the challenge is a set of 4 cards with the deadline of Jan. 27th.  So, I decided that I should complete the challenge and make cards with the last two sketches.  Verve stamps I don't think are required, but when I am doing a challenge from a certain company, I really try to use their stamps, required or not.  In my Verve collection I have many wonderful God quote stamps, so I decided to create my two last sketches with a couple of my favorites.  Let's get to them.  I will follow each card with the sketch used.  Enjoy! 


As you probably know, the woppy jawed (aka slanted) panel is not particularly one of my favorites, but I have ts say the way I made the sentiment go straight makes me like this one more.  The panel at the bottom uses an embossing folder that is actually one from Christmas, but I don't think it looks Christmasy, do you?  I think it resembles flowers instead.   I think I will keep it in my "everyday" folders file! 






I rarely emboss except at Christmas, but I love how the sentiment looks in the silver!  I love this quote.  A definite favorite!  This card is very self explanatory.  And very simple!  But, it does follow the sketch well and it is a sketch that I can use often.  To me, that is the best think about doing the challenges, as it gives me new ideas for creating my cards. 







Recipe Card #1 -

Paper - Karen Foster Pregnancy Petals line (Pregnancy?  That is what it said!  I bought it because I loved  the colors!), Cardstock Coral, Black
Stamps - Verve Stamps
Ink - Versafine Black
Tools - Lables 9 Nestibiities, Sizzix BasicGrey Frost embosssing folder
Other - Pearls by Hero Arts, Ribbon by May Arts, Polka dot button by O'Srap, Other buttons

Recipe Card #2 -

Paper - Sei Poppy Paper Stack, Cardstock White
Stamps - Verve Stamps
Ink - Versamark, Judi Kins Detailed Silver embossing powder, heat gun
Tools - Classic Circles, Eyelet Circles Nestibilities, Martha Stewart scalloped border punch
Other - Rhinestones by Hero Arts, Silver Twine by May Arts

Happy Stamping!
Tina

Friday, January 21, 2011

You Are The Star Today!

Hello!  I have two cards for you today.  My first card goes with the title.  For a few days now, I have been around and around trying to come up with an idea for the grandson's 14th birthday.  I have so many cute animal stamps that I use on cards all the time, but for a teenage boy that tend to look to young.  So that  means they are not too young for someone 50 but they are for a 14 year old!  Go figure!  I went to my favorite source to see lots of cards in one place, Splitcoast Stampers.  I put in teenage boy in the search box and came up with quite a few ideas.  My card today is a take on one I saw there.  So let me get to it ... enjoy!


The main ingredients combines the music notes embossing folder layered over the gridlock embossing folder.  What a cool look, it is.  To make the star indention, I die-cut one of the stars with a piece of chipboard.  Then used the chipboard star to trace on the back side of the white panel and cut out the shape.  After I ran the white panel thru the music folder, I went over it with black ink, to create the black notes. But, I think the sentiment, which I was happy to find in my stash, completes the whole card.  It really ties together the music with the stars!  To the right, you can see my inside panel.   What do you think?

Recipe:

Paper - Cardstock White, Green, Blue, Black
Stamps - You Are the Star by Stamp Camp - Simple Sentiments Vertical Style set, Happy Birthday by Hero Arts
Ink - Versafine Black, Marvy Matchable Black (for music notes, easier to do with a smaller pad)
Tools - Sizzix (actually old Ellison) Stars die (has 4 different sizes on one die), Music Notes embossing folder by Crafts Too (purchased at Sweet Stamps booth at convention), Sizzix Tim Holtz Texture Fades Gridlock embossing folder, Sizzix Tim Holtz bracket die

Now, on to my second card... When I first saw the music notes folder at the convention, my first thought was of a stamp from My Favorite Things that I purchased last year but have never inked up.  She is from their Jolinne line and is holding an MP3 player.  I thought I should somehow combine the two.  So, that is what I did for my second card.  It seems this year, My Favorite Things has started having some sketch challenges.  I loved the sketch last week so I printed it off, mainly just to do sometime, not really planning to enter the challenge.  So, last night when deciding what sketch to go with, I decided to do the one I had printed out.  Found out this morning, that the challenge has passed, so I won't be entering that one.  But, that is no big deal.  I still am glad I did the sketch, because I really like it and I can see me doing the layout again.  Let's get to it ... enjoy!

 

She is pretty cute.  Not sure why I haven't inked her before now!  The sentiment is fabulous but truthfully, I had not planned to add it to the card, until ... I added those pink pearl hearts!  And then, I thought how perfect the sentiment would be!

Recipe:
Paper - Black & White by Recollections Black Damask (this is a text weight 12 x12 I purchased from Michaels), Pink Dots by My Minds Eye Tickled Pink pad, Cardstock White, Black
Stamps - My Favorite Things Heart Sing Jolinne
Ink - Versafine Black, Prismacolor Pencils, Gamsol
Tools - Crafts Too Music Notes embossing folder
Other - Heart Pearls by Hero Arts, Ribbon by Creative Impressions

That is it for me for the week.  Have a great weekend! 
Happy Stamping!
Tina

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Hit Me, Cupid!

Hello!  Before I get to my card today, I want to say it is crazy that I have all these new stamps, but for today I turned to a repeated stamp favorite.  But it is for a very good reason!  You see, one of my favorite sketch challenges last year was Jen delMuro's Sketch For You To Try.  This year, she has a new format and is only having one sketch each month.  You can see the details here.  The big prize will go to the person that does all months.  So, I knew I wouldn't want to miss the first months sketch.  How hard can it be to once a month create a card with one of her great sketches?  As an added bonus, I guess each month, there will be a sponsor which will give a participant a chance to win something from them.  This month's sponsor is The Cat's Pajamas.  So, earlier in the month, my original idea was to take their bear, that I frequently used for different occasions last year, and make a card for New Year's, but now, since it's the middle of January, I decided to go with a Valentine's theme instead.  Yesterday, looking at blogs on my reader, I found an additional challenge from The Cat's Pajamas.  This one is a color challenge.  So, I am combining all the challenges into my one card today!  First, I will show you my card creation.  Following that, I will show you Jen's sketch, and The Cat's Pajamas colors for their challenge!  Enjoy!



Jen's sketch is a square but as you know I much prefer A-2 size cards so after seeing Jodi Collins card here, I knew I could change it to a size that would work better for me.  I have always stamped my bear in browns, but following the color challenge, I decided to make mine a black bear.   I did have to add the sentiment and the arrow from one of those Studio G dollar stamps to complete the card.  What do you think?   Do you like it?

Recipe:

Paper - Yellow and Red by My Minds Eye Love Me Do line, Red and White from Target $1 Pack, Yellow Dot from Bo Bunny, Cardstock White, Black, Red (Heart)
Stamps - The Cat's Pajamas Happy Camper set, Studio G
Ink - Versafine Black, Prismacolor Pencils, Gamsol, Tombow Red for Arrow
Tools - Sizzix Giant Scallops Die, Cuttlebug Tiny Hearts embossing folder, The Cat's Pajamas Flower Button Cut-Ups Die, Spellbinders Heart Nestibilities
Other - Linen Thread by The Cat's Pajamas, Red Rhinestones by Queen & Co.

Happy Stamping!
Tina

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

God Bless Texas!

Hello!  Coming up with Texas cards twice a month, I have just about used all the Texas stamps I own, so now I am borrowing stamps from friends!  So today's card, uses a couple of western medallion stamps I borrowed along with one I own of a Texas shaped stamp with the sentiment inside.  For the layout, I went through my saved card ideas from blogs.  My card is kinda different, but I like how it came out!  Here it is.  Enjoy!
  

What do you think?  At least making these Texas cards, I am doing more stamping ... yes, the background was made by me!  But, then I couldn't resist using the polka dot DP behind the Texas.  Do you like it?  Leave me a comment and let me know.  And be sure to check the other Texas Tues-Step blogs.  You can see the list on the right side of my blog.

Recipe:

Paper - Black & White dot by Bo Bunny, Cardstock White, Red, Black
Stamps - Deadbeat Designs
Ink - Versafine Black and Versafine Satin Red
Tools - Classic Circles, Lacey Circles Nestibilities
Other - Ribbon, Button, Linen Thread, Rhinestones by Queen & Co.

I should be back tomorrow or the next day with more for you!
Happy Stamping!
Tina 

Monday, January 17, 2011

With A Cherry On Top!

Hello! I have something new for you today. You see, on Saturday, I went to the second stamp convention and went straight to the Inky Antics booth, as they are one of my favorites!  I guess we at the local convention are guinna pigs for a new product that they will be introducing at the upcoming CHA, the big wholesale show!  And the little pig I am, jumped on it.  Their new product includes a honeycomb pop-up when you open the card!  So fun!  Let me show you my card and then I will give you more details and the how-to!  Enjoy!


The Front of My Card.

The Inside.  You see the Honeycomb Cupcake when the card is opened!
A Close-Up!

The Honeycomb!



The Stamp Set.



So, I wanted to show you all the parts, so you get an idea how it was done.  It was pretty darn easy.  The main trick to getting the honeycomb to work is in the last picture.  You have to stamp your image with the arrow in the same direction as is printed.  And then, you cut out the honeycomb piece with detailed scissors.  The last step is to glue (glue stick works well) the honeycomb piece into folded spine of the card.  One trick showed to us at the booth was to add a 1/16" fold line to your regular fold of the card.  That is so there is more room to house your honeycomb.   My tips would include to make sure when you cut out the image, cut on the inside of the black lines.  On the darker colors, like the brown, this probably would not matter, but on the pink, the outline showed and I had to try to pull it back after it was glued down to trim it.  My other tip would be to stamp and place all your inside elements before you add the honeycomb.  I didn't do this and it was difficult to work around the big cupcake.
   

There is only one 5 x 7 inch pad in the package, but I figured up that I could probably get 12 cupcake tops out of one package so that is not bad.  Each color package cost $5.95.  I got one pink one and one brown package.  But they also had packages in orange, green, yellow, and red.  And they had other stamps sets too.  I did get one other set - an elephant and the honeycomb stamp is to make a balloon!  Let's see if I can remember the ones I didn't get (And will probably wish I would have!)... they had a monkey set with stamps to make a brown and green tree, a bunny set with stamps to make a orange and green carrot,  a caterpillar set to make an apple, a frog set to make a mushroom, and maybe one more that I can't remember! 

Well, now that I have sold you on the sets, I am not sure where to tell you to go get them.  I bet they will be available on their website soon.  So, you could check there.  If I was still the LSS (local stamp store), I would have them in stock as soon as they were released, but I closed, so you, and I will have to find them somewhere else!

Just  a couple more details for you.  I love how the paper pad I used had a sheet with cherries  ... too perfect!  The brown shape on the front of the card is a new Spellbinders labels set I got last weekend.  The pink layer I created by tracing onto the pink around the labels die in pencil and then cutting out.  It is a way to mirror it exactly. And I paper pieced my little birds, just for fun!

Recipe:

Paper - My Minds Eye Fine & Dandy line 6 x 6 pad called Tickled Pink, Cardstock White, Brown, Pink, Inky Antics Honeycomb Pink and Brown
Stamps - Inky Antics Cupcake Birdy Honey Pop
Ink - Versafine Black, Prismacolor Pencils, Gamsol
Tools - Labels 16,  Classic Circle Nestibilities
Other - Ribbon by Creative Impressions, Pearls by Queen & Co.

Tomorrow is Texas Tues-Step. Stop back by to see another Texas card creation!
Happy Stamping!
Tina





Friday, January 14, 2011

Sloooowww to Say Thank You!

Hello!  I can see that I need to get back into my stamping rhythm where I have posts for you to see each morning.  But not today, as it is already the afternoon.  Next week I will try to do better.  So, let's get to today's card.  I have so many new stamps, papers, and supplies, I hardly know what to use first. (Plus, the second of two stamp conventions is tomorrow, so I am sure I will pick up a few more goodies, even though I pretty much spent my "allowance" last Saturday at the first convention!) I still have several stamps, and paper pads I purchased back before Christmas, that I have been dieing to use.  The holiday cards took precedent for way too long!  Let's get to today's card ... enjoy!  


Is this not one of the cutest turtles you have ever seen?  On the stamp, it says his name is Tyson the Turtle!  I got him at Stamp Salado back in October.  I can see his polka dots in all kinds of colors.  In this case, I went with the orange and yellow to match my papers.  I am using something new on this card and that is my new Lacey Circle dies from Spellbinders.  Love them!  One confession ... my sentiment ... is computer generated.  No stamp for this one.  I had to do it.  You see, my card is to be sent to a friend that I should have sent a thank you card to before now. 

Recipe:
Paper - My Minds Eye Fine & Dandy 6x6 paper pad, Cardstock White, Green, Yellow
Stamps - Cornish Heritage Farms -Tyson the Turtle
Ink - Versafine Black, Prismacolor Pencils, Gasmsol
Tools - Classic Circle, Lacey Circle Nestibilities, My Favorite Things Grass Die, Seeing Spots embossing folder
Other - Ribbon by Creative Impressions, Green Metallic Disks by unknown

That is it for me for the week.  I will be back on Monday or Tuesday with more card ideas.  
Happy Stamping!
Tina
   

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Happy Birthday To You!

Hello!  Sorry I skipped yesterday.  I love to go out to my little shack and stamp but the last few days with temperatures not getting out of the 20's to 30's, I just haven't stamped much.  I needed to get a card made for my hubby's son whose birthday is Sunday. And, I got it done ... yea!  Last week, I did the first week's of a monthly sketch for Verve over on Splitcoast Stampers.  For my birthday card for William, I decided to go with the sketch from the second week.  Funny thing though, I used the same stamp set I used on last week's sketch.  I probably should have used different stamps but when I looked at the sketch I just saw how those stamps would be perfect.  The first time I ever saw the Verve birthday set on one of the blogs, they used the same papers I used today.  When I found the paper line in a store, I got it and that was even before I ordered the stamp set.  This was my chance to use the paper with the stamps.  I love how it came out.  I will show you the card and then the sketch.  Enjoy!



Close Up of my Sparkler Bling

What do you think?  As you can see in my close up view of the cake, I went a little crazy with the sparkler sticker dots!  Love the bling!  Don't you love the paper pieced with the cake and the balloons?  I do want to add that I changed the sketch slightly by adding the corner punch on the right side on the smaller panel.  It was just that I thought it needed something there.  Please leave me a comment and let me know how you like my card.


Recipe:
Paper - Imaginisce B-day Bash Line - Hip Hip Hooray and Wish Big, Cardstock White, Brown
Stamps - Verve Birthday Bash
Ink - Versafine Black, Prismacolor Pencils
Tools - Classic Oval Nestibilities, EK Success Victorian corner punch
Other - Red Dot Sparklers from Stampendous, Stickles Glitter Glue, Ribbon by DeNami Designs

I will most likely have one more for you this week - look for it tomorrow!
Happy Stamping!
Tina

   

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Hooo-Ray!

Hello!  Today's card is one I made for a stamping friend last week.  This again was a case where I wanted her to have it in hand before I posted it here.  I love how it came out.  Here it is ...enjoy!

 


Are these birthday owls not too cute?  I actually found this stamp at Michaels a couple of months ago but with all the holiday cardmaking, this was my first chance to ink it up!  I paper pieced the little present he is holding and the balloon.  Below is the inside of my card.  I have quite a few wood mounted stamps from Inky Antics with "owl" sentiments.  I often use them with other owl stamps from other companies like I did here. 

Recipe:
Paper - Fancy Pants Designs It's Your Day Line, Cardstock White, Red
Stamps - Owls by Stampendous, Sentiments by Inky Antics
Ink - Versafine Black, Prismacolor Pencils, Gamsol
Tools - Classic Scalloped Circle, Classic Circle Nestibilities, Polka Dots embossing folder
Other - Ribbon by May Arts, Pearls by Queen & Co.

Snow has melted, but it is still COLD.  I just went out to see who made the paper I used on this card and it was freezing in my shack.  My hubby's son's birthday is this weekend so I am sure that is the next card I will be showing you.  I just have to get me out there to make it!

Happy Stamping!
Tina 

Monday, January 10, 2011

Let's Stir Up Some Fun!

Hello!  Did you do DeNami's blog hop yesterday?  If you didn't, you still have time to go to each of the blogs on the list and leave comments.  You might just be one of the lucky ones to win a gift certificate!  You have until 11:59 PST time on Monday.  I used the gift certificate I won a couple of months ago at the stamp convention on Saturday.  I was in their booth forever trying to decide which ones I just had to have.  I love the ones I got, so look for some fun DeNami cards coming your way soon.  Today's card is one that I made for a stamping friend who's birthday was last week.  I wanted to make sure that she had it in hand before I posted it here.  She is very creative both in her stamping room and in her kitchen.  So, I decided I would go with the cooking theme for her card.  She and I had recently purchased the paper I used so I knew she would be pleased with that part.  Here it is ... enjoy!


One of my favorite things about my card is how I combined two different scallops at the bottom of the card.  I am not sure I have every done that.  What do you think?  Cute, huh?

Recipe:
Paper - Doodlebug Design Bon Appeit line, Cardstock White, Yellow, Aqua
Stamps - Inky Antics
Ink - Versafine Black, Prismacolor Pencils, Gamsol, YR00 Copic for facial
Tools - Classic Scalloped Oval, Classic Oval Nestibities, Sizzix Giant Scallop Die, Stampin' Up Scallop Border Punch
Other - Button, Linen Thread by The Cat's Pajamas, Ribbon by Creative Impressions, Teal Pearls by Queen & Co.

Late last week the temperatures were in the upper 60's , but yesterday it snowed!  We have such crazy Texas weather.  My stamp room is in a metal building outside so on Sunday I did not try to go to my room to play with the new stuff I just bought.  Maybe today or tomorrow!  In the mean time, come back by tomorrow to see another friend's birthday card I made last week. 

Happy Stamping!
Tina  

Sunday, January 9, 2011

DeNami Blog Hop Help ...

Oh my goodness - I just realized this morning that the badge I have on my next post does not take you to the start of the blog and won't help if you get lost along the way.  This one works ...




My DeNami blog hop post is below.  Sorry for the confusion.
Tina

DeNami Simply Scallops Blog Hop!

DeNami January Blog Hop
Hello!  Today I am so excited to be participating in another DeNami blog hop.  As you can see, scallops is the theme.  I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with!  So fun!  I want to say welcome to all the "hoppers"!  If you came from the blog of Ruza Rebel, you are on the right track!  If you want to start from the beginning or if you get lost along the way, click on the Blog Hop Badge above and it will take you back to home base.  Now, let's get to my card.  Last year at this time, I purchased Mimi in the Rain, and the card I made, I just wasn't crazy about.  So, I knew I wanted to use this stamp again and change all that!  Plus, her umbrella has upside down scallops, which is a perfect start!  I continued with the scallop theme in the papers I used, and the border punch elements.  Go scallops!  I love my card and I hope you do too!  Here it is ... enjoy!


Recipe:
Paper - Clouds and circles by My Minds Eye Love Me Do line, Scallops by Colorbok (from patterned paper pack I got at Target), Cardstock White, Teal
Stamps - DeNami Design
Ink - Versafine Black, Prismacolor Pencils, Gamsol, YR000 Copic for facial
Tools - Stampin' Up Scalloped border punch
Other - Rhinestones from Hero Arts, Tiny turquoise sparkler stickers from Stampendous

Don't forget there are gift certificates that YOU can win! All you have to do is leave comments on the blogs along the way and your name might be randomly drawn! How easy and fun is that? You have until Monday night at 11:59 PST to leave your comments on each of the blogs to get in on the prizes.  Now let's get you on your way. Your next stop is Virginia Larsen.

Thanks for visiting my blog. I hope you like what you saw and will come back to visit soon!

Happy Stamping!
Tina

Friday, January 7, 2011

Just checking in!

Hello!  I wanted to pop in and let you know that I have a couple of cards made to show you but that you will have to wait until next week.  The cards are for two of my stamping friends, so you know if possible, I like to give them out before posting them here.  I also want to let you know that on Sunday I am participating in another DeNami blog hop!  Did you see the blinkie advertisment on the right side of my blog for it?  It looks like it will be a fun one!  Make sure to be here on Sunday for the hop.  There will be prizes to be won!

I had hoped I could have made more cards to show you this week, but I simply ran out of time.  I came up to Fort Worth so I will be closer to go to the stamp convention in Grapevine this weekend.  Woo Hoo!

See you Sunday!  Happy Stamping!
Tina   

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Amazing Grace!

Today's card is a sympathy card I made for a friend I have know since childhood, who lost her mom.  We really aren't what I would call good friends, but I have reconnected with her on facebook and so I thought it would be nice to make a card to send.  I purchased the Spellbinders Cross Collection dies back in June last year, and have never used them.  They are soooo pretty.  Here is my card with more details to follow.  Enjoy!

And to the right, is a close-up.  I hoped to show you the vellum layer I put behind my cross, but I am not sure you can see it very well, even in the close-up.  You see, I didn't like the cross directly on the plaid piece, so I tried several different colors of cardstock behind the cross.  I didn't like any of them and that is when I thought about adding a vellum layer which gives separation but dosen't take away from the plaid paper.  I also had trouble picking the ink color for my sentiment.  I really would have preferred a softer brown, but I just went with my standard Versafine pad in Vintage Sepia.



Recipe:

Paper - Die Cuts with A View Linen Closet pad, Carstock Natural White, Light Aqua
Stamps - sentiment by Verve Stamps
Ink - Versafine Vintage Sepia
Tools - Cross Collection, Labels 4, Petite Scalloped Oval Nestibilities, Stampin' Up Border Punch, Victorian Cuttlebug embossing folder
Other - Clear Rhinestones by Hero Arts

Happy Stamping!
Tina

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Texas Forever!

Hello!  I have my Texas Tues-Step card for you, even though I am a little late in getting it up on the blog.  Sorry about that.  What would I say about today's card?  "Look ma, no hands ... Or in this case ... look Mark, no designer paper"!  You see, Mark with Deadbeat Designs, who is also on the Texas team, has been giving me a hard time about all the scrapbook paper I usually use on my cards.  He knows that when I owned the stamp store, I didn't rely on scrapbook papers to make backgrounds, I used stamps!  Well, for today's card I did just that!  Enjoy!


It is also a pretty simple card compared to my usual.  In my head, I could see it with another image above the Texas Forever, but then when I started working on it, I decided to keep it simple and let the Texas Forever sentiment be the main focal point.  I like how it turned out.  I clear embossed the individual Texas stamp to create the background.  And the Texas Forever is also embossed in a Denim blue.  

Recipe:
Paper - Cardstock Kraft, Red, Med Blue (Stampin'Up I think)
Stamps - Deadbeat Designs
Ink - Versamark, JudiKins Clear embossing powder, Ranger Adirondack Denim embossing powder, Heat Gun, Red Tombow marker
Tools - Classic Circle Nestibilities, Sizzix Dots & Scallops 12" border die
Other - Denim baubles by Stamping Bella

Be sure to check out the other Texas team's blogs and see what Texas-y cards they have for you today. You can find the list on the right side of my blog.  Remember to leave comments, as we all love to hear what you think!

See you tomorrow!  Happy Stamping!
Tina

Monday, January 3, 2011

For the Birthday Boy!

Happy New Year to everyone.  While my hubby watched the college bowl games, I spent time in my craft room (well except for TCU's game at the Rose Bowl, I did watch that)!  My stamping to do list for the week includes six birthday cards for family and friends, more desk calendars, a sympathy card, a Texas Tues-Step card, which I think is tomorrow, and a card for another DeNami blog hop coming up this weekend!  The benefit to you is that there will be a bunch of new creatiions to put on my blog for you to see! Woo Hoo!  Let's get to the first one ... 

On the Verve blog, I saw their brand new sketch, and my first thought was it is pretty cool but won't wok for me as I won't have that size envelope.  And I try to create cards that I can actually send.  So, I really didn't think anything else about it until ... yesterday, I was wrapping up Ethan's birthday gift to send (my step grandchild) and was considering whether to add a card or not.  He is only turning 4 and so he doesn't really care about the card, but I usually make one for him anyway.  The box I am wrapping in birthday paper and then wrapping in brown paper on top of that to be sent, and I got to thinking maybe I should just add a flat card that would be between the two papers.  And that is when I remember the cool Verve sketch.  So here is the result and then the sketch.  Enjoy!


 
And below, you will see the card added to my gift.  I did not have the paper in front of me when I made my card.  But, I think it matches pretty good! 


Recipe:

Paper - Daisy Bucket (scraps from a line called my little monsters), Cardstock Red, White
Stamps - Verve stamps from set called Birthday Bash
Ink - Versafine Black
Tools - Marvy Corner Rounder
Other - Red Rhinestones

I love this Verve set I got back before Christmas. I saw someone paper piece the balloons and it was too cute, so of course, that is exactly what I did on this card!  The little rectangle where the sentiment and balloons are opens and inside I signed it from Papa & I. 

See you tomorrow!  Happy Stamping!
Tina

 
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