Blog Candy WINNER

Congratulations to

# 64 FROGGY

She has won my Blog Candy Celebration

The card above was created during the Stampin Out Alzheimers week for the SCACD sketch challenge. I used one of the Lockhart stamps that Susana had sent to me when I was their Guest Designer during April. I didn't win that particular challenge, HOWEVER, I DID WIN TWO other challenges!! First, I won one of the Verve Challenges, where I will be receiving 3 of their newly released stamp sets. The Up Up and Away set, I could not wait to see if I had won and I did not want to risk loosing out on it being discounted, so I ordered it. Julee the owner was super sweet and allowed me to exchange it. Second, I won Jen Tapler's Keepsake Box challenge!! I will share the project that I created tomorrow!!!

Are you feeling LUCKY??? Do NOT miss your chance for the following

REMINDERS:

• Don't forget about the Twisted Thursday sketch challenge Deadline is TONIGHT! Shirley's 2 Girls is giving you two chances to Win Free Stamps this week so don't miss out.

• ABC DESIGN TEAM CALL Click HERE for complete details

• 15% Discount on clear stamps at ABC
  

Try It Out Tuesday #16- 2 halves make a whole

These photos inspired my project today. I took these photos this past weekend while I was driving. I am amazed at how gorgeous Sicily is in the spring time.

Anyone up for a CHALLENGE?? This week the myself and the rest of the Design Team for Susana's Custom Art and Card Design was challenged to create a project/card using only 1/2 an image..........

Now I know what you are thinking. This does not appear to be "unfinished", right? Well being the little rebel that I am, I used 2 images but only used 1/2 of each one........ I first stamped the Vase of Sweet Peas onto white cardstock and colored them. Next I inked only the pitcher portion from the Lilacs in Pitcher stamp and stamped it onto a textured piece of cardstock that I had already embossed using the Textile Embossing folder and my cuttlebug. I added a few highlights with my Copics and cut out the image. I used a craft knife to cut the center from the handle. I love how you can see the flowers through the handle. I adhered the Pitcher using foam squares and then added Flower Soft over the colored flowers. I mixed my Flower Soft to come up with my own color combo. I used the Summer Mix , Lavender and Sunshine Yellow.

I am also loving the Bella Baubles and my new Martha Stewart Punches.

So are you up for a challenge?? I would love to see your interpretation of stamping only part of an image. Need some more inspiration? Check out what the rest of the Design Team has done with this Challenge by visiting the Follow Your Heart Blog
.............Supplies I used...............
Stamps: Karen Lockhart (sweet peas & lilacs in pitcher)
Paper: Stampin Up (kiwi kiss & riding hood red, textured blue), Gina K (pure luxury 120lb white), Designer paper (K&co.)
Tools: Martha Stewart edge punch,
Ribbon: Stampin Up
Misc: Flower Soft (summer mix, sunshine, lavender), Bella Baubles (oyster)

Lockhart Lemons

I am going to make it brief tonight since I am actually having to use my husband's computer to get anything done. Right about now, I hate my computer and have no idea what it's problem is but I am just short of throwing it across the room!! BTW, did you just catch that I said I am using my husbands computer?? THAT MEANS HE IS HOME!!!!! Yea!! Of course it is bitter sweet knowing that he will go away but we will take what we can get. Such is Military life. So when life hands ya some LEMONS, Make CARDS!!!

This Karen Lockhart image (Lemons and Bay Leaves) is one of my favorites. But speaking of Lockhart stamps, have you heard that they are about to have some new ones released?? Talk about excited!! I am certainly not bored with any of them but what stamper doesn't get excited about adding to their ever grown collection??

Pretty basic design so I won't bore you with details.

REMEMBER:

1. There is still time to get your projects uploaded for the Twisted Thursday #8 challenge. The details are in the post below this one. Upload your projects HERE.
2. Susana's Custom Art and Card Design has several specials going on: Buy 7 Smooches, get the 8th one free, Smirk Stamps are on sale 50% off, Individual bottles of Fun Flock are 25% off.
3. Check out the Follow Your Heart blog for an amazing Tutorial for creating corner bookmark.
4. Seriously HUGE BLOG CANDY
   

**********Supplies I used************

Stamps: Lockhart (lemons & bay leaves)

Paper: Stampin Up, Basic Grey

Ribbon & Button: Paper Trey Ink

Tools: Copic Markers, Martha Stewart Punch

Try It Out Tuesday #15 - Fairy Dust

Where is all the time going? I feel like time is just whirling past me at warp speed. Can you believe it is already time for another Try It out Tuesday? This week we are being challenged to "BLING IT ON"!!! Use as much bling as you can without being tacky (of course). So what was my idea of Bling?

Swarovsky Crystals, Glitter, Rhinestones, shimmery ribbon and did I mention GLITTER?? Who does not love all things glittery? I tried to capture a few photos to really capture how stunning this very simple, very elegant and very sparkley this card truly is. Click on the photos to get a better view.

I started off with a plain black cardstock. I used the Willow Stamp by Fairie Songs Art Stamps and pressed her into a glue pad and sprinkled a very fine white glitter over the stamped image. I did the same for the Itty Bitty Lockhart Mushrooms. The Crystals started off as an anklet!!! I pulled these crystals off and threaded them onto a piece of embroidery floss, tied off both ends and tied it into my ribbon. The ribbon is white organza and has a very nice shimmer. Last I simply glued 3 flat back Swarovski Crystals in the top corner to balance out my image....

This may very well be the quickest card I have ever created. What do you think? Do you have what it takes to "Bling it on"? Head over to the Follow Your Heart blog to see what the rest of the Design Team has to dazzle you with.
................Supplies I used..................
Stamps: Fairie Songs Art Stamps (Willow), Lockhart ( Mushrooms)
Paper: Stampin Up (basic black)
Misc: Glue pad (Martha Stewart), Stampin Up (glitter), SCADC (swarovski flat back crystals), ribbon, swarovski crystals

Bubble Gum Bubble Gum in a Purse ????

Happy Saturday ;o) Hope everyone is finding time to do some of the things that they actually enjoy doing. I cannot complain. I worked in the yard, did a few things around the house, spent time with my son, watched a movie and still found time to make this very fun little project. I didn't create it for any particular reason or for any particular reason. Is it not super fun though? So many elements that I just adore. Can you guess what they are?

Polka Dots, Ribbon, Gum Balls, Gum Ball Machine and a fun little container. These are just a few of my favorite things!! The entire project was centered around this Lockhart Gumball Machine. First I colored it then added Diamond Glaze over the part that would be glass, as well as, the little gumballs scattered around the base. Not sure if you can really see that in the photos? I then mounted it to a little metal tag frame, squeezed a little glue around the edges then sprinkled on some super fine glitter. I painted a Popsicle stick with white acrylic paint then glued that to the back of the Gumball Machine, thus creating a little stake.

I used a cutting die from Stampin' Up! to create the purse and the little sentiment tag. In order to make the purse more durable, I die cut the purse twice. First using a plain thick cardstock and then again using a Designer Paper. I simply glued them together making sure to match up all of the edges. I used 2 different circle punches to create the polka dots/gumballs around the bottom.

The sentiment "You are the one" is also Lockhart. I was just over at Susana's Custom Art and Card Designs and noticed that she is offering a small gift with purchase and there is also a special on Smooch. Buy 7 get the 8th one FREE!!! O but wait, that's not All - SMIRK STAMPS are 50% off.

REMINDERS: (FYI, there are only two entries into both of the following challenges listed below, therefore, these two ladies will have a 50/50 chance of winning free stamps and $22 towards merchandise at S2G!!!!!)
You have until Sunday Night to submit your project. I would be tickled to death if you would come and play with myself and the other Ladies with Attitude!!! Click on Gracie or scroll down to the Twisted Thursday #7 post.


You have until Tuesday to create a project for the S2G 222 color challenge using the Nursery Rhyme "Mary Mary Quite Contrary". Again either click on Gracie or scroll down to see complete details under the post titled S2G 222 Challenge.
............Supplies I used.............
Stamps: Lockhart
Paper: DCWV, Stampin Up, Papertrey Ink
Die Cut: Stampin Up
Tools: Stampin Up circle punch, Marvy Uchida circle punch (green), Cuttlebug
Ink: Momento black Tuxedo, Copic Markers
Misc: Diamond Glaze (SCACD), Glitter (Stampin Up), popsicle stick, acrylic paint, metal frame (Making Memories), scrap of ribbon, ziplock bag, large gumballs

TIOT #14 - Baby Rattle

It's Try It Out Tuesday #14 and this week the Amazing Suzanne Dean challenged the Design Team of SCACD to a sketch and COLOR ................... This was the funnest and my personal Most favorite color combo

CHOCOLATE, PINK and CREAM (think Neopolitan ice cream)

For this card, I used the Lockhart Rattle and colored it with Copics (this may have taken 3 minutes). The pink Bella Baubles add the perfect amount of bling without over powering or taking away from the image. Of course what card is complete without polka dots and ribbon??

Wanna see what the rest of the Design Team came up with? Click on their names on the ride side or see them all at the Follow Your Heart blog.
.............................Supplies I used..............................
Stamps: Lockhart rattle
Paper: Stampin Up (chocolate chip, pretty in pink, very vanilla)
Designer Paper: American Crafts
Ribbon: Paper Trey Ink
Misc: Bella Baubles, Marvy Uchida scallop oval punches, needle for piercing, sewing machine for stitching

Happy Easter

I certainly hope that everyone is enjoying the Holiday with friends and or family. The kids and I had a fantastic time this evening as the only American guests at a Sicilian Baby Baptisimo!!! This was no small affair. Think wedding type festivities complete with a sit down Sicilian million course meal............ What a wonderful way to celebrate Easter!!

Something about this Lockhart image (Lilac in Pitcher) is very comforting to me. I have always thought that using something besides the basic flower vase to be very classy and chic. I mean seriously who would not want this bouquet of flowers sitting in the center of their table?? After I finished coloring my image, I didn't want to hide it with flower soft so I thought that adding just a touch would really bring out the little yellow flowers. I think I was right. Flower Soft is one of those products that can transform a so so card into a WOW card.

This card was inspired by the April Sketch Challenge over in the Susana's Custom Art and Card Design Group at Paper Craft Planet. You know how much I enjoy participating in challenges, especially when there are PRIZES to be WON. Click HERE for all of the details. Speaking of challenges, today is the final day to upload your Twisted Thursday challenge cards. Go HERE to link your card for a chance to Win.

Also Tomorrow is the final day to enter to win the Elisabeth Bell Yummy Blog Candy over at Follow Your Heart Blog. Click HERE for all of those details.

AWWW The Memories

So here it is 2 a.m. and I am finally putting my MOJO aside and taking the time to post this very fun card. Don't you just love when your creativity goes wild and you honestly don't want to take the time to do lifes little necessities, like sleep, eat, take care of the kids, YEA, ya'll know what I'm talking about. Can I get an AMEN?

Let's move on to this card shall we? These stamps (checkers, chinese checkers and parcheesi) by Karen Lockhart remind me of my childhood so I wanted to give them a vintage feel. After stamping them, coloring and cutting them out, I inked the edges a bit, but not too much. I didn't want to ruin the coloring. Check out the Teeny Little Checkers!!! Those were created by using my smallest hole punch and scrap pieces of paper, I then glued the little checkers onto the board. Now look closely at the Blue background Designer Paper and notice that it has a vintage childhood motif going on. How cool is that? It is called Kazoo Kids by K&Co, as are the pieces of chipboard. You know all of those extra buttons that come with pants and sweaters? Well this is exactly what they are for!!!

Want to see the sketch I used? Check out the sketch along with the details HERE. Of course there is a PRIZE!!!!

REMINDER:

• You have until Sunday to upload your Twisted Thursday sketch challenge onto Mr. Linky over on Karolyn's Blog. The Details are below this post.
• Elisabeth Bell BLOG CANDY is still up for grabs. You have until Monday to visit the FOLLOW YOUR HEART blog and get all of the details. This is an opportunity that you DO NOT WANT TO MISS.....

TIOT #13 - Spring Bouquet

After yesterday's heartwrenching post, what do you say we lighten it up a bit and have some FUN??? It's Tuesday and that means it is time for the "TRY IT OUT TUESDAY" Challenge. This week Suzanne Dean, top diva of SCACD challenged us all to create cards or projects with either an Easter theme or a Spring Theme.

I chose SPRING because I have been twitching to play with my new Flower Soft in Summer Mix. What do you think? Apparently it is so simple to use that surely I must be doing something wrong. The funtabulous image that I played around with is Lockhart "Sweet Peas". I first stamped the image in momento tuxedo black and then colored it in as I normally would using my Copics. I then applied several dots of glue, sprinkled on the flower soft, waited a bit and then tapped off the excess..... I added some shadowing then I wanted the vase to have a bit more realistic feel and a bit more dimension so I added Diamond Glaze. This was the first time I had played with this product also.

Don't forget, Today is Day #2 for the Elizaebeth Bell Big Blog Candy Mystery so FOLLOW YOUR HEART on over to the Design Team blog to see the puzzle piece of the day.
..................Supplies I used...................
Stamps: Lockhart (sweet peas)
Paper: Stampin Up
Designer Paper: Anne Griffith
Tools: Spellbinders (nestabilities, Provo Craft (cuttlebug & textile embossing folder), Copic Markers
Misc: Paper Trey Ink(buttons), flower soft (summer mix), diamond glaze

Itty Bitty Mushrooms

Check out these Itty Bitty Mushrooms from SCACD. Originally, I had planned on using them to build a scene for a Fairy stamp (Willow). However, the second that I put ink to the rubber, a million ideas came to mind. Even though they are such a small image, check out how this frame literally magnifies them and draws your eye front and center.

As I sit here typing this up, more ideas have already come to mind and I have decided to finish the inside of the card as well. Thinking something along the lines of "Have a Groovy day"!! As you know, I have grown daughters that are both very fun, eccentric, independent, free spirited, groovy gals and I have no idea why, but this card makes me think of them! Guess I better make another ;o)

Today over on the Follow your Heart Blog, Danni, one of SCACD's design team members is going to be featuring a TUTORIAL. Danni and the rest of the Design Team are unbelievably talented crafters and I plan on using this month as the Lockhart Guest Designer to absorb as much of their wisdom and talent that I can. When I grow up I want to be just like them so I have added their names with links over in my side bar so that you too can check them out!!!

REMINDERS:

• Twisted Thursday sketch challenge is still going on. You have until Sunday to upload your project and be entered to WIN. Click on GRACIE below for all the details.
  

• Danni's Tutorial HERE
• Elizabeth Bell Blog Candy fun starts on Monday 6th-13th

..................Supplies I used.................
Stamps: Lockhart(itty bitty mushrooms)
Paper: Paper Trey Ink (raspberry fizz, new leaf, white)
Designer Paper: K&Co
Ribbon: Paper Trey Ink
Tools: Provo Craft (cuttlebug), Spellbinders (square scallop nestabilities), Copic Markers

*** EXTRA EXTRA READ ALL ABOUT IT ***

Elisabeth Bell Blog Candy coming to Susana’s (SCACD) store blog, Follow Your Heart on April 6th – 13th!!

• Everyday a puzzle piece of the prize will be revealed!

What’s up For Grabs?

• A signed print by ©Elisabeth Bell of a “NEW Upcoming Stamp to SCACD”!!

To Enter head over to the “Follow Your Heart” Blog for all the details!

Want this badge?

Lockharts BABY!!!

This may just be the fastest blog post of all time because I wanted to get something up. This fun baby card just kind of fell together on it's own and I was actually working on something else. I had stamped and colored the little rattle in like 1 minute and there it sat staring at me begging to be dressed up.

SCACD has just gotten in a huge shipment of the brand new Spellbinder Nestabilities, Shapabilities and the new Impressabilities............... It just keeps getting better doesn't it. I am off to school and maybe I too can get the chance to check out the new products.
.................Supplies I used....................
Stamps: Rattle by Lockhart
Paper: certainly celery, positively pink (SU), white pure luxury 120lb (GinaK Designs)
DP: I will list it later
Copic markers
Buttons & Ribbon from my stash
Punches: Marvy Uchida & SU

If life hands you LEMONS------

G O S S I P or I suppose you could make lemonade..... Well I have had a spectacularly crafty weekend. My new Lockhart stamps from Susana's Custom Art & Card Design arrived!!! Susana and her Design Team asked me to be the Lockhart Guest Designer for the month of April... I couldn't stand the anticipation any longer, patience is not one of my strong points.

The first stamp that I inked up was the Lemons and Bay Leaves. This was so much fun to color. If you are new to Copic Markers or intimidated by them, these stamps are ideal. The images are small enough and if you look closely at the lemons you will see little dots indicating shadows, thus making it easier to add your darker color for shadowing.




Speaking of Copic Markers, Susana has several bundled sets along with the fantastic Momento black or brown ink. Besides the amazing Lockhart stamps, SCACD is a one stop shopping experience. I cannot tell you how important that is when running down to the local craft store is not an option, or maybe it is an option and you would prefer to have your products delivered right to your door. Regardless, I am thrilled to have a place where I can buy, paper, ink, adhesive, stamps and embellishments.

I wish that I had not covered up so much of that beautiful Laura Ashley DP, but overall, I am very pleased with how my first Lockhard/SCACD card turned out. What do you think? Stay tuned because I have a lot of brand new toys, ideas and even a new Try It Out Tuesday Challenge to share with you.

.......................Supplies I Used...................
Stamps: Lemons & Bay Leaf (Lockhart), Gossip (MFT)
Paper: Always Artichoke, textured Brocade Blue (SU), Pure Luxury White 120lb (GinaK Designs), Yellow Polka Dot DP (Bo Bunny), Laura Ashley DP (SCACD)
Ribbon: PTI,
Hardware w/brads: (SU), Pearl Baubles (SCACD), Copic Markers, Textile Embossing Folder (Provo Craft)

3 Hot Chicks

While cruising or "Blurffing" around the other day I stumbled across a fun tutorial by Suzanne Dean about how to create landscapes/backgrounds. You can see the tutorial HERE.

I used her technique to create this card... Not too sure that I did my landscape any justice but I do like these "hot chicks". I stamped and colored them first then cut them out and adhered them into their little beach scene. The sea shells were actually buttons but I cut off the little plastic loops and attached them with 3-D glue Dots. I didn't have an oval large enough to create a mask for my beach scene so I used a hinged metal box as my template for the blue cardstock. Clever?

The sketch I used is the monthly challenge from the Susana's Custom Art & Card Design Group over at Paper Craft Planet. This group and the Fans of Karen Lockhart Group are a couple of my favorite places to hang out. The gals are so welcoming, supportive and friendly. Not sure if there is a prize, hopefully one of the other gals will leave a comment and set me straight. Prize or no prize, it was a fun sketch.

If you visit me very often you are going to become very familiar with hearing me speak of Lockhart stamps and Susana's Custom Art & Card Design since my Guest Design Team spot officially begins April 1st. Check out Susana's Blog HERE

Don't forget to upload your cards for the Twisted Thursday challenge. As of right now there are less than 10 entries. Unbelievable odds of winning a free stamp. Some of the challenges that I enter have well over 1000. Thank you so much for taking the time to visit me today. See you tomorrow.
...................Recipe.................
Hero Arts stamps
Me & My Big Ideas Designer Paper & blue textured cardstock
Paper Trey Ink ribbon & cardstock in Melon Berry
Copic Markers