Sunday, August 30, 2009

iPICKS, Week 42

Welcome to iPICKS where I post a selection of my favorite cards and projects found during my week of blurfing and SCS stalking. There's no formal rules or guidelines ... just inspiring projects that catch my eye, clever ideas, and exceptional designs. These are projects that inspire me and I hope they inspire you too! Here's my iPICKS for Week 42 ...

Lynn Put's Pillow Box Pumpkin Bucket and Wonderful You Tote (The Queen's Scene).

Heather Van Duker's
Stamps-Ink-Paper Dracula (Stamptastic).

Denise's Pumpkin Patch Card (Sassy Stampin').

Sam's Stepper Box (Ryemilan's Stamping and Scrapbooking).

Selene Kempton's Faux Snowglobe Card (Stampin' Fun with Selene).

Susan's Pumpkin Card (susiestampalot).

LeAnne Pugliese's Dreams du Jour Card (Wee Inklings).

Chat's Cute & Curly Flowers Card (Me, My Stamps and I).

Laura Fredrickson's Thoughts & Prayers Card (Scrapnextras).

Julie Davison's Punch Fish & Rubberband Waves Card (Julie's Stamping Spot).

Deb Kemp's Joy Ornament Card (Stamps & Smiles).

Silke Ledlow's Pocket Card (My Life).

Mary Fish's Build-a-bear Boy Card (Stampin' Pretty).

Teresa's Sweet Teacher's Gift (My Life's Art).

Denise's Sweet Pea Card, Christmas Treasures, and Treemendous Card (The Paper Landscaper).

Diana Gibbs' Twick or Tweet Framed Decor (Stampin' with Di).

CHRISTMAS COCOA DASHER

As you know, I've gone back to full-time work after a stamping-filled summer ... new position, new school, same school district. I love my new position and school! I just haven't found that balance between work, home and stamping ... YET. I'm working on it though! Not only have I gone back to work, but Drew started high school, and Allie started college. Hopefully, once everyone is more settled in their routines, I'll find more stamping time! ... (I miss it terribly!)

I stamped this afternoon for the first time in weeks, and started off slow with this simple little card for Karen Giron's Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge #33. I adore the Dasher image ... reminds me of the reindeer decor you can find at Pier One during the holidays. I paired the Dasher image with the new Christmas Cocoa Specialty Designer Paper from the '09 Holiday Mini Catalog (Sept. 1 - Jan. 4).
RECIPE
Stamps: Dasher
Paper: Christmas Cocoa Specialty DP ('09 Holiday Mini), Real Red, Soft Suede, and Whisper White CS
Ink: Soft Suede
Embellishments: Real Red 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon
Tools: Circle Cutter
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals, X-Mas Red Stickles (non-SU)

Sunday, August 23, 2009

iPICKS, Week 41

Welcome to iPICKS where I post a selection of my favorite cards and projects found during my week of blurfing and SCS stalking. There's no formal rules or guidelines ... just inspiring projects that catch my eye, clever ideas, and exceptional designs. These are projects that inspire me and I hope they inspire you too! Here's my iPICKS for Week 41 ...

Karen Russell's Scrapbook Room (Snapshots ... {of a good life}.)

LeeAnn Greff's Sweet Centers Card (Flowerbug's Inkspot).

Silke's Great Friend Card (My Life).

Laurie Schmidlin's So Blessed Card (Just Give Me Stamps ...).

Tiffany's Delightful Decorations Card (Tiffany's Cardtique).

Andrea Roose's Great Friend Card (Andrea's Scrap and Stempel Blog).

Lynn Put's Falling Leaves Card (The Queen's Scene).

Carrie Stamps).

Kristin's Wonderful Son Card (Sunshine, Smiles & Stamps = Lovin' Life).

Deb's Traditional Decorations Card, Extreme Dirt Bike Card and Extreme Elements Card, (ARTfelt Impressions).

Andrea Walford's Autumn Wondering Words Card (Sunny Stampin' Inc.).

Heather VanDuker's Definitely Decorative Kitchen Magnet Board (Stamptastic).

Vera's Autumn Splendor Card (Vera Stamps).

Sunday, August 16, 2009

iPICKS, Week 40

Welcome to iPICKS where I post a selection of my favorite cards and projects found during my week of blurfing and SCS stalking. There's no formal rules or guidelines ... just inspiring projects that catch my eye, clever ideas, and exceptional designs. These are projects that inspire me and I hope they inspire you too! Here's my iPICKS for Week 40 ...

Amy Rohl's Teach Card (Ink About Me).

Rose Ann's Something To Crow About Card (Paper Delightz).

Ann Schach's Dasher, Dasher, Dasher Card and Ornament Trio Card (The Stampin' Schach).

Silke Ledlow's Christmas in August Card (My Life).

Jen Tapler's Beach Treasures Keepsake Box (Jen Tapler Designs).

Wendy Janson's Lovely As A Tree Card and Autumn Splendor Card (It's All About Stamping).

Teresa Kline's Elegant Birthday Card (Enjoy the VA Sunshine).

Linz' Scrapbook Layouts-(3) (Stampin' With Linz).

Carrie Gaskin's Hope Happens AND Vegas Scrapbook Layouts (Artistic Avenger).

Kerin Sylvester's Sweet Centers Card (Stamps, Paper, Glitter!)

Thursday, August 13, 2009

JUST CHECKING IN ....

... to say "hello" and to tell you how much I'm loving my new job! In case you didn't know, I started a new job on Monday ... Library Clerk at a new elementary school. Everyone at my new school is really nice, and am enjoying the work! Can't wait to start meeting the kids! ... they start on Monday. I know, I know, it's not a stamping job ... but as far as hourly paying jobs with benefits go, this one is pretty good!

I have nothing new and creative to share with you (and probably won't for awhile). For your stamping entertainment, watch this video by fellow Catty Cruiser, Linda Heller.

Monday, August 10, 2009

STAMPIN' UP! CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS

My first day at my new job went great! I'm exhausted tonight, but will be ready for more tomorrow!

Just a quick post to show you a surprise I had this morning ... I've been whining all week about not being at the Stampin' Up! Convention. Turns out, I WAS THERE! ... and Lorri Heiling (my BFF) was there too! ... with our buddy Becky Roberts, Inking Idaho!!!! Go to Becky Roberts' blog, Inking Idaho to read the whole story. Keep checking back throughout the week - she's got more photos and convention stories about the three of us coming!

Sunday, August 9, 2009

iPICKS, Week 39

Welcome to iPICKS where I post a selection of my favorite cards and projects found during my week of blurfing and SCS stalking. There's no formal rules or guidelines ... just inspiring projects that catch my eye, clever ideas, and exceptional designs. These are projects that inspire me and I hope they inspire you too! Here's my iPICKS for Week 39 ...

Vicki's Thoughts & Prayers Card and Sweet Halloween Card (It's A Stamp Thing).

Carrie Gaskin's Soccer Card and Trendy Trees Christmas Card (Artistic Avenger).

Laurie Schmidlin's Color Blocked Flip Flops Card and Cherries & Berries Card (Just Give Me Stamps).

MacKenzie's My Time to Inspire Card (Midnight "Scramper").

LeisaJane's Blushing Summer Card (LeisaJane on SCS).

Lynn Put's Great Friend Card (The Queen's Scene).

Kate Lewis' Sage Shadow Baroque Motifs Card (Yours Truly).

Tara Kieninger's Layered Hot Air Balloon Card (
Fireflies and Flutterbyes).

Jen Sannes' Dasher Card (Simple & Sincere).

Jessica Rone's Trick or Treat Card (Can You Say Addicted to Stamps?)

Maggie's Mummy's Great Friend Popcorn Box (Maggie's Mummy on SCS).

Heather P.'s Medallion Thank You Card ({Witty Title Here}).

Amy Sheffer's Grow Love Card (Pickled Paper Designs).

PALS PAPER ARTS #1 ARTIST PICK

Remember this card? It was chosen by the Pals Paper Arts Design Team as one of their Artist Pick of the Week for PPA1! I am shocked, and honored too! What a great way to end my summer full of creating and stamping! Yes, I go back to work tomorrow (new position, new school) .. and all my unlimited stamping fun is coming to a screeching halt. It has been a blast to be able to create each day and post regularly! Don't be surprised if you don't see me posting for awhile. It's going to take some time to get situated in my new job, going back to work, etc. I will eventually find that balance again to find stamping and blogging time! Thanks for a GREAT summer!

You can see all the details on this card in THIS POST.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

SUNNY DAY BIRTHDAY WISH

Playing along with Karen Giron's Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge #29, using items from Sunny Day Simply Scrappin' Kit. Fun sketch, simple little card.

RECIPE
Paper: Designer Paper and Textured Cardstock (Pumpkin Pie and Tempting Turquoise) from Sunny Day Simply Scrappin' Kit
Embellishments: Self-Adhesive Die Cuts from Sunny Day Simply Scrappin' Kit, Tempting Turquoise Playground Designer Button, sentiment from Chit Chat Rub-Ons
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots

RAKS

Sharing beautiful RAKS (Random Acts of Kindness) from stamping friends ...

From Marian Garcia, Studio M by Marian. Marian's blue version of this awesome card appeared in iPICKS, Week 33 ...A pop-up birthday card for me from Stacey Schafer, Stacey's Stamping Stage ...
inside of Stacey's card ...A tri-shutter card for Allie's 18th birthday from Lorri Heiling, Confessions of a Stamping Addict ...A birthday card for Allie by Riley Seegan, our 10 year old niece (assisted by her talented stamper grandma, Norene Riley!) ...A birthday card for me from Wendy Bond, Bond Girl Bliss ...A thank you card from Stephanie Perry ...A beautiful sympathy card acknowledging John's mother's passing from fellow weSTAMPer, Ginny Schembri ...

Friday, August 7, 2009

BACKPACKS for BACK TO WORK

On Monday, I start a new position at a new school. The school district I work for replaced the certified Librarian positions in their recent budget cuts with a new classified position called a Library Clerk. As a Library Clerk, I'll be doing pretty much everything a certified Librarian does except teach. My training for my new job was back in mid-June which seems so long ago. I've become good friends with several of the Library Clerks at other schools (also newly hired), and today we met for lunch to offer moral support to one another, share ideas, and calm each others' nerves for Monday.

When I saw these little backpacks as the SCS Technique Lover's Challenge #232 this week, I knew my new friends would need one filled with chocolates for "Back to Work"! I used the retired Summer Picnic Designer Paper and HERE is the tutorial.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

weSTAMP JULY MEETING & SWAP

It's a busy week at our house ... Drew's high school freshman orientation and freshman camp, Allie's 18th birthday, Allie getting four wisdom teeth removed today, getting everyone ready to start school, and I start my new job on Monday! Where DID the summer go?

Our JULY weSTAMP meeting & swap was over a week ago, and I'm finally getting around to posting our projects. This first adorable card is a Make 'n Take project provided by Pam Wood using the Big Shot Scallop Circle for the dress.Our swap theme for this month was to use the new In Colors....THANKS FOR LOOKING!

Edited to Add:
The above artists and their blog links ...
Barbara Welch
Pam Wood
Linda Rodenberg

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

HAPPY 18th BIRTHDAY, ALLIE!

Today is my daughter Allie's 18th birthday. I can't possibly be old enough to have an adult child! yikes! I took this photo of her this morning while she was getting ready.Here is the card I designed for her ... the pink and the rhinestones are SO HER! ...
RECIPE
Stamps: Simple Birthday Thanks, Wonderful Favorites
Paper: Melon Mambo and Bermuda Bay Patterns DP, Bermuda Bay, Melon Mambo, and Pretty In Pink CS (+ Chocolate Chip CS for the cherry stem)
Ink: Chocolate Chip and Melon Mambo
Embellishments: Self-Adhesive Rhinestones (non-SU), Pretty In Pink Taffeta Ribbon
Tools: Small Oval Punch, Large Oval Punch
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals

Monday, August 3, 2009

FRIEND. GOOD.

Yes, I'm jumping the gun here with a Halloween card, but couldn't resist using the new Cast-a-Spell Designer Paper! Frankenstein (Batty For You stamp set) is my favorite Halloween image, and this sentiment from the stamp set Smarty Pants always makes me smile! I used Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge #76 Sketch.

After I had my card all put together, I realized that maybe I should have more thoughtfully cut the background designer paper with the pumpkins. It bothers me that the orange pumpkins in the print aren't seen on the right and bottom. Does it bother you like it does me?
RECIPE
Stamps: Batty For You, Smarty Pants
Paper: Cast-a-Spell DP, Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie, and Whisper White CS
Ink: Old Olive and Basic Black
Embellishments: 1/4" Basic Black Grosgrain Ribbon
Tools: Scallop Circle Punch, 1 3/8" and 1" Circle Punches, Modern Label Punch
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals

CASEing VA.SUNSHINE

It's been a long time since I've played along with the Featured Stamper Challenge on SCS (so many challenges, so little time!). This week's Featured Stamper #130 is Teresa Kline, va.sunshine on SCS. Teresa's Shabby Chic card was featured on iPICKS earlier this summer, and I knew it was the one I had to case! The only things I've changed are the colors and designer paper/cardstock.RECIPE
Paper: Melon Mambo and Bermuda Bay Patterns DP, Bermuda Bay Textured CS, and Whisper White CS
Embellishments: Whisper White 5/16" Jumbo Brads, Melon Mambo Polka Dot 1/2" Grosgrain Ribbon, Chit Chat Whisper White Rub-Ons

Sunday, August 2, 2009

iPICKS Week 38

Welcome to iPICKS where I post a selection of my favorite cards and projects found during my week of blurfing and SCS stalking. There's no formal rules or guidelines ... just inspiring projects that catch my eye, clever ideas, and exceptional designs. These are projects that inspire me and I hope they inspire you too! Here's my iPICKS for Week 38 ...

Angie Tieman's Medallion for the Newlyweds Card (schwooo!).

Carrie Gaskin's It's A Ring! Card (Artistic Avenger).

Sandi MacIver's Extreme Surfboard Card (Sandi MacIver).

Pam Varnell's I Have Time For You Card (The Stamping Addict)

Kay Kalthoff's Autumn Days Card and Totally Cheerful Card (Stamping to Share).

Denise's Blossom Card (card crazy on SCS).

Lori Kalus' S'more Birthday Card (Afternoon's Delight).

Fran Sabad's Big Dreams Scrapbook Layout (Stampersblog).

Melissa's For All You Do Card (Oh! I Love to Stamp!)

Michelle's Girls' Night Out Card (Stop and Stamp the Roses).

Cindy Beach's Things I Love Card (Stamps, Paper and Ink).

Amy Sheffer's Fill Your Pumpkin To the Top Card and To Risk Card (Pickled Paper Designs).

Renee's Build-a-Roo Card (Stamping for Sanity).

Vicki's Great Friend Card (It's A Stamp Thing).

Ann Schach's So Thankful for Falling Leaves Card (The Stampin' Schach).

MERCY'S BACK!

One of my favorite designers, Mercy Kerin is back creating sketches on her blog, Lord Have Mercy!, every Tuesday! Let me tell ya' ... she can draw one mean sketch! Her sketches are always have so many wonderful layers (right up my alley!). I finally found some stamping time last night to play along with her first comeback sketch, Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge #32.

I used the stamp set, Trendy Trees ... along with Autumn Traditions Designer Paper and Soft Suede 1/2" Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon. Although I used the Stamp-a-ma-jig (a must for Trendy Trees!), my sentiment looked crooked so I covered it up by using my new Modern Label Punch for the first time (love it!). The sentiment was punched out with the Word Window Punch and placed on top of the Soft Suede Modern Label Punch piece.

The More Mustard buttons are retired but I liked the matted look of them better than the glossy Designer Buttons - for this card anyway.
RECIPE
Stamps: Trendy Trees
Paper: Autumn Traditions DP, Soft Suede, Ruby Red, Elegant Eggplant, More Mustard, and Very Vanilla CS
Ink: Soft Suede, Ruby Red, Elegant Eggplant, and More Mustard
Embellishments: 1/2" Soft Suede Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon, More Mustard Buttons
Tools: Modern Label Punch, Word Window Punch, Stamp-a-ma-jig
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots

Saturday, August 1, 2009

IN COLORS SWAP CARD

Last week was our July weSTAMP Demonstrator Group meeting and swap. This is the card I made for our In Color themed swap. (I am still photographing and editing the swap cards from other members, and will post asap.) This is a very simple little card measuring 4 1/4" x 4 1/4". I used the new Level 3 Hostess stamp set, Kind & Caring Thoughts, pairing the new In Colors of Melon Mambo, Rich Razzleberry, and Crushed Curry with Pumpkin Pie. My color combo and main image were cased from Jenn Diercks' card HERE. Like Jenn, I stamped off with the Crushed Curry.RECIPE
Stamps: Kind & Caring Thoughts (Level 3 Hostess)
Paper: Melon Mambo Textured CS, Rich Razzleberry, Pumpkin Pie and Whisper White CS
Ink: Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo, Pumpkin Pie, and Crushed Curry
Embellishments: 1/2" Crushed Curry Polka Dot Grosgrain Ribbon
Supplies: Stampin' Dimensionals


* Round two of the Designer Paper & Ribbon Shares went out in today's mail !!!!