Friday, February 27, 2009

HANNA PREVIEW - Rock Star Hanna

I just love this Hanna. She will be available Monday, March 2nd at Hanna Stamps! There are SO many fun stamps in this set, I know it will be a must have! She is colored using copic markers and then I added both diamond stickles (guitar and amp) and spica clear glitter pen (boots, skirt) to the image. I also went over the sentiment in spica clear glitter to give it a little something something. It looks really shimmery and fun.

Stamps: Rock Star Hanna (Hanna Stamps), Things Hanna Would Say (Hanna Stamps) Paper: Ruby Red (SU!), Solar Whie Classic Crest (Neenah), Adore (Prima Romantica Collection) Ink: Onyx Black Versafine Accessories: Large Corner rounder (EK Success), 1 3/8 and 1 1/4 inch circle punch (SU!), silver brads, white with black dots grosgrain (Dots, Dashes & Checks - Michaels Stores Inc.), Diamond stickles (Ranger) , copic ciao markers (Imagination International Inc.), atyou spica - clear (Imagination International Inc.),

I am trying to improve my photography of my cards. I feel like I am a step behind everyone in this, so let me know what you think and feel free to give me advice and tips to improve.

*NEW* SPA Riley

Who doesn't like a day at the spa? I just love this new stamp. Nothing like a good pedicure to relax you. Layout sketch (Challenge #3 at the Pink Elephant).

Stamps: Spa Riley (Hanna Stamps), Happy Birthday (Amuse) Paper: The Sweet Mat Stack (Die Cuts With a View), Barely Banana (SU!), Soft Sky (SU!), Solar White Classic Crest (Neenah) Ink: Onyx Black Versafine, Pixie Pink Classic (SU!) Accessories: Diamond stickles, prima flowers, copic ciao markers, sewing machine, white thread, clear embossing powder, Paper Frills (Doodlebug Design Inc.), pink velvet ribbon, oval punch (SU!), swarovski crystals, dimensional dots.

This new stamp will be available this Monday, March 2nd at Hanna Stamps. You can see previews of the new stamps all this weekend on the DT Members blog sites (links on the right side bar). Hope you will take a minute to head on over to these blogs and see what they have been busy creating! Additionally, this month we have two guest designers:


Check back tomorrow for some more sneaky peeks!

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Backyard Dwellers BBQ Invitation - CC207/CPS104

I only wish the weather could stay how it has been here in AZ this past week, year round. It has been gorgeous, breezy, warm -- perfect weather for a Backyard BBQ. As I took the kids to the park the other night, it smelled SO good outside as we walked there -- someone had fired up the grill and was making something delicious. I think that is what inspired this idea. I created an invitation to send to a friend to invite them over to enjoy some fun time, relaxation and a barbecue!

I used the layout this week from Card Positioning Systems (CPS104) and the colors were from the color challenge this week on Splitcoaststampers. I wanted to keep it simple enough to duplicate.

Stamps: Backyard Dwellers (Hanna Stamps), Tiny Talk (SU!) Paper: Summer Sun (SU!), Old Olive (SU!), Pumpkin Pie (SU!), Solar White Classic Crest (Neenah) Ink: Old Olive Classic, Summer Sun Classic, Pumpkin Pie Classic (SU!) Accessories: Scalloped and plain circle nestabilities, cuttlebug machine, dimensional dots (SU!), 1 3/8 and 1 1/4 circle punches (SU!), Large corner rounder (EK Success), paper piercing tool, pumpkin pie grosgrain (SU!), clear dew drops (The Robins Nest), sewing machine, white thread.

Monday, February 23, 2009

MOJO75 - OCCC (Feeling Challenged)

This weekend while we were out, I made a pit stop at Michaels. I was only in there for about 20 minutes (which is speedy for me) and I spent less than $10 (proud of that). One of the things I picked up (for only $1) was this sentiment stamp that I used on this card here . . . it says 'hippity hop, hippity hop' but on this card I only used half the stamp. I thought it would be perfect with this little easter basket toting bunny from Hanna Stamps. (Spring Time) The challenge on Our Creative Corner this weekend was to use a tag on your card or project. The layout for this card came from the Mojo Monday blog (Mojo75).

Stamps: Spring Time (Hanna Stamps), Hippity Hop (Studio G - Hampton Art) Paper: Tempting Turquoise (SU!), Pretty in Pink (SU!), Lavendar Lace (SU!), Solar Crest White (Neenah), Embossed Green Dots - Nana's Kids Print (Die Cuts With a View) Ink: Onyx Blaxk Versafine Accessories: 1 3/8 circle punch (SU!), scalloped circle nestabilities, pretty in pink eyelets, sewing machine, white thread, pink gingham ribbon (SU!), pink brad, swiss dots embossing folder, cuttlebug machine, small pom pom (white), copic ciao markers, clear embossing powder, diamond stickles (on the eggs).

Blushing Buttercream Pettiskirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

I had not headed over to Grosgrain Fabulous for a long long time . . . but I did today and this is the most adorable skirt ever! WOW!!! Hope I win! I so wish I could sew *sigh* -- Go check it out and enter soon!!!

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Backyard Dwellers - Feel Better Card/Mojo74

Hope you are having a wonderful weekend. Don't you just hate how fast the weekend swooshes by. I know I do.

I am still playing catch up with the sets from last months (January) Hanna Stamps release. This set, Backyard Dwellers, is all different kinds of bugs and has many different applications. This time I used some of the bugs popped up on pop dots to create a get well card. This layout is from the Mojo Monday blog (Mojo74). Check back in the next couple days for a few more ideas with this set. I am having fun creating with it!

Stamps: Backyard Dwellers (Hanna Stamps), Feel Better sentiment (Elzybells Art Stamps) Paper: True Thyme (SU! Retired), Intense Amethyst (Prism Papers), Very Vanilla (SU!), Ivory Floral (The Gifted Line - Paper Adventures: Anw Crestwood) Ink: Onyx Black Versafine Accessories: Dimensional Dots, Pink Polka dot grograin ribbon, sewing machine, white thread, pink brad, diamond stickles, 1 1/4 circle punch (SU!), clear embossing powder, copic ciao markers

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Virtual Stamp Night - FEB09VSNB

Title: For the Love of Chocolate
Hostess: Christi (snowchris)
Keyword: FEB09VSNB
Day/Date: Friday, Feb. 20th
Time: 6:00pm EST

Do you love chocolate? If so, then you know there are many ways to get your chocolate fix, but there are really only three basic categories of chocolate: white chocolate, milk chocolate, and dark chocolate. For today’s challenge, we are going to play with chocolates…the kind that will NOT go to your thighs!

For today’s challenge, you need to choose your favorite type of chocolate, look at the color schemes pictured below, and make a card based upon the color scheme for that type.

*White Chocolate...Very Vanilla (vanilla), Certainly Celery (celery), Rose Red (sweetheart), Handsome Hunter (bluegrass)

*Milk Chocolate...Close to Cocoa (mocha), Real Red (maraschino), Almost Amethyst (lavender)

*Dark Chocolate...Chocolate chip (chocolate), Apricot Appeal (apricot), Cameo Coral (flamingo)

**********

So I did not get a lot of time to play at VSN last night (it has been SO long since I have played at one), but I did manage to finish one card and then I watched/caught up on Greys Anatomy and Private Practice from Thursday. Those shows are starting to get too emotional to me -- I am starting to feel affected by them each week -- maybe it is just because I was in the hospital and sick just weeks ago, but I have had a hard time with them lately.

I chose of course, to go with my personal favorite - dark chocolate! YUM! I used the store front from Hanna Stamps - In Vogue. I thought this card would be perfect to tuck a gift card into.

Stamps: In Vogue Hanna (Hanna Stamps) For You sentiment (Stampin' Up!) Paper: Apricot Appeal (SU!), Cameo Coral (SU!), Solar Crest White (Neenah) Bon Bon Swiss Dot (Doodlebug Design Inc.) Ink: Onyx Black Versafine Accessories: Oval punches (SU!), clear embossing powder, apricot grosgrain ribbon (SU!), copic ciao markers

Here is the second card I made with the milk chocolate colors using the same set of stamps from Hanna Stamps - In Vogue Hanna.

These colors turned out looking great together even though I was skeptical at first. I used ruby red instead of real red because I thought it was a closer match to the picture that was posted on the VSN thread. Layout idea came from the Sketches by Tamara blog.

Stamps: In Vogue Hanna (Hanna Stamps), I Like Your Style (SU!) Paper: Ruby Red (SU!), Almost Amethyst (SU!), Berry Bliss Designer Series Paper (SU!) Ink: Onyx Black Versafine Accessories: Oval punches (SU!), 1 3/8 and 1 1/4 inch square punches (SU!), 3D Zots glue dots, adhesive pearls (Michaels), White Paper Frills (Doodlebug Design Inc.), sewing machine, white thread, white gel pen, clear embossing powder

Friday, February 20, 2009

MAGNOLIA - Valentine Tilda

Happy Friday everyone!! This week has gone super fast!!! I decided that I wanted to do the sketch challenge (SC216) this week and use some of the images I had colored while I was recovering, and this is the card I came up with. I know, a little late on the Valentine but the sentiment just made sense so I went with it.

Anyway, off to get dressed, run some errands and play the day away with the kids!

Stamps: Tilda with hearts (Magnolia), Be Mine sentiment (Amuse) Paper: Brocade Blue (SU), Chocolate Chip (SU!), Solar Crest White (Neenah), Amy Butler Belle Mat Pad (K& Company) Ink: Onyx Black Versafine Accessories: Copic ciao markers, chocolate chip Stampin' Write marker (SU!), sheer brown dotted organdy ribbon, circle punches (SU!), brown brads (Doodlebug Designs Inc.), sewing machine, brown thread, clear embossing powder, cuttlebug machine, Birds and Swirls Embossing folder, nestabilities (scalloped and plain circles), 3D Zots glue dots

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Hey Funny Face

I was trying to capture the baby's smile yesterday and took a series of photos. Did I catch it? Not yet, but I enjoyed all the funny faces so much I just had to share:





HANNA STAMPS - In Vogue

I made this using this weeks challenge layout over at the blog Our Creative Corner. I just love this Hanna, she reminds me of Julia Roberts for some reason -- it might be the mouth or the face shape. Or maybe it is how glamorous she is. If you don't have this set from the February release yet, head on over to Hanna Stamps and check out the sale that is going on as Kristi cleans out some stuff to make room for the new spring stuff. Happy Shopping!!! This card was also made for the stripes challenge today on SCS (WT206).

Stamps: In Vogue Hanna (Hanna Stamps), Miss You sentiment by Amuse Paper: Amy Butler Belle Mat Pad (K & Company), Chocolate Chip (SU!) Ink: Onyx Black Versafine, Bashful Blue Classic Ink (SU) Accessories: Scalloped Circle nestabilities, circle nestabilities, cuttlebug machine, white gel pen, sewing machine, brown flocked brads (The Paper Studio), brown brads (Doodlebug Designs Inc.), blue polka dot ribbon (Hobby Lobby), Prima flowers, clear embossing powder, 3D glue dots, copic ciao markers.

HANNA STAMPS - Bowling

I had intentions to make lots of cool stuff with the February release sets, but then gall stones, hospital and recovery took center stage and now I am playing catch up and playing a bit. I have had this image colored for weeks now, but just managed to get to making it into a card last night. I used the cupcake sketch on Taylor's blog (TECC55) for the layout. I hope no one dies of shock to see stamping on my blog today! *giggles* I have been feeling much better this week. It is so good to be back to myself for the most part and I am SO thankful for my health!!!

Stamps: Bowling Hanna (Hanna Stamps), Birthday Wishes sentiment by Amuse Paper: Old Olive Designer Series Paper (SU!), Bowl o Rama: Score! (Moxxie), Old Olive (SU!), Solar Crest White (Neenah) Ink: Onyx Black Versafine Accessories: Skinny Turquoise ribbon, sewing machine, brown thread, black gel pen, circle nestabilities, cuttlebug machine, oval punches (SU!)

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Happy 29th Birthday Dear Hubby!

My sweet husband turned 29 today. He spent the day being an awesome dad as usual, watching Star Wars with the kids, and making everyone smile. I am such a lucky woman to have such a sweet and awesome and handsome husband. One more year of the 20's to deal with. I just wanted to say happy birthday sweetie! I hope you had a wonderful day and that the cupcakes tasted alright even though they were lemon, made with applesauce, and not chocolate. I will be sure to have chocolate on hand next year for the big 3-0! Mwah!!!









Saturday, February 14, 2009

Happy Valentines Day!

I saw this idea in a Making Memories Book - Decorate Life: Celebrations and I knew it would be perfect for Valentines Day. In the book, they put them in a box, but I decided to just tie them together. I put M's favorite chocolate bar (Symphony) inside. Anyway, hope M likes it. This would be easily adaptable for an anniversary, or even a sweet Christmas gift, or to show your kids how much you love them (maybe in mini size candy bars -- just thinking out loud here). Make sure you take the time to give love and tell the people that mean the most to you that you love them. Happy Valentines Day!

Paper: Die Cuts With a View (DCWV) Sweet Collection, Solar Crest White (Neenah) Ink: Onyx Black Versafine, Tempting Turquoise Classic Ink (SU!) Accessories: Glitter Letters (Making Memories), white grosgrain ribbon (SU!), turquoise skinny ribbon (my stash), sponge

Here are a couple of other cute Valentine ideas:



These are small tic tac containers wrapped up with stamped folders with the lips from Hanna Stamps - Sweet Celebrations set and then colored with copic markers. I got this idea from a friend Tracy! Thanks girlie!



I made these yesterday for my sweet kids to give out as Valentines for their classes at church. They were so easy to make using my cuttlebug and nestabilities. I colored the Stampin' Up! retired images using my copic markers. Hope everyone likes them.

Friday, February 13, 2009

Park Day/ Valentines Day Party



Today we went to the park to meet the home school group for the first time and to celebrate Valentines Day with them. It was a lot of fun! I really like the group, everyone seems super nice and friendly! The kids decorated sugar cookies, ran amok, and even made some crafts (paper bag puppets and some crowns). They had a lot of fun!

Decorating cookies and making a puppet

Couple new pics of the baby -- he enjoyed the sunshine!

For a Good Cause -- Do You Like to WIN???

I read this on my friend's blog and had to let you all know about it. She is giving away a nursing cover (like Peanut Shell/Bebe au Lait ones) and some yummy cookie lollipops! All you have to do to enter is spread the word on this contest and let her know where you did so! The other bonus is, my sweet friend will donate $1 for every entry to sweet baby Mia! How generous and AWESOME! Anyway, go check it out and spread the word!!!

Monday, February 09, 2009

Getting Better/ Happy 30th Birthday to Me


Me, E and J with my "birthday cake"

I am slowly starting to feel better. A little better each day. I still have aches and pains here and there, but I am starting to feel human again. I am a lot more emotional lately, but I think that is probably relative to the hormones from the pregnancy, and then the trauma of being in the hospital. Hospitals are definitely a depressing place. I am so glad to be at home with my cute little family.

Anyway, my sweet hubby, realizing that I could not have cake for my birthday since I am on a low fat diet, got me fat free frozen yogurt and fat free strawberry topping. He even got candles and they were the relighting kind which was too funny because I kept blowing them out over and over again. It really made me laugh. That is one of the things I love about M -- he can always make me laugh. He stuck the candles in the frozen yogurt container. Even though I look really bad in these pictures because I had been in bed and napping trying to get better, I think it is worth posting because it was such a fun memory. My cute hubby got me awesome birthday presents too -- he managed to find a Wii Fit for me and a clip it up mini (which I wanted so bad - Thank you baby!!!) All in all, it was not so bad to turn 30, even though I feel so old!!!