She Stamps

Wear Red for Women

2012-02-03T20:09:00.007-06:00

** This post will stay at the top of my blog until February 3rd. **

** Please scroll down for new posts. **

Did you know that more women die of cardiovascular disease than from the next four causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer? But 80 percent of cardiac events in women could be prevented if women made the right choices for their hearts.

National Wear Red for Women day is coming up on February 3, 2012. I have set a personal goal to raise money for Go Red for Women and the American Heart Association. Donations support medical research, awareness, education and community programs that will help women live longer heart-healthy lives.

If you would like to donate, you can find my fund raising page at HERE.

Don't forget to wear red on February 3rd and help raise awareness of the signs of heart disease, stroke, & heart attack.

You can click on the badge below to go to the Go Red for Women site to learn more information on the signs of heart attack or stroke.

Thank you

Deckchair Dreaming

2012-01-28T05:00:00.000-06:00

I have to admit I’m feeling a bit jealous of this teddy. Doesn’t sitting in the sun and taking a little snooze look great? Although we have had a mild winter, I am ready to leave it behind for longer, warmer days.

I was happy to have some free time this week to make a card that wasn’t for a design team. I decided to make a birthday card for a male for my stash using a never-been-inked stamp from Lili of the Valley. (I love LOTV stamps!) It also gave me the chance to play around with a new technique. I used Annika’s tutorial on creating cloud backgrounds. I love the way the sky looks.

Since it’s Saturday, it is also time for Marcea’s Music Saves My Soul. It’s sort of a mini-musical blog hop were you have the opportunity to share a song/video and then hop around to see what others are sharing. Since I am waiting (im)patiently for summer, I thought I would share a song that not only makes me dance but makes me think of summer and puts a smile on my face. If you would like to play along, stop by Marcea’s blog to link up your musical pick.

Have a fabulous weekend! Thank you for stopping by!

Supplies:

Stamps: Deckchair Dreaming from Lili of the Valley
Inks: none
Papers: Papertrey kraft CS, Neenah Crest solar white CS, BasicGrey Life of the Party paper pad
Tools: Big Shot, Taylored Impressions Woodgrain impression plate, Copic markers
Embellishments: Starbucks coffee sleeve, Trendy Twine blueberry bakers twine, Tim Holts paper clip, misc. button

Challenges:

Lili’s Little Fairies - Masculine Card
ABC Challenge - H=happy birthday
Alphabet Challenge - z=zoo animals (bear)
Basic Grey challenge - Favorite things (buttons & twine. I should add Starbucks too – I used one of their coffee sleeves)
Celebrate the Occasion – Masculine bday
Crafty Pad – for the boys
Critter Challenge – 3 embellishments (button, twine, clip)
Digi Doodle Shop's Best – Anything goes
DigiStamps 4 Joy – For the boys
Dream Valley – animals
Pattie's Creation Challenge – embossing
Simon Says Stamp – Anything Goes
Stampin' for the Week end – embossing
Stampin' with the Dragon – Anything goes
Stamp-n-Doodle – include an animal
Sunday’s with Crissy - Beat the January blues
That’s Krafty Thursday – kraft
The Kraft Journal – tie it up
Totally Stampalicous – for the boys

Bee My Honey

2012-01-26T05:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Thursday! It’s time for a new Meljen’s Designs challenge. This week the challenge is to use HEARTS as an embellishment. The “A team” will have lots of eye candy for you using hearts at the Meljen’s Designs blog.

I have another Valentine’s Day card to share with you this week. This is another image that I always really liked but never had the time to use.

Have a great week! Thank you for stopping by!

Supplies:

Stamps: Honey Bears (digital stamp) by Meljen’s Designs
Inks: None
Papers: Neenah crest CS, Papertrey kraft & dark chocolate CS, My Mind’s Eye Be-Loved DP
Tools: Big Shot, Die-Namics Hearts A Plenty Die, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic markers
Embellishments: Jillibean Soup kraft mini brown alpha stickers, Papertrey button twine, misc. button, Spica clear glitter pen

Challenges:

Card Makin' Mamas – Something Ols (Old paper & image)
Corrosive Challenge – Hearts
Craft Us Crazy – Love/Valentine and/or animals
Crafty Purple Frog – Anything Goes
Cupcake Craft challenge – All you need is love
Daisy Doodles Creative Challenge – Anything goes
Dream Valley – Animals
Inky Impressions – heart you
Simply Create Too – Love is in the air
Stamp, Scrap & Doodle Saturdays – Have a heart
Stampin’ with the dragon – anything goes
Stamp-n-doodle – Animal
The Kraft Journal – tie it up
That’s Krafty Thursday – kraft
Wags N Whiskers – valentines

Valentine Girl

2012-01-24T05:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Tuesday! I hope your week is off to a great start. I have another Valentine’s card to share with you today. This cute image is a digital stamp from Whimsy & Stars Studio.

I tried something a little new on this card (although you can’t really see it in the photo.) I masked off my image and covered the background with pink shimmer mist. It looks so pretty in real life.

I hope you have a great week! Thank you for stopping by.

Supplies:

Stamps: Valentine Girly (digital stamp) by Whimsy & Stars Studio
Inks: None
Papers: Neenah Crest solar white, Paper Studio black CS, Close To My Heart Sweetheart DP pack
Tools: Big Shot, Sewing machine, Papertrey Filigree border die, Copic markers
Embellishments: Hug Snug Winter White seam binding, Twinery bakers twine, Angel Pink Fireworks shimmer spray, misc. buttons, Close to my heart Glitz
Techniques: Paper piecing

Challenges:

Alota Rubber Stamps – Hearts
Alphabet Challenge - y=you can choose
Card Mad Fairy's Digi Day Challenge – Ribbons & Bows
Card Makin’ Mamas - Something old (old DP, twine, seam binding)
Corrosive Challenge – Hearts
Craft Us Crazy – Valentine/Love
Crafty Catz – Buttons & bows
Crafty Creations – Valentine
Crafty Purple Frog – Anything Goes
Creative Card Crew – Seeing red
Cupcake Craft Challenge – All you need is love
Daisy Doodles Creative Challenge – anything goes
Deep Ocean Challenge – Glitter/sparkle
Do You Stack Up – Patterned Paper
Fresh Brewed Challenges – Monthly Use something new (new image and edge die cut)
I Did It Creations – Love
Ladybug Crafts Ink – Bows
My Time To Craft – Your favorite embellishment (buttons)
Paper Issues – All you need is love
Paper Pretties – Valentine
Penny’s Paper Crafty Challenge – ribbons & buttons
The Pink Elephant – Photo Inspiration
Really Reasonable Ribbon – Valentine’s
Shelly's Images-Terrifically Thrilling Thursday – Show us what you got
Simply Create Too – Love is in the air
Stamp Man Challenge – Use red
Stamp, Scrap & Doodle Saturdays - have a heart
Stampin' Sisters in Christ - Make a {HEART} stand out
Stampin’ with the dragon – anything goes
Truly Scrumptious – Something forgotten (DP & pink shimmer spray)
Wags N Whiskers – Valentines

Using Up Some Scraps & Blog Candy Winner

2012-01-23T20:07:00.000-06:00

Last week my mother in law asked if I could make some note cards for her. Since my mojo was in a slump, I turned to Pinterest for some inspiration.

I made her 10 note cards based on a project I saw on Pinterest (see below) and was able to used up some scraps.

My note card –

The card I CASED from Pinterest -

Source: natureofcraftythings.blogspot.com via Cheryl on Pinterest

Isn't Kasia's card fabulous? (If you like it, leave her some love here.)

Now, for the winner of my January blog candy a Sarah Kay First Kiss (by Stampavie) clear stamp.

And the winner is….

#40 - Lynn Hayes

Congratulations Lynn! Email me at shestamps11-blogs(at)yahoo(dot)com with in the next 10 days and I will pop your stamp on the mail.

Have a wonderful week!

Supplies:

Stamps: Fancy Flourishes from Papertrey
Inks: Close To My Heart Chocolate ink
Tools: Big Shot, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Cricut, Sure Cuts A lot software, Flutters & Flowers SVG file from My Time Made Easy
Papers: Papertrey kraft & dark chocolate CS, misc. dp scraps
Embellishments: White Sakura pen

I’m Seeing Pink…. Zebras

2012-01-19T08:15:00.001-06:00

Oh my gosh! It’s Thursday! Having the day off of work on Monday has me confused. I usually have my Meljen’s Designs post scheduled for early Thursday morning but this week I am running late. I hope you don’t mind that my post is going to be “just the facts” because I have to get to work.

The Meljen’s Designs challenge is a color challenge – RED AND/OR PINK AND KRAFT. I used this opportunity to make a Valentine’s Day card for my daughter using the image “Stripes & Baby”.

Stop by the Meljen’s Designs blog to see the challenge rules, check out the rest of the DT’s projects and link up your RED AND/OR PINK AND KRAFT project.

Have a great day!

Supplies:

Stamps: Stripes & Baby (digital stamp) by Meljen’s Designs and Handwritten Notes by Papertrey
Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black ink
Papers: Neenah Crest solar white CS, Papertrey kraft CS, Stampin’ Up Ruby Red CS, My Mind’s Eye Love Me DP
Tools: Martha Stewart edge punch, Big Shot, Papertrey Journal Tabs die, Provocraft Seeing Spots embossing folder, Copic markers
Embellishments: Hero Arts heart shaped pearl, misc. bakers twine & button

Challenges:

Alota Rubber Stamps – Hearts
Anything Goes Challenge – Anything goes
AUD Sentiments – use the word “love”
Craft Us Crazy – Valentine/Love or Animals
Crafty Creations – Valentine
Crafty Purple Frog – Anything Goes
Crafty Sentiments – Anything Goes
I Did It Creations – Animals
One Stitch At A Time – Anything Goes
Pile It On – Fuzzy Friends
Pixie Cottage – Embossing
Pixie Dust Studio – Going dotty
Really Reasonable Ribbon – Valentine’s
Sew Many – Anything goes
Stamptacular Sunday Challenge – Texture

Friends Like You!

2012-01-17T05:00:00.001-06:00

It’s Tuesday so I have a new Whimsy & Stars Studio project to share with you. I wanted to take a little break from using the color red after Christmas and before I really get started with Valentines card. I used some papers and goodies from Jillibean Soup that I have hoarding and paired it up with the cute Teddy’s Flower image from Whimsy & Stars Studios. (I love these papers. They use some of my favorite colors.)

I hope you have a great week! Thank you for stopping by!

Supplies:

Stamps: Teddy’s Flower (digital stamp) by Whimsy & Stars Studio, Handwritten Notes from Papertrey
Inks: Close To My Heart Chocolate
Papers: Neenah Crest solar white CS, Papertrey kraft & dark chocolate CS, Jillibean Soup Dutch Mustard Soup
Tools: Copic markers, Creative Memories corner rounding punch
Embellishments: Jillibean Soup Dutch Mustard Soup Pea Pod Parts (die cuts), Papertrey button twine, Orange Hug Snug seam binding, Buttercup Liquid Pearls, Clear Spica pen, Sakura gellyroll stardust glitter pen, Sepia Copic multiliner, misc. buttons

Challenges:

Alphabet Challenge – Y = you can choose
Anything Goes Challenge – Anything goes
Catered Crop – Buttons
Corrosive Challenge – Something brand new (image)
Crafty Catz –Something new (image)
Crafty Creations – Something new (image)
Dream Valley – Anything goes
Gingerloft Challenge – Anything goes
I Did It Creations – Animals
Little Miss Muffet – Use something new (image)
One Stitch At A Time – Anything goes
One Stop Craft Challenge – Spots & ribbon (orange ribbon)
Pile It On – Fuzzy Friends
Simon Says Stamp – Spots &/or Stripes
Simply Create Too – Layers & layers
Stampin’ For the Weekend – Out with the old (old papers, die cuts, ribbon, buttons)
Stampin’ Sisters in Christ – Something new (image)
The Pink Elephant – Favorite colors

Chocolate Chips

2012-01-12T05:00:00.002-06:00

Happy Thursday! We are on the back side of the week, sliding into the weekend! Oh yeah! Since it is Thursday, it is time for the new Meljen’s Designs challenge. This week we have a super fun and easy challenge for you to try – ANYTHING GOES (with a Meljen’s Designs image).

I decided to use a long neglected image, Teddy Cookie. I always though he was such a cutie but I just didn’t have time to use him. Doesn’t he look happy with his cookie? Now that I think of it, I probably look a bit like that if I have a good chocolate chip cookie too.

I hope you will join us in the ANYTHING GOES challenge at the Meljen’s Designs blog. Don’t worry if you don’t have any Meljen’s Designs image, you can download a freebie in the store HERE.

Thank you for stopping by! I hope you have a great day!

Supplies:

Stamps: Teddy Cookie (digital stamp) from Meljen’s Designs and Cookie Bug & Extras (digital stamp) from Tiddly Inks
Inks: None
Papers: PaperTrey kraft & dark chocolate CS, Neenah Crest solar white CS, My Mind’s Eye Lime Twist Life of the Party paper pad
Tools: Big Shot, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Fiskar’s edge punch, Copic markers
Embellishments: Colonial Brown Hug Snug Seam Binding, Basic Grey pearls

Challenges:

Alota Rubber Stamps – A, B, or C (Bear with a Cookie)
Anything Goes Challenge – Anything goes
Catch the Bug – Anything goes
CES Challenge – Anything goes
Crafts & Me – Anything goes
Dream Valley – Anything goes
Gingerloft Challenge – Anything goes
Lexi’s Creations – Anything goes
Papertake Weekly – Die cut & Cute
Quirky Crafts – Food (leave a comment)
Simon Says Stamp – Spots and/or Stripes
Sweet Stampin' Challenge – Spots and dots
Top Tip Challenge – Anything goes

What a Sweetie!

2012-01-10T05:00:00.002-06:00

I have a cute image from Whimsy & Stars Studio to share with you today. For my project I used Valentine Bear. Isn’t he sweet?

I’m sorry to have such a short post today. I almost forgot to type this up and it is time for me to start getting ready for bed.

You still have time to enter my blog candy drawing, click HERE for the details.

Have a great week! Thank you for looking!

Supplies:

Stamps: Valentine Bear (digital stamp) by Whimsy & Stars Studios
Inks: none
Papers: Neenah Crest CS, misc. gray & red CS from stash, My Mind’s Eye Love Me paper pad
Tools: Martha Stewart edge punch, Copic markers
Embellishments: Misc. buttons, Baker’s Twine, My Mind’s Eye Love Me die cut

Challenges:

Alota Rubber Stamps – A, B, or C (Clown Bear)
Art Impressions Stamps – Anything goes
Catch the Bug – Anything goes
Catered Crop – Buttons
CES Challenge – Anything Goes
Clearly Inspired – Valentine’s Day
Corrosive Challenge – Use something new (new image, DP and twine)
Crazy 4 Challenges - Use something new (new image, DP and twine)
Cupcake Craft Challenge – Something new (new image, DP and twine)
Dare to Be Sassy Thursday Challenge – Use Something New (new image, DP and twine)
Delightful Challenges – Have a heart
DigiStamps 4 Joy - ANYTHING (something old, something new) GOES (old markers, buttons, cs, and punch / new image, DP, twine)
Dream Valley – Anything goes
Fresh Brewed Challenges (monthly) – use something new (new image, DP and twine)
Gingerloft Challenge – Anything goes
Heart Song Designs Challenge – edge punch (or torn paper)
iCopic challenge – blue
Inky Impressions – Anything goes
Lollipop Crafts – Anything goes
My Mum’s Craft Shop – Something new (new image, DP and twine)
One Stitch At A Time – At least 3 embellishments
Our Daily Bread Challenge - Something Old, Something New (old markers, buttons, cs, and punch / new image, DP, twine)
Paper Shelter – Anything goes
Papertake weekly – anything goes
The Pink Elephant – Hearts
Simon Says Stamp – Something new (new image, DP and twine)
Simply Create Too – Lots of layers
Stamp & Create – Anything goes
Christine’s Creative Therapy coloring challenge

My Craft Room

2012-01-08T13:31:00.001-06:00

During this past summer, I was finally able to set up a craft room in my house. We took our guest bedroom and made it into a shared space for my daughter (homework desk, piano, toy/game storage) and my crafting. Since we rarely have guests that spend the night, we decided that this would be a better use of our available space (and a lot cheaper than remodeling the basement). I was inspired to take some photos and share my space after reading the post by Ashley Robinson on She Sure is Sketchy, Amber of Amber Ink’s blog.

My desk, laptop, printer, and most importantly, my iPod dock.

My shelves with the boxes from Ikea that I used to store my crafty goodies. I have them all labeled so that I can find what I am looking for.

Copic marker storage. My DH made this for me using a basket and foam board. I also have some air cans, Stampin’ Up markers, and Copic ink refills on this shelf. (Sorry the pic is a bit distorted.)

This is the shelf above my desk with all my buttons and bakers twine. Yes, I have a problem – I keep buying more and I can’t help myself. That is a jar of rice on the shelf, I am planning on making more fleece hand warmers and need it for filling.

Here are a few more pics of my crafty space.

Craft Space

VIEW SLIDE SHOW

DOWNLOAD ALL

I hope you enjoyed this peek into my “girl cave”. Have a wonderful Sunday!

Music Saves My Soul

2012-01-07T05:00:00.000-06:00

With the holidays I haven’t had a chance to play along with Marcea’s weekly music blog hop, Music Saves My Soul. (If you would like to play along, link up your blog post on Marcea’s blog. ) So it is Wednesday night and I can hear my daughter in the tub singing another Imelda May song and it was my impetus to type up a quick blog post. I’m sharing the song that I use as my ring-tone on my cell for my hubby.

I’ll be around later to check out all the other songs/videos linked up. We will be at my daughter’s fencing practice and then a tournament all day on Saturday. We are supposed to help out selling snacks & water, checking equipment, checking people in, etc. I hope they give me a job I can do sitting. Somehow over the holidays I got a stress facture in my foot so it will be another 3 weeks before I am back to working out (meanwhile I get to wear the very sexy & stylish surgical shoe again).

Have a great week end!

I’m Seeing Stars!

2012-01-05T05:00:00.003-06:00

We’re kicking off a new year of challenges at the Meljen’s Designs blog with our new challenge theme of “STARS”. Since my birthday card stash is still really low, I though I would use Billy the Cowboy Bear to make a card for a boy.

Link up your project with “STARS” on the Meljen’s Designs blog for your chance to win some Meljen’s Designs images. Be sure to check out the new challenge rules HERE. I can’t wait to see what you make!

While you are here, don’t forget to check out my New Year Follower blog candy. Click the photo below for details.

To learn more about my Go Red For Women fund raising page, click HERE.

Thank you for stopping by!

Supplies:

Stamps: Billy the Cowboy Bear (digital stamp) by Meljen’s Designs
Inks: Distress Inks Tea Dye & Antique Linen
Papers: Papertrey kraft & dark chocolate CS, Neenah Crest solar white CS, Cosmo Cricket Wanted mini deck
Tools: Big Shot , My Favorite Things star die, Spellbinders nestabilities, Sewing machine, Copic markers
Embellishments: Jenni Bowlin Malted Milk paint dabber, misc. button, Papertrey button twine, gold Stickles, Starbucks coffee sleeve
Other: Sentiment printed using Duality font from dafont.com

Challenges:

Alota Rubber Stamps – A, B, C (A Cowboy Bear)
Alphabet challenge - X=xtra special occasion (birthday)
Cards for men – Recycle (stars made from Starbuck’s coffee sleeve)
Craft Your Passion – Anything goes + distress
Crafts & Me – Anything goes
Critter Sketch Challenge – Celebrate
Cupcake Craftroom – Anything goes
Dare to Be Sassy Thursday Challenge – use something new (new paper & dies)
DigiStamps 4 Joy - ANYTHING (something old, something new) GOES (old image & coffee sleeve & image/ new star dies)
Freshed Brewed Challenges - Use Something New (to celebrate the New Year) (new paper & star dies)
Fussy & Fancy Friday Challenge – Happy Birthday or animal print
Going Grey w/ Scrap Creations - something old, something new (old image & coffee sleeve/new paper & star dies)
I Did It Creations – Anything Goes
Incy Wincy – Anything goes
Inky Impressions – Anything goes
Ladybug Crafts Ink – Use your new stash (new paper & dies)
My Mum's Craft Shop – Something new (new paper & dies)
Papertake Weekly – Anything goes
One Stitch at a Time – Use a digi
Pile It On – Anything goes
The Pink Elephant – Anything goes
Saturday Challenge – Anything goes
Sentimental Sundays – Anything goes
Simon Says Stamp – New Something (new paper & dies)
Shelly's Images-Terrifically Thrilling Thursday - Out with the Old, In with the New! (new paper & dies)
The Kraft Journal – Anything goes
Top Tip Challenge – Anything goes

Sending You Luv Teddy

2012-01-03T05:00:00.002-06:00

I hope you had an enjoyable New Year’s Eve. Now the holidays are over and it is back to work and school at our house. Being back on our regular schedule also means I am back to my regular blogging schedule so I have a card make with a Whimsy & Stars Studio image to share with you today.

This cute teddy was recently added to the Whimsy & Stars Studio store. Isn’t he adorable? This cute teddy also comes with some digital sentiments. Here is a look..

Here is a closer look at the teddy.

While you are here, don’t forget to check out my New Year Follower blog candy. Click the photo below for details.

Thank you for stopping by! I hope you have a wonderful week!

Supplies:

Stamps: Sending You Luv Teddy set (digital stamp) from Whimsy & Stars Studio, Ticket Sentiments & Friendship Ticket sentiments by Raindrop Echo Designs on Whimsy Stamps
Inks: Close To My Heart Chocolate, Stampin’ Up Real Red, Copic BG10 ink refill
Papers: Papertrey kraft CS, Stampin’ Up Real Red CS, Neenah Crest solar white CS, October Afternoon Sidewalks DP pad, misc. scrap yellow CS
Tools: Sewing machine, Martha Stewart butterfly punch, Copic markers
Embellishments: May arts ribbon, Hug Snug Winter White seam binding, misc. bakers twine
Techniques: Paper piecing

Challenges:

4 Crafty Chicks – Something new (new image, new heart trim, new butterfly punch)
Alota Rubber Stamps – A, B, or C (B= Bear)
AUD Sentiments – Anything goes
Crafts & Me – Anything goes
Cupcake Craftroom – Anything goes
Delicious Doodles – Anything Goes
Digi Doodle Shop's Best – Anything goes
DigiStamps 4 Joy - ANYTHING (something old, something new) GOES (New image, trim, punch/ Old paper, seam binding)
Everybody Art Challenge – Anything goes
Heart Song Designs Challenge - Anything goes
I Did It Creations – Anything Goes
Incy Wincy – Anything Goes
One Stitch at a Time – use a digi
Paper Cutz – hearts
Paper Shelter – Tie a bow
Pile It On – Anything Goes
The Pink Elephant – Anything Goes
Polly Craft Challenge – Punch it
Rainbow Lady – Your Choice
Saturday Challenge – Anything goes
Sentimental Sundays – Anything goes
Simon Says Stamp – Anything Goes
Stampin' for the Week end – Anything goes
Stamps R Us - What You Got For Christmas or Anything Goes
The Kraft Journal – anything goes
Papertake Weekly – Anything goes
My Mum's Craft Shop anything goes
Party Time Tuesday – Something new (new image, new heart trim, new butterfly punch)
Top Tip Challenge – Anything goes

New Year Blog Candy

2012-01-02T17:18:00.002-06:00

To kick off 2012, I thought I would offer a little blog candy to my followers. I have one Sarah Kay First Kiss (by Stampavie) clear stamp that I would love to give to some one.

The rules are easy:

Be a follower
Fill in your info using Mr. Linky below.

Entries end on January 22, 2012. I will pick a winner using random.org and will post their name on my blog later that week. Once the winner is posted they have 10 days to contact me with their snail mail info or I will pick a new winner.

Happy New Year!

Welcome 2012!

2012-01-01T10:34:00.002-06:00

I hope you all had a wonderful New Year’s Eve. Thank you to every one that stopped by my blog for Karin’s Year In Review blog hop. I really enjoyed reading your comments.

Thank you to Mabelle from Whimsy & Stars Studio for sponsoring the blog candy for my stop on the hop.

You are probably wondering if you are the lucky person that gets to start off the new year with some free Whimsy & Stars Studio digis. Random.org picked….

#7 - Rhonda Miller

Rhonda, please email me at shestamps11-blogs (at) yahoo (dot) com to find out how to claim your prize.

I’ll be back to my regular posting schedule with a projects on Tuesday and Thursday starting this week.

I wish you all the best in 2012!

A Year in Review Blog Hop & Whimsy & Stars Studio Blog Candy

2011-12-29T00:00:00.004-06:00

My crafty friend Karin is hosting a Year in Review blog hop so that we can show off our favorite creations of 2011. I jumped at the chance to stroll down memory lane and share a few projects from the year with you. If you just came across the blog hop on my blog, you might want to start at Karin’s blog so that you can see all the crafty goodness and qualify for all the blog candy. SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST TO SEE HOW TO QUALIFY FOR $6.00 GC FOR DIGI STAMPS AT WHIMSY & STARS STUDIO!

To make it even more exciting, Mabelle of Whimsy & Stars Studio graciously agreed to sponsor some most yummy blog candy. You can read how to win $6.00 in digital images of your choice from the Whimsy & Stars Studio store at the bottom of my post.

So here we go! These are some of my favorite projects from 2011. ( You can click on the photo of my project to go to my original post.)

January - Stamps: Happy Things Pennants digi stamp set by Raindrop Echo Designs on Whimsy Stamps

February – Stamps: Cutie Pie: Little Things by AmberInk

March - Benny & Joon Have Cake by Crissy Armstrong available on Whimsy Stamps

April - Bunny Pail digital stamp by Wax Fruit Company

May - Stitched Lotus and Round Leaf by Meljen’s Designs, Flowers in Bloom Sentiments by Raindrop Echo Designs

June - Majestic Eagle Head by StampArt Designs available on Whimsy Stamps, Freebie Sentiment from Raindrop Echo Designs

July - Birthday Bumps from Lili of the Valley, Party Mini Letter Seals by Raindrop Echo Designs on Whimsy Stamps

August - Hen by Shelly’s Images

September - Halloween Girl (digital stamp) from Whimsy and Stars Studio, Halloween Ticket Sentiments (digital stamp) from Raindrop Echo Designs on Whimsy Stamps

October - Farmer Crow (digital stamp) by Meljen’s Designs

November - Winter Friends (digital stamp) by Whimsy and Stars Studio, Holiday Treats by Papertrey

December - Santa (digital stamp) from Whimsy & Stars Studio, Signature Christmas & Just the Ticket from Papertrey

Now for the blog candy! Mabelle gave me a gift certificate for $6.00 which you can use to purchase the digi images of your choice from the Whimsy & Stars Studio store. Wouldn’t some new Whimsy & Stars Studio digis be a great start to the New Year?

To qualify for the drawing, all you need to do is go to the Whimsy & Stars Studio store (HERE) and pick out the image that is your favorite. Scroll down to the linky tool below and type in your info as usual but when you enter your name ADD THE NAME OF YOUR FAVORITE WHIMSY & STARS STUDIO image. [For example: Cheryl (Coffee Girl)] You do not need to participate in the hop to join the blog candy draw. Entries close at midnight CST on 12-31-11. I will use random.org to pick the lucky winner and will post the name on my blog on New Years day. (In the event that the winner does not claim their prize with in 10 days, I will pick a new winner.)

I would also love it if you left me a comment so I can come visit you and become a follower of my blog but it is not necessary to qualify for the blog candy.

**Edited to add - Melissa of Meljen’s Designs is jumping in on the fun. Be sure to stop by the Meljen’s Designs blog to get the details on a 25% sale for New Years!

I am also linking up my post to the Tatertots & Jello Weekend Wrap Up Party – Link up your favorite projects from 2011.

Happy New Year to you! I wish you a year of health, wealth and creativity for 2012.

Now I’m off to check out all the blogs on the hop!

If the linky tool is not working, please leave your information in comments.

My Favorite Five Christmas Cards of 2011

2011-12-27T13:31:00.002-06:00

Although I planned on taking a little blogging break this week, when I saw this post on my crafty friend Anita’s blog, I had to join in the fun. Debby is hosting a little linky party with some blog candy where we can share our favorite Christmas cards of 2011.

1. I love the snowflakes and the sweet little chickadees on this card. You can see my original post here.

Image: Cozy Little Chickadees (digital image) by Meljen’s Designs

2. I love this jolly Santa image from Whimsy & Stars Studio. I had fun using paint and a recycled Starbucks coffee sleeve to add some texture. My original post is here.

Image: Santa (digital stamp) from Whimsy & Stars Studio

3. I think it is well documented that I am a sucker for snowmen. This one in particular makes me smile and had to be included on my list. You can see my original post here.

Stamps: Stampendous Woody Snowman, Papertrey Holiday Treats

4. I have to admit, I love the colors on this one and had to include it on my list. My original post is here.

Image: Winter Friends (digital stamp) by Whimsy and Stars Studio

5. Okay, this little guy is just plan cute. (Again, my weakness for snowmen is showing.) I love his paper pieced hat. My original post is here.

Image: Cup of Cocoa (digital stamp) by Whimsie Doodles

Before I go, another crafty friend is hosting a Year in Review Blog Hop (with a prize)! Doesn’t that sound fun? I think I might have to scrape together another post. You can click on the picture below to go to Karin’s blog and get all the details. I hope you will join in the fun.

Thank you for stopping by! Happy New Year!

Sentimental Sundays New Years Party

2011-12-23T05:00:00.000-06:00

Mark your calendars! The Sentimental Sundays team is going to kick off the New Year with a party! They are going to announce some new changes, faces and of course a new year filled with amazing challenges and sponsors!

To celebrate this exciting moment, they are having a NEW YEAR's PARTY blog hop style with fantastic giveaways. For all the details, stop by the Sentimental Sundays blog on January 1st, 2012.

The Sentimental Sundays team is asking that you help them spread the news about our
New Year's Day Party. Here’s how you can help:

1) Create a post, include the picture above and invite all your friends

and

2) Link back to your blog post

That's it!! Easy right?

The winner will get a $20 Gift Certificate to their favorite online store! For every 100, entries there will be another $20 Gift Certificate added!!

So what are you waiting for....Let's start sharing the LOVE!! You can see all the details on the Sentimental Sundays blog.

Quick Christmas projects

2011-12-22T05:00:00.003-06:00

If you need to make some quick, last minute Christmas tags or cards, don’t forget Meljen’s Designs offers colored digis. I printed off these cute, colored snowmen and using scraps I already had on my desk, made this cute tag in about 15 minutes. You can see Meljen’s entire collection of colored images HERE.

I also need a few quick, little gifts for a few people so I made some Hot Cocoa Customization Kits. I got my idea from this post. (Be sure to check out the post on Kirtsy – Megan’s kits are much cuter.)

I used a pre-colored Meljen’s Designs image to make a little tag. Included in my kit are some mini-chocolate chips to make the cocoa richer, crushed candy canes, malted milk powder, and mini marshmallows.

Just a reminder that the challenge last week, No Rectangle Cards, is still going on this week so you have plenty of time to link up your creations on the Meljen’s Designs blog.

Also, I wanted to share a picture of an early gift that Santa dropped off for me. He knows of my love of snowman and bird watching so he “gave” this to my hubby to give to me. That’s right, it’s a snowman bird feeder. It looks like it was an early gift for the finches too.

Since I am not sure I will have another post before the weekend, I’ll take this chance to wish each of you Happy & Safe Holidays.

Supplies for tag:

Images: Caroling Snowman – COLOR (digital image) by Meljen’s Designs
Inks: Distress Inks Antique Linen
Papers: Papertrey kraft & dark chocolate CS, Echo Park Holly Jolly DP pad, Georgia Pacific white CS
Tools: Color printer, Big Shot, Papertrey Journal Tabs die and Doily Details die, Cropodile, Stampin’ Up small circle punch, Sizzix tag die, Creative Memories corner punch
Embellishments: Paperstudios metals, Clear Spica marker, misc. rick rack, twine, & bells

Supplies for Cocoa Kit:

Stamps: Christmas Cocoa – COLOR digital image) by Meljen’s Designs
Inks: None
Papers: All scraps
Tools: Big Shot, Sizzix oval tags die
Embellishments: Misc. ribbon, twine, button
Other: Food quality test tubes, misc. fillings

Challenges:

ABC Challenge – Frosty
Anything Goes Challenge – Anything but a card w/option of Christmas tag
Bee-Crafty – Christmas
Card Mad Fairy's Digi Day challenge – tags
Catch The Bug – Baby Its Cold Outside
Chocolate, Coffee & Cards – tag you’re it
Craft Your Days Away – Snowmen
Crafting for all Seasons – Christmas
Crafty Calendar – Cold & frosty
Creative Friday – Christmas gift
Di's Digi Designs challenge – Christmas
Digi Doodle Shop's Best – anything goes
Divas By Design – Christmas
Dream Valley – Christmas
Hooked On Crafts – Christmas
Inky Impressions – Christmas Cheer
My Mum's Craft Shop – Anything goes
My Time to Craft – Winter pals
One Crazy Stamper – Christmas
One Stitch At A Time – Christmas
Ooh-La-La creations – Anything but a card
Paper Take Weekly – Christmas
Paper Issues – Holiday madness
Penny's Paper Crafty Challenge Blog – Christmas gifts
Phindy's Place challenge – Scraps
Really Reasonable Ribbon- Anything goes + ribbon
Sassy Cheryl’s Challenge – Snowman & diecut
Sisterhood of the Crafters – Christmas
Stamp N Doodle – Christmas
Stampin’ Royalty – Christmas
Top Tip Tuesday – Christmas
Use It Tuesday – Christmas

Medallion Christmas Card

2011-12-21T10:36:00.003-06:00

This is another Christmas card that I made for easy mailing. It is my attempt at a single layer card. (Check out all the beautiful single layer cards by my blogging friend Kathy at The Lucky Stamper.)

I kind of think these medallions look like fancy snowflakes. Kind of… My DH said that this is his favorite out of all my Christmas cards.

Thank you for stopping by!

Supplies:

Stamps: Mehndi Medallion and Signature Christmas stamp sets
Inks: Stampin’ Up Real Red, River Rock, Old Olive
Papers: Papertrey white CS, Stampin’ Up Real Red
Tools: Big Shot, Papertrey Edgers Collection #1 die
Embellishments: Misc. gemstones

Challenges:

Annabelle’s Stamps challenge – Christmas card
Bling it On – Christmas
Creative Belli – Christmas (Gemstones are all from my stash)
One Stop Craft Challenge – Christmas Sparkle
Stampin’ With the Dragon – Christmas Bling
Sweet Stampin’ Challenge – Sparkle & bling
Totally Stampalicious – Sparkle

Girl with Kitty

2011-12-20T05:00:00.003-06:00

This week I have another birthday card to share. This adorable image is “Girl with Kitty” from Whimsy and Stars Studio.

I hope your holiday preparations are going smooth. I am pretty much on schedule (for a change). I usually am not so prepared so I am sure I am forgetting something big. Oh well, I’m sure it will all turn out just fine.

Have a great week! Thank you for stopping by!

Supplies:

Stamps: Girl with Kitty (digital stamp) from Whimsy & Stars Studio
Inks: None
Papers: Papertrey kraft & dark chocolate CS, My Mind’s Eye Six by Six Vanity Fair paper pad, Neenah Crest solar white
Tools: Sewing machine, Big Shot, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Papertrey Journal tabs collection die, Copic markers
Embellishments: Paper Studio pearls, Pink Aster Hug Snug seam binding, The Twinery Honeydew baker’s twine, misc button, epoxy flower and rick rack
Techniques: Paper piecing, computer generated sentiment

Challenges :

Clearly Inspired – Birthday
Corrosive Challenge – Anything except Christmas
Crafty Pad – Anything except Christmas
Daisy Doodles Creative Challenge – Buttons, Bows, Birthday
Delightful Challenges – Anything goes
Frosted Design – Ribbon
Moving Along with the Times – Cats / dogs
One Stitch At A Time – Anything Goes
Paper Play Time – Anything goes with a sentiment
Paper Variety – Anything goes
Really Reasonable Ribbon – Anything goes + ribbon
Ribbon Carousel Challenge – Tangled twine
Sarah Hurley – Coloring
Scrappy Frogs – Stitching
Sketch for you to try (SFYTT) – December sketch

Christmas Card & Blog Candy Winner

2011-12-16T12:55:00.003-06:00

I have another Christmas card to share today. This is another card that I made to be easily mailed. The white snow flake is made from a coffee filter spritzed with glimmer mist.

Thank you to every one that entered my blog candy drawing.

The winner of the 2 My Mind’s Eye Six by Six pads (Darling Dear & All Spice) is….

Lucky number 13 – Annette A. of My Clever Creations!

Annette, please email me at shestamps11-blogs(at)yahoo(dot)com with your snail mail address and I will get these in the mail to you.

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you have a fabulous week end!

Supplies:

Stamps: Tree Trimming Trio from Papertrey
Inks: Stampin’ Up Real Red & Whisper White
Papers: Papertrey kraft CS, Stampin’ Up Real Red
Tools: Sewing machine, Big Shot, Provocraft embossing folder, Papertrey Damask snowflakes & edgers collection die
Embellishments: Tattered Angels Glimmer mist, misc button & twine, coffee filters

Challenges:

Addicted to Stamps – Snowflake
Crafty Calendar – Cold & frosty
Creative Crafts – Stitching
Deep Ocean Challenge – Let it snow
Delightful Challenges – Anything goes
Do You Stack Up – Winter
Dutch Dare – tic tac toe ( Embossing, stamped, diecuts)
Going Grey w/ Scrap Creations – snow
Made Especially for You – Snow or snowflakes
Pixie Dust Studio Pixie Challenge – Add stitching
Quirky Crafts – Snow
Squigglefly – CAS Christmas
The Kraft Journal – Let it snow

Merry Christmas–Hawaiian Style

2011-12-15T05:00:00.004-06:00

I love the new images that Melissa from Meljen’s Designs is release this week. Check out this guy! He is so ready to catch a wave. I love his swim shorts.

New new Meljen’s Designs challenge is “No RECTANGLE Cards”. So that the DT can take some time off to celebrate the holiday season with their families, the challenge is going to run for 2 weeks. You can link up your project and get some more inspiration from the DT at the Meljen’s Designs blog.

I used the “no rectangle cards” challenge as an opportunity to make this reindeer into a fun gift tag. Here is a look at the back.

I know you want to want to take a peek at all the digis being released to the Meljen’s Designs store today. Aren’t they fun?

Thank you for stopping by! I hope you have a fabulous day and week end. We are heading to Chicago for a day for another fencing tournament. Since we will be in the city, we’re planning to take the opportunity to check out all the Christmas lights and decorations on Michigan Ave. I’m looking forward to it.

Supplies:

Stamps: Summer Time Reindeer (digital stamps) available in the Meljen’s Designs Store
Inks: None
Papers: Papertrey kraft CS, Neenah crest solar white CS, Crate Paper Snow Day paper pad
Tools: Big Shot, Papertrey Damask Snowflake die, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic markers, Cropadile
Embellishments: The Twinery bakers twine, Gloss Accents

Challenges:

2 Sisters Challenge – Christmas
Anything Goes Challenge - Anything but a Card" with the optional of tags for Christmas
AUD Sentiments – Any winter holiday sentiment ( Mele Kalikimaka is Merry Christmas in Hawaiian)
Bee-Crafty – Christmas
Card Mad Fairy's Digi Day challenge – Tags
Celebrate the Occasion – Christmas no red
Craft Your Passion – Tag, You’re it
Crafting for All Seasons – Christmas
Crop Stop – Unique & Nontraditional colors
Divas By Design – Merry Christmas
Hooked on Crafts – Christmas
I Did It Creations – Santa, Reindeer, penguins, or elf
Lexi’s Creations – Untraditional Christmas (no red or green)
Mad for Markers – Christmas
My Mum’s Craft Shop – Cute & Funky Christmas
One Stitch At A Time – use a digi
Ooh-la-la Creations – anything but a card
Paper Issues – Holiday Madness
Paper Variety – Anything goes
Penny’s Paper Crafty Challenge – Merry Christmas
Ribbon Carousel Challenge – Twine
The Stamping Boutique (TSB) – No traditional colors
Tiffany Doodles – use a digi
Paper Play Time – Christmas

He’s Makin’ A List

2011-12-13T05:00:00.005-06:00

I have another Christmas card using a Whimsy & Stars Studio digital image to share with you. I love this jolly looking Santa. He looks like he is pretty happy with all the names on the “Nice” list this year.

I only used part of the image for my card, so here is a look at the full image. (Of course when you purchase this image you will receive a high resolution image with out the watermark.)

If you are looking a head to Valentine’s Day, Mabelle will be putting Valentine themed digis into the store later this week. I got to take an early look at them and I warn you, they are cute!

Before I go, I thought I would share a picture of one of the glitter ornaments my daughter and I made. They were so easy and look gorgeous. It was fun making these and my daughter wants to make some more.

If you would like to give these a try, HERE is the tutorial from Greenbean’s Craftrole that we used.

I hope all your holiday preparations are progressing smoothly. I’m happy to say that my checklist of “Things To Do” is getting shorter. (Although I think I will still have the last minute rush to finish things up before Christmas.)

Thank you for stopping by! Have a great day!

Supplies:

Stamps: Santa (digital stamp) from Whimsy & Stars Studio, Signature Christmas & Just the Ticket from Papertrey
Inks: Close To My Heart Cranberry & Olive, Distress Inks Antique Linen
Papers: Papertrey kraft and poppy CS, Neenah Crest solar white CS, Authentique Wonder paper pad, misc green scrap CS
Tools: Sewing machine, Big Shot, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Papertrey Edgers collection #4 die, Just the Ticket die & pine boughs die, Copic markers
Embellishments: Jenni Bowlin Ranger Malted Milk paint dabber, Inkssentials Glossy Accents, Hug Snug ivory seam binding, misc. bakers twine & button, Stampendous Fun Flock, Starbucks coffee sleeve

Challenges for Card:

2 Sisters Challenge – Christmas
AUD Sentiments – Winter Holiday sentiments
Bee-Crafty – Christmas
Card Makin' Mamas – Christmas
Catch The Bug – Santa Baby
CES Challenge – Traditional Christmas
Crafts 4 Eternity – Red, Green & Cream
Crafty Creations Challenge – sentiment
Crazy 4 Challenges – Santa
Creative Belli Challenge – Winter & Christmas (used old button & twine, green scrap paper, & old starbucks coffee sleeve)
Creative Card Crew – Tis the Season
Creative Crafts – Stitching
Creative Craft Friends - Christmas
Cupcake Inspirations – Photo Insp
DigiStamps 4 Joy – Christmas no animals
Divas By Design – Anything goes
Dream Valley – Christmas
Hooked on Crafts – Christmas
I Brake for Challenges – Vintage
I Did It Creations - Santa, Elf, Penguin or Reindeer
iCopic Challenge – Holidays
Inky Impressions – Use Ribbon
Little Miss Muffet – Button & Ribbons
Lollipop Crafts – Happy Holidays
Mad for Markers – Christmas
My Mum’s Craft Shop – Traditional Christmas
My Time To Craft – Vintage Christmas
One Crazy Stamper – Christmas
One Stitch at a Time – use a digi
One Stop Craft Challenge – Traditional colors
Paper Crafting Journey – Christmas
Paper Variety – inspired by song (Santa Claus is comin’ to town)
Party Time Tuesdays – Red & Green Christmas
Pattie’s Creations – Christmas
Penny’s Paper Crafty Challenge – Merry Christmas
Raise the Bar – It’s Beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Ribbon Carousel Challenge – Tangled Twine
Scrappy Frogs – Stitching
Stampin’ for the Weekend – Christmas
Sunday’s W/Chrissy – Anything goes
Victorine Stamps – Christmas

Challenges for Ornament:

Creatalicious challenge – Christmas with sparkle
Cupcake Craft Challenge – anything sparkley
Fun Fun Challenge – Christmas sparkle
Frosted Designs – glitter
Mami Doodles – Glitter
Rainbow Lady – Trees & baubles
Use It Tuesday - Christmas (MS Glitter, I bought on clearance about 2 yrs ago and it was never used!)

Christmas Cardinal

2011-12-08T13:38:00.003-06:00

Oh my goodness! 12 more days until Christmas! Thankfully my checklist of things to get done before Christmas is getting shorter.

This is one of the Christmas cards that I made especially for easy mailing. I am having issues with the colors in my photos again. The bakers twine in the photo looks pink but IRL it is red. The cardinal is embossed on a shimmery background.

I am trying to use up this old Stampin’ Up DP. I used up all the papers that I really loved out the collection and now want to use up the next. I think this I the 4th year using it. The stamp set is also pretty old and had never been used. I am so glad I finally inked it up.

I was inspired by 2 gorgeous cards by Lucy’s Cards. I CASE’d the design from this card and, although it doesn’t show up well in this photo, I CASE’d the shimmer background from this card.

Thank you for stopping by!

Supplies:

Stamps: Inkadinkado Winter Trails, Papertrey Tree Trimming Trio
Inks: Versa Mark, Stampin’ Up Real Red, Memento Tuxedo Black
Papers: Papertrey kraft CS, Stampin’ Up Real Red CS, Stampin’ Up….. DP
Tools: Sewing machine, Heat tool,
Embellishments: xxx Shimmer Mist, Embossing powder, The Twinery baker’s twine, misc. vintage button

Challenges:

2 Sisters Challenge - Christmas
ABC Challenge – embossing
AUD Sentiments – Winter sentiment
Card Makin' Mamas - Christmas
Crafty Creations – Sentiment
Creative Crafts – Stitching
Do You Stack Up? – Something old (red CS, DP, stamp)
Dream Valley – Christmas
Forever Friends – (monthly) Christmas
Hooked on Crafts – Christmas
Lollipop Crafts – Christmas
Moving Along with the Times – Last Minute Christmas
One Crazy Stamper – Christmas
Paper Crafting Journey – Christmas
Phindy’s Place – Clean and Simple
Raise the Bar – Christmas
Saturday Challenge (Secret crafter) – All creatures great & small
Scrappy Frogs – Stitching
Simply Create Too – embossing
Squigglefly challenge – CAS Christmas
Sweet Stampin' Challenge – Things with wings
Tuesday Throwdown – Celebrate the season