The Stampin' Bean

Sending You...

2012-01-25T08:00:00.000-08:00

Yep, I am definitely on a Valentine's Day card kick! Since it's "Anything Goes" over at Simon Says Stamp and I was in the mood to make a clean and simple card after seeing the CAS challenge at the Crafter's Cafe blog, I challenged myself to create a single-layer card. I grabbed two Taylored Expressions sets, S.W.A.K. and You're My Type Upper and got stamping.

I started by stamping the darling little mailbox and colored in with Copics. Next, I inked up the "X" and "O" from the alphabet set and stamped some "hugs and kisses" floating from the open box. Finally, I added the perfect sentiment for my very clean, very simple card and I had another V-Day card to add to my growing pile!

BEAN NOTES
Stamps: S.W.A.K. and You're My Type Upper (Taylored Expressions); Cardstock: Choice Snow (TE); Ink: Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko); Coloring Medium: Sketch Markers (Copic)

XOXO...

2012-01-24T07:00:00.000-08:00

There are a few "moxie fab" challenges going on over on Moxie Fab World and I was inspired by two of them to create this monochromatic Valentine's Day card for the Paper Creations Ink Love & Romance Challenge. I combined the Die-Cutting and Embossing challenges to see if I could create a highly textured card all in one color!

I first chose a color -- red was my original choice, but then I decided that pink would offer a more subtle and pretty effect and I was glad I did. I used some new nesting dies to cut out a bevy of different sized hearts, both scalloped and laced.

Now, because I was working with only one color, I needed to add some texture and dimension for the card to work. I ran some of the hearts through with some embossing folders and also nested some of the hearts to create cut-outs. I used foam tape to pop up some of the hearts and made sure to layer others. With some simple die-cut letters, I spelled out my "hugs and kisses" for a soft, sweet, and very pink love card!

BEAN NOTES

Cardstock: Blushing Bride, Pink Pirouette (Stampin' Up!); Dies: Nesting Lace Hearts, Nesting Scalloped Hearts, Nesting Hearts, Santa's Workshop Alphabet (Lifestyle Crafts/Quickutz); Templates: Dots, Stripes Embossing Folders (Lifestyle Crafts/Quickutz)

Pin It

Thanks a Bunch...

2012-01-23T00:01:00.000-08:00

Today is a very fun day for me as I get introduced over on the Imaginisce blog! I'm having an absolute ball working with the amazing and talented ladies of the Imaginisce Design Team. I thought it only fitting to make a 'thank you' card to show how much I appreciate being asked to join such a wonderful and creative team. I decided to play with some Sole Sisters, stamping the sweet bouquet and adding it to the darling patterned paper in this fab collection. If you've stopped by from the Imaginisce blog, welcome to The Stampin' Bean and I hope you come by again...and often!

BEAN NOTES

All materials from the Sole Sisters collection from Imaginisce unless otherwise noted.

Stamps: Thanks a Bunch Snag 'Em Stamp; Patterned Paper: I Pick You; Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko); Cardstock: Real Red, Baja Breeze, Whisper White (Stampin' Up!); Coloring Medium: Sketch Markers (Copic); Fibers: Maraschino Twine (The Twinery); Dies: Mat Stack 3 and Layerz Mat Stack 3 (Papertrey Ink); Accents: Bisque Liquid Pearls (Ranger)

Love is in the Air (CPS Sketch!)...

2012-01-22T08:00:00.000-08:00

It's going to be a fun week for Taylored Expressions -- TE is sponsoring this week's Card Positioning Systems sketch challenge! This fun sketch got me in the mood to make another Valentine's Day card and, and as I've been on a non-traditional colors kick, I thought I'd do another.

I combined a couple of my favorite TE sets, In the Clouds and Kid at Heart. After stamping the cute little by-plane and fussy cutting, I placed it against a Taylored Take Note Die. The patterned paper put my love plane up in the air and helped me create another V-Day card to give to a special someone.

BEAN NOTES
Stamps: In the Clouds, Kid at Heart (Taylored Expressions); Patterned Paper: Lime Twist Fly a Kite (My Mind's Eye); Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Pumpkin Pie (Stampin' Up!), Choice Snow (TE); Memento Rich Coca (Tsukineko), Pumpkin Pie (Stampin' Up!); Dies: Take Note 1, Blimps and Banners (TE); Tools: Corner Chomper (We-R-Memory)

There Once Was a Bear in Winter...

2012-01-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

January in San Francisco has not been too terrible, especially considering that I've lived through a Minnesota winter or two! But, it's still a bit nippy outside, so I thought I would make a winter-y Valentine's Day card. So, I grabbed my Polar Pete set from Taylored Expressions.

You might remember that I made ol' Pete a brown bear last year, but this time he's as cool as a cucumber in winter white. I wanted to keep things simple and made the stamped image of the cutie bear the main focal point. After coloring with Copics, I simply matted my image with white and popped it up with some foam tape. I finished off with a red maker to add in a wee little red heart after the sweet sentiment.

I hope your winter is treating you to a cozy mug of love this year!

BEAN NOTES

Stamps: Polar Pete (Taylored Expressions)

Cardstock: Choice Snow (Taylored Expressions)

Coloring Medium: Sketch Markers (Copic); Memento Lady Bug Marker (Tsukineko)

Love Cuts...

2012-01-18T14:09:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe that Valentine's Day is just around the corner. I love this holiday because it's the perfect excuse to send cards! I was inspired by the Die-Cutting Challenge over at Moxie Fab World to create this "love" card to add to my stash of valentines for next month.

I started by stamping just the "sending you" portion of a sentiment from It's a Banner Day-2 from Taylored Expressions, which I die-cut with the coordinating die. I grabbed some heart-shaped dies from Lifestyle Crafts to create a nice, big, happy heart, which I popped up with some foam tape.

I die-cut and spelled out "love" with alphabet dies and added some darling little heart-shaped eyelets I found in my supplies. I was pleased with the way the non-traditional colors came together and had a ton of fun playing with dies to create a card for a sweet valentine.

BEAN NOTES

Stamps: It's a Banner Day-2 (Taylored Expressions); Cardstock: Choice Snow (TE); Blushing Bride, Riding Hood Red (Stampin' Up!); seafoam (Bazzill); Patterned Paper; Valentine collection (We R Memory); Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko); Dies: Banner Day 2 (TE); Nesting Eyelet Hearts, Nesting Hearts, Stardust Grand Alphabet (Lifestyle Crafts/Quickutz); Accents: White Heart Eyelets (Making Memories); Coloring Medium: Sketch Marker (Copic)

Sole Sisters!...

2012-01-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

I am so excited today because it is my day to have my projects featured on the Imaginisce blog! This week, we are playing with the brand new release, Sole Sisters and I have three projects to share with you. Join us all this week as the new Design Team that I am so proud to be a part of shows off this chic and fabulously fun collection!

For my first project, I just had to go straight to the "sole" of things! With a wonderful template I discovered HERE at Ellen Hutson, I traced and scored this elegant heel "box." The template can be reduced or enlarged, but I left it alone. Now, I've been pining for over a decade now for my very own pair of Christian Leboutins, so I couldn't resist adding a red sole!

I added a floral embellishment to my well-heeled project, using the very cool i-Rock tool to adhere some glam rocks for that extra little sparkle. Now I had a beautiful little "box" that I could fill with a special treat for another shoe-lover like myself...a gift card to a shoe store perhaps? (Nah, I'd just as well keep it for myself!)

BEAN NOTES
Heel Box - All materials from Imaginisce unless otherwise noted.
Patterned Paper: Shop 'Til You Drop from Sole Sisters collection; Cardstock: Whisper White, Real Red (Stampin' Up!); Accents: Black Fabric Flower and clear gemstones from i-Rock Flowers Stencil; Downloadable Item: Template, shoe-high heeled (Ellen Hutson); Tools: i-Rock

As mother to a boy that is as boy as you can get, I wanted to show that Sole Sisters can be just a cute for a more masculine project. My little rugrat made a special little friend on our last mini-vacation and I just had to capture their sweet friendship. The frames are all very cool die-cuts from the Sole Sisters collection, as well as the patterned papers. I love the bold colors for this layout and the frames saved me so much time!

You wouldn't know it to look at it, but the die-cut letters that spell "FRIEND" are from a piece of patterned paper from this collection that features purses! The paper is really great for some of its gender-neutral patterns and I was so pleased at how it was all so complimentary.

BEAN NOTES
Forever Friends Layout - All materials from Imaginisce unless otherwise noted.
Patterned Paper: Sole Mates, Purse-onality, and Girl Stuff from Sole Sisters collection; Cardstock: black, red and yellow textured (AC Crafts); Accents: red buttons (Papertrey Ink); tiny staples (Tim Holtz); Dies: Merry Classic Alphabet (Quickutz/Lifestyle Crafts); Scalloped Border Decorative Strip Die (Sizzix); Die-Cuts: Girl Die-Cuts from Sole Sisters collection

For my third project, I tackled something that I've been wanting to do forever! I have to confess that I am a certified shoe hound. I have STACKS of shoeboxes and I don't always know what is in them. So, I was extra excited when I saw Sole Sisters because I could make some shoe identifiers! I took photos of my shoes and created little cards that I could adhere to the front of each shoebox.

I used this absolutely darling stamp to create these little heel accents for each card and added a few of the ready-made die-cuts. The patterned papers are so fun and eye-catching and really liven up my closet. Now I don't have to pull out every box searching for that perfect heel to go with my new outfit!

BEAN NOTES
Shoe Identifiers - All materials from Imaginisce unless otherwise noted.
Stamps: Stiletto Snag 'Em Stamp; Patterned Paper: Chic Chat from Sole Sisters collection; Cardstock: Real Red, Baja Breeze, Basic Black, Whisper White (Stampin' Up!); Dye Ink: Real Red, Basic Black, Baja Breeze (Stampin' Up!); Tools: Circle and Scalloped Circle Punches (EK Success); Fibers: black stitched grosgrain (Jo-Ann); Liquid Pearls (Ranger)

I hope you enjoyed my projects today. Don't forget to visit the Imaginisce blog for more Sole Sisters eye candy and a chance to win this ENTIRE collection!

Happy Everything!...

2012-01-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Tuesday! I've been busy with several projects, but I just had to take a moment to make a card for someone who has a very special birthday coming up. I wanted to make something bright and pretty -- she's always full of sunshine and I wanted the card to reflect her disposition. So, I grabbed my Love Grows Here set from Taylored Expressions, along with some pretty patterned paper and got stamping.

I chose the "springtime" tree, coloring with Copics and double-stamping so that I could pop up the sweet little bird and purse. For the sentiment, I stamped my very appropriate sentiment and punched it out to create a tag that I could attach with a wee safety pin.

I hope my friend has a very happy birthday -- she brings a lot of joy to everyone around her, and she deserves it for herself, too!

BEAN NOTES
All cardstock, patterned paper, and fibers from Happier Card Kit from Taylored Expressions
Stamps: Love Grows Here (Taylored Expressions)
Patterned Paper: Happier (My Mind's Eye)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko); Sage Shadow (Stampin' Up!)
Punches: Small Tag Punch (Stampin' Up!); Single Diamond Lace Edger (EK Success)
Coloring Medium: Sketch Markers (Copic)
Accents: Mini Safety Pin (Stampin' Up!)

((hugs))...

2012-01-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

My little guy is into "monsters" right now -- he's not afraid of them, exactly, but he thinks they are really funny if a bit strange. When I saw this week's Paper Players "Love" Challenge, I was inspired to make him a little card with some of these little critters, and I grabbed the new Love Monsters set from Taylored Expressions.

I wanted to keep things very clean and graphic, so I chose some bright, bold colors in my patterned paper. I trimmed the paper and then die-cut a circle window, stamping the little monsters on the background cardstock as a guide. I stamped each monster again and colored with Copics. After fussy cutting, I adhered each to the window so that they appeared to be peeking out. Simple to do, yet it makes for a fun effect.

I hope your day is filled with love...and ((nice)) monsters!

BEAN NOTES

Stamps: Love Monsters (Taylored Expressions)

Patterned Paper: Monster Mania (Doodlebug)

Cardstock: Classic Solar White (Neenah); Pumpkin Pie (Stampin' Up!)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)

Coloring Medium: Sketch Markers (Copic)

Dies: Nesting Circles (Lifestyle Crafts/Quickutz)

'Hi Cat' New Year...

2012-01-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

2012 is in full swing! I'm already up to my nose in design work, which is getting me off to a fun start for the year. One of my new gigs is for the wonderful company, PSA Essentials, and today I have a card for you that is one of three being featured on their blog.

Every little girl knows who Hello Kitty is, but for me, she's been a lifelong love. So, I have to admit that I figured my little boy would not be interested one bit! Then, when he first started to talk, he pointed at one of my many Hello Kitty items and said with a big smile: "Hi Cat!" PSA Essentials officially licenses Hello Kitty images for their cool stamps and so my love affair continues...

For this card, I stamped HK in a plane and had her ringing in the new year up in the clouds. I also stamped all the numbers from 2012 in the background with clear embossing ink and heat embossed to really make them pop. This was an easy way to make a card to usher in what is sure to be a fabulous year. Hope yours is as happy as mine!

BEAN NOTES

Stamps: HK in airplane from Hello Kitty On the Go set and 2,0,1 from Vanilla Numbers set (PSA Essentials); banner from In the Clouds set (Taylored Expressions); sentiment from Teeny Tiny Wishes (Stampin' Up!)

Cardstock: Classic Solar White (Neenah); Real Red (Stampin' Up!)

Ink: Tuxedo Black Memento (Tsukineko)

Specialty Ink: VersaMark Clear (Tsukineko)

Coloring Medium: Sketch Markers (Copic); Silver Metallic Pen (EK Success)

Tools: Circle Punch (EK Success)

Accents: Clear Embossing Powder (Ranger)

Dies: Cloud Border (Taylored Expressions)

Besties and a Bear...Taylored Expressions Release Day!

2012-01-05T08:00:00.000-08:00

It's Release Day at Taylored Expressions! I have two fun projects to share with you today, and I'll begin with this card featuring the newly released Love Monsters. I am so happy to see a set that I can use for my little boy and I thought I would create a card that he would love. These little aliens are so cute!

I started off by paper-piecing the two friend aliens (don't forget the tooth!) and added the darling "Besties" sentiment. I used some perfectly matched space paper and finished off with a bit of ribbon and some die-cut stars. A few little twinkly stars with some glitter and I had a sweet card for my favorite little man.

My second card today features the adorable new set, Buddy Bear. I stamped him out and colored him with Copics -- I used wide strokes to simulate "fur" on this furry friend and then fussy cut him out so that I could mount him on a frame I created with one of the very cool Layering Doilies. Isn't the detail on the doily fabulous?

I used patterned paper from this month's Project Pantry, along with all the cardstock and ribbon. This month's Project Pantry is perfect for Valentine's and includes paper from the darling With Love collection from American Crafts, plus cardstock and ribbon. Plus, you can "spice it up" with extras that perfectly coordinate. The sweet sentiment is just perfect for my thank you card that will go to whomever sends me the best box of chocolate for Valentine's Day!

BEAN NOTES

Besties Card
Stamps: Love Monsters (Illustrated by Emily Burger for Taylored Expressions)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Cardstock: Blue Bayou, Daffodil Delight (Stampin' Up!); Choice Snow (TE)
Patterned Paper: Rocket Age (October Afternoon)
Accents: Stickles (Ranger)
Fibers: Blue Bayou Grosgrain Ribbon (SU!)
Dies: Classic Circles Nestabilities (Spellbinders); Seeing Stars Die Set (Taylored Expressions)

Heartfelt Thanks Card
All cardstock, ribbon, and patterned paper from Valentine's Project Pantry Kit.
Stamps: Buddy Bear (Illustrated by Doug Applegate for Taylored Expressions)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Dies: Layering Doily (Taylored Expressions); Classic Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders)
Coloring Medium: Sketch Markers (Copic)

TE Release Day!

All of the new products are now available for purchase! Check out the Fresh Out of the Oven Department to see everything in one place!
More projects from the Baker's Dozen to inspire you. Just follow the link list below.
Did you win one of the Mystery Baker's Dozen Blog Giveaways? Find the list of winners on Taylor's Blog.
Buy one Animals in Love A la Carte and get one free/Select calendar products 50% off/Layered Doily Dies Special - get all the details on our January Release Specials by clicking here.

Don't forget to check out the rest of the Baker's Dozen for some wonderful peeks at what's new and fun for Taylored Expressions!

Charmaine Ikach

Danielle Lounds

Jennifer Shults

Jodi Collins

Karen Giron

Melissa Sauls

Melody Rupple

Regina Mangum

Sankari Wegman

Taylor VanBruggen

Tori Wild

Wanda Guess
and friend Jami Sibley

Totally Pandas...Taylored Expressions Day 3!

2012-01-04T08:00:00.000-08:00

It's LOVE WEEK here on day three of sneak peeks for Taylored Expressions! I have two projects to share today, beginning with this first one, a clean and simple Valentine's Day card using the new A la Carte set, Pandas in Love. (Keep reading for information on some really fun GIVEAWAYS!)

For this card, I stamped and colored in the darling pandas on cream cardstock. Then, very carefully with a sharp hobby blade, I cut around the bamboo and mounted the panel on some pink cardstock.

Enabler Alert! TE is running a special on these darling Animals in Love sets! Buy any of the three new sets and receive one released in 2011 for free! Check out Taylor's blog below for details.

Next, I created a set of mini Valentine's cards using the oh-so-fab new set, Totally Tags Valentine. Yes, you can make some really cute tags with this terrific set (and coordinating dies,) but I used some of the images to create some easily reproduced V-Day cards.

The new Valentine Project Pantry includes these absolutely adorable heart-shaped adhesives and coordinating ribbon. I added some glitter to each mini-card for some sparkle, too.

I just love all the sweet images in this set. I finished each quick and easy card with some Liquid Pearls.

BEAN NOTES
All cardstock, patterned paper, and embellishments from Valentine's Project Pantry kit
Pandas in Love Card
Stamps: Pandas in Love (Illustrated by Nancy McKinney for Taylored Expressions)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Coloring Medium: Sketch Markers (Copic)

Totally Tags Valentine's Cards
Stamps: Totally Tags Valentine (Illustrated by Emily Burger for Taylored Expressions)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Coloring Medium: Sketch Markers (Copic)
Accents: Stickles (Ranger); Rouge Liquid Pearls (Ranger)
Dies: Totally Tags (Taylored Expressions)

January Release At a Glance

We have sneak peeks to share Monday through Wednesday. All of the new products will be available for purchase on Thursday, January 5th at 8 am PST. You'll find it all in the Fresh out of the Oven Department at the Taylored Expressions Store.
Join us as a fan on Facebook for an early peek at the stamp sets, as well as a SPECIAL Facebook GIVEAWAY, on Wednesday night beginning at approximately 6 pm PST.
Mystery Baker's Dozen Blog Giveaway: Each day, one lucky blog commenter will be chosen by random draw to win a $10 TE Gift Certificate. Winners will be chosen from a different Baker's Dozen blog each day and will be announced on Taylor's blog on Release Day! Be sure to hop around to see all the sneak peeks and leave comments on each and every blog for more chances to win. Limit one comment per blog per day, please. Comments close Wednesday 1/4 at 7pm PST for the drawings.

Don't forget to check out the rest of the Baker's Dozen for some wonderful peeks at what's new and fun for Taylored Expressions!

Charmaine Ikach

Danielle Lounds

Jennifer Shults

Jodi Collins

Karen Giron

Melissa Sauls

Melody Rupple

Regina Mangum

Sankari Wegman

Taylor VanBruggen

Tori Wild

Wanda Guess

Love Shack!...Taylored Expressions Sneak Peek Day 2!

2012-01-03T08:00:00.000-08:00

Just a few days into 2012 and we are on day two of sneak peeks for Release Week at Taylored Expressions! Valentine's Day is just around the corner and TE has a slew of darling Love Day sets releasing this week, including this fun set, Love Shack. For my project today, I thought I would create a Side-Step Fold Card (for a terrific tutorial, click HERE.) Keep reading for info on some fun giveaways!

TE is also releasing new dies this week, including this fun Jumbo Heart Border die. I used cardstock and patterned paper from the new Project Pantry and created this cute border, adding just a bit of glittery Stickles.

The "love shack" really is a sweet little house full of love. I colored mine with Copics, glittering up the happy hearts adorning the cozy cottage. The set also includes a sweet little picket fence and a cute tree, which I added to my side-step card.

I included three of the sentiments on my card -- I love the song that inspired his set and I couldn't resist putting some of the lyrics on this card! Love Shack is the first of a series of cozy little cottages, a fun concept from our DT Coordinator, Jami Sibley.

BEAN NOTES

All cardstock and patterned paper from Valentine Project Pantry Kit

Stamps: Love Shack (Illustrated by Doug Applegate for Taylored Expressions)

Patterned Paper: With Love (American Crafts)

Dies: Jumbo Heart Border Taylored Die (TE)

Accents: Diamond Stickles (Ranger)

Coloring Medium: Sketch Markers (Copic)

Ink: Tuxedo Black Memento (Tsukineko)

January Release At a Glance

We have sneak peeks to share Monday through Wednesday. All of the new products will be available for purchase on Thursday, January 5th at 8 am PST. You'll find it all in the Fresh out of the Oven Department at the Taylored Expressions Store.
Join us as a fan on Facebook for an early peek at the stamp sets, as well as a SPECIAL Facebook GIVEAWAY, on Wednesday night beginning at approximately 6 pm PST.
Mystery Baker's Dozen Blog Giveaway: Each day, one lucky blog commenter will be chosen by random draw to win a $10 TE Gift Certificate. Winners will be chosen from a different Baker's Dozen blog each day and will be announced on Taylor's blog on Release Day! Be sure to hop around to see all the sneak peeks and leave comments on each and every blog for more chances to win. Limit one comment per blog per day, please. Comments close Wednesday 1/4 at 7pm PST for the drawings.

Don't forget to check out the rest of the Baker's Dozen for some wonderful peeks at what's new and fun for Taylored Expressions!

Charmaine Ikach

Danielle Lounds

Jennifer Shults

Jodi Collins

Karen Giron

Melissa Sauls

Melody Rupple

Regina Mangum

Sankari Wegman

Taylor VanBruggen

Tori Wild

Wanda Guess and friend
Jami Sibley

Rosy Posey...Taylored Expressions Sneak Peek Day 1!

2012-01-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

It's 2012! It's finally here, a brand new year, and what better way to kick it off than with a sneaky peekie from Taylored Expressions! If you are cozied up with your family watching the Tournament of Roses Parade, you'll love the first set of the new year, a lovely new set called Rosy Posey. (Keep reading for information on some fun giveaways!)

I still have a lot of people to thank from the holidays, so I wanted to make a pretty thank you card. I began by creating some stamped patterned paper with one of many pretty rose leaves. I then used the largest of the soon-to-be released Layering Doily Dies, running it through with an embossing pad and, after stamping some of the beautiful images from Rosy Posey, I cut around to create a frame. I stamped more of the blooms and die-cut with the coordinating dies, along with some embossed leaves. A very simple and sweet sentiment finished off my pink posey card.

BEAN NOTES
Stamps: Rosy Posey (Illustrated by Nancy McKinney for Taylored Expressions)
Ink: Fresh Snow Hybrid (PTI); Melon Mambo (Stampin' Up!)
Cardstock: Choice Snow (TE); Melon Mambo (SU!)
Dies: Rosy Posey Taylored Die and Layering Doily Dies (TE)

January Release At a Glance

We have sneak peeks to share Monday through Wednesday. All of the new products will be available for purchase on Thursday, January 5th at 8 am PST. You'll find it all in the Fresh out of the Oven Department at the Taylored Expressions Store.
Join us as a fan on Facebook for an early peek at the stamp sets, as well as a SPECIAL Facebook GIVEAWAY, on Wednesday night beginning at approximately 6 pm PST.
Mystery Baker's Dozen Blog Giveaway: Each day, one lucky blog commenter will be chosen by random draw to win a $10 TE Gift Certificate. Winners will be chosen from a different Baker's Dozen blog each day and will be announced on Taylor's blog on Release Day! Be sure to hop around to see all the sneak peeks and leave comments on each and every blog for more chances to win. Limit one comment per blog per day, please. Comments close Wednesday 1/4 at 7pm PST for the drawings.

Happy 2012! Don't forget to check out the rest of the Baker's Dozen for some wonderful peeks at what's new and fun for Taylored Expressions!

Charmaine Ikach
Danielle Lounds
Jami Sibley (DT Coordinator)
Jen Shults
Jodi Collins

Karen Giron

Melissa Sauls
Melody Rupple
Regina Mangum
Sankari Wegman
Taylor VanBruggen
Tori Wild

Wanda Guess

There is a Fawn on My Lawn...

2011-12-29T16:06:00.000-08:00

Okay, so there isn't really a fawn on my lawn, since I don't have a lawn anymore! But, I do love Lawn Fawn stamps and I couldn't resist entering their really cool CHA Winter 2012 Challenge. The best part of the prize is that the winning entries will be featured at their booth at CHA and also appear in their catalog -- what a dream come true that would be! I thought I would dig out three of my favorite Lawn Fawn cards and enter. In fact, these are three of my all-time favorite cards I've ever made, so I thought it would be perfect! Wish me luck and best of luck to everyone who enters!

Let's Celebrate Card

BEAN NOTES

Stamps: Plus One, Year One, Hats Off to You, Bannerific and Critters in the Sea (Lawn Fawn)
Cardstock: Solar White (Neenah); Pear Pizazz, Concord Crush, Peach Parfait (Stampin' Up!)
Ink: Pear Pizazz, Concord Crush, Peach Parfait (SU!); Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Coloring Medium: Sketch Markers (Copic)
Fibers: Baker's Twine (The Twinery)
Templates: Medium Dots Embossing Folder (Quickutz)
Dies: Classic Oval and Classic Scalloped Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders); Medium Scallop Border (PTI)

Shake, Rattle, & Roll Card

BEAN NOTES

Stamps: Plus One and Cozy Christmas (Lawn Fawn)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Coloring Medium: Sketch Markers (Copic)
Cardstock: Pink Pirouette, Blushing Bride (Stampin' Up!)
Specialty Paper: Blending Card (X-Press)
Template: Medium Dots Embossing Folder (Quickutz)
Accents: Petal Pink Liquid Pearls (Ranger)
Fibers: Pink Organdy (American Crafts)
Font: Chalkboard (microsoft)

Just Wavin' Hello Card

BEAN NOTES

Stamps: Critters in the Sea (Lawn Fawn)
Cardstock: Real Red, Night of Navy (Stampin' Up!); Solar White (Neenah)
Ink: Fresh Snow Hybrid Ink (Papertrey Ink)
Fibers: Red Grosgrain Ribbon (generic); White Embroidery Thread (generic)
Accents: White Button (generic); White Brads (generic)
Templates: Medium Dots Embossing Folder (Quickutz)

Riding the Rails...

2011-12-27T08:23:00.000-08:00

Christmas is over and I always feel a bit like a deflated balloon. I needed a boost, so I thought I would make a birthday card for this week's Wee Memories Scrappy Saturday "Anything Goes" Challenge. I wanted to make a card for a boy, which I never have enough of, and I had my father-in-law in mind, as he is a big train lover with a December birthday.

I started with choosing some happy, bright paper from Echo Park. I knew I wanted to make a banner, and I used this darling hanging pennant from Taylored Expressions, adding a bit of glitter to each flag and stringing them on some twine.

I spelled out "Birthday" along the bottom of the card, adding a fabulously red ribbon to finish it off. It felt a little funny to not be making Christmas cards, but I always love a good party!

BEAN NOTES
Stamps: Fly Your Flag 1, Your My Type (Upper and Lower) (Taylored Expressions)
Patterned Paper: Little Boy (Echo Park)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko); Tempting Turquoise (SU!)
Cardstock: Choice Snow (TE); Pumpkin Pie, Tempting Turquoise (Stampin' Up!)
Fibers: Marmelade Baker's Twine (The Twinery) Pure Poppy Stitched Saddle (Papertrey Ink)
Dies: Fly Your Flag 1 (TE)
Accents: Stickles (Ranger)

Wish List...

2011-12-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

I'm taking a wee break from showing Christmas and holiday projects by sharing one I created as a gift for my mom-in-law, Susan. She is a great one for organizing and always has lists (kinda like Santa!) and I thought I'd make her a little notebook in which she can consolidate all of them in one place. I started with just a generic notebook that I picked up at the store. Then, to dress it up, I covered it with some fun, springtime paper. As a grandmother, I'm pretty sure her favorite person is her grandson, so I used one of my favorite photos of our little guy making a wish. I added some die-cut borders from Taylored Expressions. The notebook came with four plain tabs, which I covered with some stamped and die-cut tabs I created using the Keeping Tabs set from TE. A fun, happy bow threaded through the spine and I was all done!

BEAN NOTES

Stamps: Keeping Tabs (Taylored Expressions)

Patterned Paper: Happy Go Lucky (Pebbles)

Fibers: Dusty Durango Dotted Grosgrain Ribbon (Stampin' Up!)

Dies: Grass Border, Picket Fence, Keeping Tabs (TE)

Accents: Die-Cut Stickers from Happy Go Lucky Collection (Pebbles)

Other: Photograph, Notebook

MERRY!...

2011-12-19T16:21:00.000-08:00

Yikes! Christmas is definitely here -- with the amount of shopping I've been doing, I think I'm signle-handedly keeping the economy afloat! Still, nothing seems to give me more pleasure than to make something for someone special. A good friend of mine is an admirer of my work, and I thought it would be nice to give her a set of my handmade cards as a Christmas gift. I started with choosing my color scheme, and in this case I was inspired by this week's color inspiration challenge at Our Creative Corner. I love when traditional and non-traditional colors combine and so I decided to put together a little box to hold my cards.

I love the sweet little snowman. Some pre-cut die-cuts from the same paper collection made for a great time-saver. I added a bit of glitter here and there, to the letters and to the wee star that I placed in Frosty's hand, as well as to his hat and scarf. I then finished off with some cute twine and a nice, red button. Now I can fill it to my heart's content and my friend will have some cards to send out next year!

BEAN NOTES

All papers and die-cuts from Good Cheer collection (October Afternoon)

Accents: Stickles (Ranger); Red Button (Papertrey Ink)

Fibers: Maraschino Twine (The Twinery)

Alterables: Perfect Package Card Box (Taylored Expressions)

'Wish I May, 'Wish I Might...

2011-12-16T07:00:00.000-08:00

to view an image up-close, please click on a photo

I am so excited to share that I will be on the Imaginisce 2012 Design Team!

It has been a dream of mine to be a part of a manufacturer as creative and imaginative as Imaginisce and I am thrilled to have been chosen to be on such a wonderful team of talented designers.

To celebrate, I thought I would create a Christmas card using some of my favorite Imaginisce papers from the Cottage Christmas collection.
I began with my sentiment, which is something I found among the mountains of catalogs that have been coming through the mail slot! I typed it up on my manual typewriter and built my card around it.
The adorable little girl in front of the gingerbread house made me think of a wishing star, which was just what I wanted. I punched out a pretty snowflake twice, adding glittery Stickles to the top layer before adhering them together, added a button and some cute, fun twine.

I am feeling like I'm getting my wishes for this year...how about you?

BEAN NOTES

Patterned Paper: Cottage Christmas collection (Imaginisce)

Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze, Whisper White (Stampin' Up!)

Fibers: Maraschino Twine (The Twinery)

Paper: Typing paper (generic)

Accents: Button (Papertrey Ink); Diamond Stickles (Ranger)

Tools: Snowflake Punch (Martha Stewart Crafts)

Congratulations to the entire 2012 team!

Abby Laubenstein (Illinois, US)

Adora Concepcion (Washington, US)

Cari Locken, DT Co-ordinator (British Columbia, Canada)

Diana Fisher (New York, US)

Guiseppa Gubler (Utah, US)

Heather Leopard (Texas, US)

Ilene Tell (Delaware, US)

Mary Ann Jenkins (California, US)

Shelley McDaniel (Texas, US)

Tiffany Hood (Utah, US)

Rebecca Keppel (Arizona, US)

Rosangela Philippsen (Curitiba, Brazil)

Regina Mangum (California, US)

Rhonda Van Ginkel (Minnesota, US)

I hope you will join me in 2012 as I show my projects featuring darling papers, cool embellishments, and fun ideas. Thanks so much to everyone who always stops by here -- I am still amazed and inspired by all the sweet comments you leave me.

Happy Weekend!

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Warm Appreciation...

2011-12-13T11:01:00.000-08:00

My little guy has some really wonderful teachers at his preschool. Now that school is wrapping up for this year, I wanted to put together a little thank you gift for each lovely lady who is teaching him so much. I am starting with the cards, as I have to make several, which means the goal is cute, but simple! I was inspired by this week's Wee Memories Holiday challenge to incorporate the fun of the holidays into these thank you notes.

I began with some adorable paper from Cosmo Cricket and chose my complimentary colors accordingly. I love the non-traditional colors and kept to them as much as possible. Next, I stamped a pretty snowflake from the set, Winter Wonderland from Taylored Expressions directly onto vellum, adding a few Stickles for some sparkle. I mounted them onto a piece of punched cardstock to really make the snowflakes pop. Then, I added the perfect little sentiment, finishing off with some cute twine. All in all, this sweet little card took about 10 minutes, so in an hour I had all my cards finished and ready for my little rugrat to sign his name (which will take up the entire inside of each, despite the fact that his name only has four letters!)

BEAN NOTES
Stamps: Winter Wonderland (Taylored Expressions)
Patterned Paper: Jolly by Golly (Cosmo Cricket)
(Stampin' Up!); Choice Buttercream (TE)
Fibers: Caribbean Baker's Twine (The Twinery)
Ink: Lady Bug Memento (Tsukineko); Pool Party (SU!)
Tools: Circle Punches (EK Success)
Cardstock: Blushing Bride, Pool Party
Accents: Diamond Stickles (Ranger)
Specialty Paper: Vellum (PTI)

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Head in the Clouds...

2011-12-10T22:34:00.001-08:00

to view an image up-close, please click on a photo

November is such a crazy month of birthdays that I'm sorry to say I fell behind. Enter the "belated birthday card" -- a very important theme that is too often neglected! I was inspired by this month's My Mind's Eye Card Challenge to create just such a card (because it's even more important to send something nice when you've forgotten a birthday!

When I saw the sketch, I immediately thought of some fun patterned paper that I've been holding onto, just waiting for the right project. I love sketches because they are so open to interpretation and this one from Anam Stubbington will be going into my sketch pad for future use. I love the spotlight technique and thought I'd try a little twist on it by taking a second sheet of the same paper and punching out just the darling kites. Then, I turned them into chipboard elements with some cereal box cardboard and mounted them onto the first sheet of paper.

Next, I had the perfect sentiment from Taylored Expressions's In the Clouds set, which I stamped directly onto the patterned paper. I cut out the second part of the sentiment and created a little banner, to which I added the tiniest little bit of baker's twine to, which I attached with a wee staple. I love the vertical size of this card, which really does get my head in the clouds!

BEAN NOTES

Stamps: In the Clouds (Taylored Expressions)

Patterned Paper: Lime Twist Fly a Kite (My Mind's Eye)

Cardstock: Close to Cocoa (Stampin' Up!); Choice Buttercream (TE)

Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko)

Fibers: Cappuccino Baker's Twine (The Twinery)

Accents: Tiny Staples (Tim Holtz)

Hole Punch: Circle Punches (EK Success)

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Vintage Tonic...

2011-12-09T17:21:00.001-08:00

It seems to me that whenever I am in need of a "Get Well" card, I don't have one handy. I know that a nice card can go a long way when it comes to making a sick person feel better, but sometimes illness comes up so suddenly that I have to rush around trying to make a card. I thought I would use this week's Mojo Monday sketch to get one done to have on hand for my next friend or loved one who could use a boost.

When I saw this week's Pals Paper Arts "Puttin' On the Ritz" Challenge, I was moved to create a 20s-inspired card. I found some lovely vintage-y paper and embellishments. I love the bloom, which is a rub-on, that I fussy cut and placed over some pretty, satin ribbon to emulate the headbands worn by "flappers" from this ritzy era.
I added a perfectly simple sentiment from Taylored Expressions's Embrace Beauty. The stitching on the center element is actually a stamped border from Borderlicious! I added a bit of vellum and some wee pearls to complete my vintage card, which I hope will prove a dose of tonic for a friend in need.

BEAN NOTES
Stamps: Embrace Beauty and Borderlicious (Taylored Expressions)
Patterned Paper: Sweetness and Believe (Pink Paislee)
Ink: Rich Cocoa Memento (Tsukineko)
Fibers: Pink Satin Ribbon (Americancrafts)
Accents: Sweetness Rub-On (Pink Paislee); Pearls (Kaisercraft)
Cardstock: Close to Cocoa (Stampin' Up!); Choice Buttercream (TE)
Specialty Paper: Vellum (PTI)

Merry 25!...

2011-12-08T10:42:00.001-08:00

I just love this time of year. All the Christmas decos are starting to appear around the City and the countdown to the big 2-5 is well under way! This is the first year my little rugrat has an advent calendar, and I was inspired by it to create a card to help get him to the 25th.

I wanted to make a shaped card -- the easiest way to do this is to die-cut two shapes and score the top of one to be adhered to form a card base. Next, I grabbed some darling patterned paper from Echo Park. I love the mix of traditional and non-traditional colors, pairing them with some kraft for a sweet rustic look.

I die-cut some numbers and made my own chipboard. This is a favorite technique of mine now because you can really make just about any kind of chipboard you need. Thin cardboard (like a cereal box) works best.
I loved the little trees in the paper and cut some out, mounting a couple on cardboard for some subtle dimension. I applied a wee bit of sparkle glue adhesive to the trees.

To make the "Merry" banner, I stamped individual letters inside some pennants directly on the patterned paper, adding some cute twine to "tie" it to the card. A bit more sparkle and some liquid dimensionals and I had a happy, merry Christmas card to add to my growing pile of holiday greetings!

BEAN NOTES

Stamps: You're My Type Upper (Taylored Expressions); Bannerific (Lawn Fawn)

Patterned Paper: Holly Jolly Christmas (Echo Park)

Ink: Rich Cocoa Memento (Tsukinko)

Cardstock: Crumb Cake (Stampin' Up!)

Fibers: Maraschino Twine (The Twinery)

Accents: White Opal Liquid Pearls (Ranger); Sparkle Mod Podge (Plaid)

Dies: Labels One and Grand Labels One Nestabilities (Spellbinders); By the Numbers Collection (Papertrey Ink)

Other: Cereal Box Cardboard (generic)

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Design Team News!...

2011-12-02T00:01:00.000-08:00

Just popping by to share some really fun news. I have just been named to the 2011-2012 PSA Essentials Design Team! I'm so excited to get to work with these very cool stamps and I'm looking forward to working with the amazingly talented ladies on the team. Thank you so much to Libby O for choosing me for this wonderful team -- I hope you'll all stop by to see what I create and you can check out more info about PSA Essentials HERE!

GIVEAWAY! If you are on Facebook, check out this link for a chance to win some fun PSA Goodies! Just click HERE for more details!

Enabler Alert!--If you are looking for a fun personalized holiday gift, PSA Essentials is being featured on Good Morning America as part of Tory Johnson's Secret Deals and Steals. Use code GMA to receive 50% off all PSA Essentials. The deals ends today at 11:59 PST! Click HERE for more details. (Edit: This deal is no longer available, but you should still check out this fun Facebook Giveaway HERE!)

Balloons & Bears, Oh My!...Taylored Expressions Release Day!

2011-12-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

TE Release Day!

All of the new products are now available for purchase! Check out the Fresh Out of the Oven Department to see everything in one place!
More projects from the Baker's Dozen to inspire you. Just follow the link list below.
PETITE-A-PALOOZA SPECIAL: Purchase any 6 Petite Stamp Sets (new or old) through Friday December 9th and receive a Petite Storage Case absolutely FREE!

It's Release Day at Taylored Expressions! Petite-A-Palooza has been great fun, and I hope you've enjoyed this week's Sneak Peeks. The store is now open, but before you get shopping, I wanted to share two Petite projects I created.

The first is a pop-up slider card (see the Technique tab above for instructions on how to create your own version) using the newly released Petite, Sky's the Limit and coordinating Taylored Dies! I wanted to make a really happy card, and I love the sentiment words that are included in this set. I used some great patterned paper and paper-pieced the hot air balloons, adding clouds from the Clouds Duo die as well as the sweet little clouds from the new die set! I hope that the person I send this card to sees their troubles just float away.

My second project is a card that uses the set, Polar Pete. This adorable bear comes on a floating block of ice, but I wanted to show off how he can be used year-round.

I simply stamped him up, colored him in, and fussy cut away the ice floe! I then created a scene around my happy brown bear using patterned paper from the new Happier Card kit and using some of my go-to Taylored dies to create cloud-cover and happy grass. The little tree and bee are from last month's Love Grows Here.

BEAN NOTES

"Hi Happy Days" Card

Stamps: Sky's the Limit (Taylored Expressions)

Patterned Paper: Away We Go and Fly a Kite (My Mind's Eye)

Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko)

Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Crumb Cake (Stampin' Up!); Choice Snow (TE)

Dies: Cloud Duo Taylored Die and Sky's the Limit Taylored Die (TE)

"Can't Bear" Card

All fibers, patterned paper, and cardstock from Happier Card Kit (Taylored Expressions)

Stamps: Polar Pete and Love Grows Here (Taylored Expressions)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Summer Sky (Tsukineko)

Coloring Medium: Sketch Markers (Copic)

Dies: Grass Border Taylored Die and Cloud Border Die (Taylored Expressions)

I hope you enjoyed this week's projects! For more Release Day fun, check out the rest of the Baker's Dozen. Thank yous so much for stopping by and Happy December!

The Baker's Dozen

Charmaine Ikach
Danielle Lounds
Jennifer Shults
Jodi Collins
Karen Giron
Melissa Sauls
Melody Rupple
Regina Mangum
Sankari Wegman
Taylor VanBruggen
Tori Wild
Wanda Guess
and friends
Jami Sibley (DT Coordinator)
Nancy McKinney (Illustrator) and
Lori Craig (Guest Designer!)