With an "i" For Paper!

Green Eggs and Hambo Blog Hop

2012-01-27T08:00:00.100-05:00

Welcome to the “Green Eggs and….Hambo!” Blog Hop sponsored by Hambo Stamps! The Bacon Bits are here to help you start your New Year’s reading list off right with a little book title laughter and fun.

If you arrived here from Melissa's blog, you are in the right place. If not, you will want to start back at the beginning at the Hambo blog – TALK TO THE HAM.We don’t want you to miss anything!

A little surprise is hiding on one of the blogs today, so be sure to leave some comment love as you “hoof it” around the hop. One lucky commenter on the mystery hop spot will be in hog heaven and win a prize from Hambo Stamps!

We love comments anytime, but the deadline for prize entries is Tuesday, January 31 at 5 PM CST. Our current team will be retiring that day, and we will be welcoming a new Design Team AND celebrating the Hambo Hoedown’s ONE YEAR BIRTHDAY on February 1st. Blog Hop winners will be announced at the Hoedown on the 1st.

My card today is in honor of the book, The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. It's about a young girl who runs away from home. She's taken in by 3 bee keeping sisters and finally finds the happiness she deserves.

These are the rubber stamps from Hambo I used in the making of this card :)
Bee Hive # 2702
Tiny Bee #3114
Bee Happy #3103

I know there is lots to see on this hop, so I'll just be quick and say that the hive was paper pieced and glitter added to the bee wings :)

Okee dokee, next up on the hop is Pat, and I know you will love what she has to show you today.

Here is the entire blog hop list, just in case there is a hiccup somewhere along the route :)

Talk to the Ham

Jennifer S

Melissa

You Are Here----->Karin

Pat

Laura

Stephanie

Sherry

Leslie

Judy

Sandy

Michele

Allison

Jessica

Jen N

Andrea

Libby

Have a good one and I'm hoping to get lots of book and crafty ideas myself today!

Challenges for this card:
Karen's Doodles-Paper Piecing
Pollycraft-Warm it Up
Addicted to Stamps-Summer in Winter
Dream Valley-Animals
Fashionable Stamping-Butterflies or Bugs
Let's Ink It Up-Anything Goes
Paper Sundaes-Paper Piecing

Details not listed above-Paper: Tha Paper Company, Crate Paper, Ink: Memento, Markers: Copic, Ribbon: American Crafts, Die: Spellbinders, gems and flowers from my supplies.

CASE A Card

2012-01-25T08:00:00.001-05:00

Hi Everyone,

Today's challenge at the Hambo Hoedown is to CASE a card from the Hambo card gallery. Don't know what CASE is? It means to Copy and Share Everything.

So, here is the card that I was inspired by:

And this is my take on it. I used the new digi Super Bird. I received it just in time to make this for my brother in law's birthday. He's a huge bird fan, and I make him a bird card every year. The inspiration card layout, buttons as embellishments and colors made for the perfect not too "fru fru" guy card.

I have to say it was a hit with him. However, being a typical guy, he asked, "So, what do the buttons mean?" lol... Sigh. Nothing, Tony. They mean nothing other than, see how cute I look as a decoration on the card :)

I hope that you stop by the Hambo gallery, there's always lots of inspiration there. And grab a Hambo stamp and play along at the Hoedown. Once you do, you'll be hooked :)

This is my last Hambo Hoedown post as a member of the design team...Sob! My term has come to an end and a new group of Bacon Bits will be inspiring us on Wednesdays. Now I can play along with everyone again and get in the loop for free digis too :) However, before I go, there will be a fun blog hop happening on this Friday, so I hope you will mark your calender and join me for one last Hambo hoo-rah.

Have a great day!

Challenges for this card:

Scrappers Delight-Anything Goes

Stamp and Create-Anything Goes

Truly Madly Crafty-Anything Goes

Victorine Originals-Anything Goes

Birthday Sundaes-Birthday w/sentiment

Details not listed above-Paper: The Paper Company, Markers: Copic, Dies: Spellbinders, Embossing Folders: Provocraft, Punches: EK Success, Buttons from my supplies.

Snowman Challenge

2012-01-24T04:00:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone,

This week the challenge at the DRS Designs blog is Snowmen. For me this was an easy one. I was thinking of using this card as a general thinking of you kind of card for the cold weather months, that's why I used the blue and white color scheme.

I stamped the background with the Interlocking SnowBackground stamp, and decided to use the left over punched out portion from my snowflake punch for the embellishment down the side. I used a circle punch and added an epoxy sticker to the center. Grin. I'm so proud of this simple embellishment and how it looks.

For the image, I stamped Stretch the Round Button Snowman twice, fussy cut one and added it with pop dots.

Grab yourself a snowman and join us over at DRS Designs!

Have a great day :)

Challenges for this card:

Crafty Boots-Inspired by Song (Frosty the Snowman)

Critter Sketch-3 Embellishments

House of Gilli-Winter

Simon Says Stamp-Song Title (Frosty the Snowman)

Cutie Pie Challenge-Song (Frosty the Snowman)

Christmas Card Challenge-Color it

Gingerloft-Let it Snow

Let's Ink it Up-Anything Goes

Details not listed above-Paper: The Paper Company, Ink: Stampin' Up!, Memento, Markers: Copic, Punch: Martha Stewart, ribbon from my supplies

Happy Sunday!

2012-01-22T11:52:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone,

I hope you are having a fabulous weekend :) I just wanted to drop in and say that the winners from the Sparkle N Sprinkle blog hop have been announced. If you participated, you will want to check out the Sparkle N Sprinkle blog to see if you were one of the lucky ones!

If you weren't lucky this month, you will want to mark your calender for February 9 & 10. The next Sparkle N Sprinkle blog hop is coming up quick this time...And it's all about spring! Who's not ready for that, right?

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Sparkle N Sprinkle Blog Hop

2012-01-18T22:00:00.068-05:00

Hi Everyone,

This has been a long time in the making, but the day is finally here! It's the first blog hop of the new year, with all the things we love from Sparkle N Sprinkle.

The theme is both Art Deco and Love and Valentine's Day, so I know there will be a wide range of sparkly stuff for your viewing pleasure.

Now if you arrived here from Marie's blog, you are on the right track. If you didn't, start at the beginning of the hop at the Sparkle N Sprinkle blog. That's where you can find the details on all the prizes up for grabs on this fun hop! Yes, of course there are prizes, so leave lots of comments along the way!

I chose Valentine's Day as the theme for my blog hop cards. The stamps I used for both my cards all came from the set named Love is Sweet (#401). The cupcake was embossed with Clear Detail (EP280)embossing powder before coloring it with Copic markers...

And I used Sparkling Snow (G1003) glitter on the wings of the cute love letter.

I used a bird punch for this second card and embellished them with Firecracker Red (EP291) embossing powder and Carnation (G1028) glitter.

I know there is a lot to see on this blog hop, so if you want more details on these cards, you can find specifics in my gallery at Sparkle N Sprinkle.

Next up on this hop is Jessica and I can't wait to see what she's showing off today! If you need it, here is the entire blog hop list :)

SNS Home

http://sparklensprinkle.com/blog

Barbara Bruder

http://www.artandsoulcreations.blogspot.com/

Julie Zippel

http://backtobasicsandbeyond.blogspot.com/

Lana Clarke

http://sweetpeaspapercreations.blogspot.com/

Karalee Ingram

http://kareescardsandcraftsofcourse.blogspot.com/

Charlene Driggs

http://www.paperandinkplayground.com/

Amanda Reed

http://cardscatsandcopics.blogspot.com/

Shanna Shands

http://scsdesigns.blogspot.com/

Shona Erlenborn

http://shonasstampingstage.blogspot.com/

Gerlinde Townsley

http://mycreativecorner-gerlinde.blogspot.com/

Angie Blasingame

http://hopemorestudio.blogspot.com/

Marie Berquist

http://craftemarie.blogspot.com/

You Are Here----->Karin Martin

http://karin-withaniforpaper.blogspot.com/

Jessica Griffin

http://canyoupixelthis.com/

Dawn Thomas

http://belladonnasgarden.blogspot.com/

April Williams

http://stampwillydesigns.blogspot.com/

Jill Jacobsen

http://www.stampinhands.com/

Brenda Smalle

http://www.rubberroomantics.blogspot.com/

Sparkle N Sprinkle.

Thanks for hopping with us and Happy Valentine's Day!

Bailey

2012-01-18T08:00:00.019-05:00

Hi Everyone,

This week Hambo Stamps is the sponsor over at Send a Smile 4 Kids. They are a challenge blog that collects cards for ill children in order to brighten their day. The challenge this week at the Hambo Hoedown is Anything Goes. How easy is that? I hope that this simple challenge will motivate you to join us and make a cheerful card for a child in need.

This week I used some bright Basic Grey papers that I've had forever, I thought they would be just the thing on a card for kids and the new Bailey stamp looks like he belongs. Isn't he cute with the Stickles I added to the heart on his neck?

Be sure to check out Send a Smile 4 Kids, it's a worthy cause and you can link up your card at the Hambo Hoedown here.

As a reminder, today is the last day to apply for the design team at Hambo Stamps. And if you want to be a participant in the "Green Eggs and...Hambo Blog Hop, today is the deadline to sign up for that too. Details can be found by clicking here.

Have a great day!

Challenges for this card:

Crafty Cardmakers-No Floral Embellishments

Incy Wincy Designs-Bright Colors

Lexi Creations-Anything Goes

Pollycraft-Bingo (Ribbon, Button, Diecuts)

Pile it On-Fuzzy Friends

Robyn's Fetish-Animals

Squirrel and the Fox-Critters

Basic Grey-Something New (Bailey Digi)

Challenge Up Your Life-Bingo (Ribbon, Button, Diecut)

Card Makin Mamas-Something New (Bailey digi)

Chocolate, Coffee and Cards-Glitter

Crafty Catz-Something New (Bailey Digi)

Poodles Parlour-Buttons

Details not listed above-Paper: The Paper Company, Basic Grey, Nesties, Markers: Copic, Twine: Martha Stewart, Ribbon and button from my supplies.

Paper Piecing

2012-01-17T04:00:00.005-05:00

Hi Everyone,

I have little chit chat today, so I'm jumping right into my card if that's ok. This week's challenge at the DRS Designs blog is Paper Piecing. I created some polka dot paper using the Polka Dot background stamp, and then used that to paper piece my Scattered Hearts. (I'm not sure if you can tell, but I put the tiny hearts up on pop dots.). These were also used to make the background paper and the Small Happy Valentine's Day stamp worked well size wise with my square punches.

My polka dot ribbon in red and pink matched perfectly and I added a gem to a felt flower from my stash.

Hope you can join us for the paper piecing challenge at DRS Designs.

Details not listed above-Paper: The Paper Company, Ink: Stampin' Up!, Punches: EK Success, Ribbon: American Crafts, Flower: Inique Boutique, Nesties, gems from my supplies.

So, I've been slacking....

2012-01-13T04:00:00.002-05:00

Yes, I've been slacking when it comes to showing off some Sparkle N Sprinkle cards. I post over at their blog every 1st & 3rd Wednesday, but I haven't shown off anything here since before Christmas. Yikes!

Life has a way of getting in the way of crafty stuff, doesn't it? Well, let me rectify things today with this post :)

I'm choosing this card, because with the red & pink colors and the flowery paper, I think it's appropriate for Valentine's day.

Last year, Sparkle N Sprinkle came out with "Stampette" sets. These are slightly smaller than their regular set and that is reflected in the price too. Great for this time of year, when we are paying off those holiday bills :) I used Blossoms to Go (440S) and Berry Bliss (EP313) for the embossed flower down the side. It was fussy cut, and a piece of dry embossed paper was placed inside, so that it could show through. The sentiment is from the set Just For You (444S) and since my paper had glitter on it, I added a strip of Purple Fusion (G1083) glitter.

As always, full details on how to recreate my card can be found in the Sparkle N Sprinkle gallery.

I've finally put away my Christmas decorations this week. They were in boxes in the living room for what seemed like forever. I feel like I can finally breath again.

This past weekend was a sad one for our family. Our Aunt Effie passed away. She was blessed to have lived a full 87 years and I will cherish the memories I have of her. She still lived in the home she and Ralph built in 1960, but needed help with day to day things. While her daughter Nancy was looking for some help last year, it was my privilege to go over an stay with her. She was so sweet and funny! And had the best outlook on life.

After her doctor appointment one day she said, "Let's go have lunch."

Me: Sure Aunt Effie, we can go to lunch. Just not now.

Effie: Why not? We're already out.

Me: Because it's only 9:45am. We'll have to wait awhile, but we can go. Where would you like to eat?

Effie: Bob Evans! They have the best chicken pot pie.

Did you know that? Well, now you do. Someone at the funeral said, "If you didn't know Effie, then you really missed out." For sure.

Photos from last summer.

We miss you already!

Well, it's Martin Luther King Day weekend, so with Monday a holiday we're looking forward to an extra long weekend :) We've got some friends coming over for food and a movie (?) this weekend. I put a question mark there because playoff football is going on and I'm not too sure how we are going to watch both things. And of course I'm always excited about awards season, so I will be beached on the sofa watching the Golden Globes on Sunday.

And, my new favorite show, Downton Abbey started up again last Sunday! So, so good!

How great are these clothes??? And yes, I know that I watch too much TV. Did I mention that I'm shopping for a new one? Finally. We're joining the modern age and will no longer have one that is fat and stupid. It's really been embarrassing, but I didn't want to toss the lovely piece of furniture that houses the big fat and stupid one, and I finally found someone who wants it. Yay me!

What are your plans this weekend?

Challenges for this card:

Digi Doodle Shop-Embossing

Southern Girls-Sparkle

Gingersnap Creations-Ribbon

Inky Impressions-Anything Goes

Anything Goes-Anything Goes

Shopping our Stash-Glitter, Sparkle or shine

Why Do Balloons Cost So Much?

2012-01-11T08:00:00.001-05:00

Hi Everyone,

The Hambo Hoedown is back to having weekly challenges, and this week we're using this funny balloon sentiment and the challenge of 2 different sized circles on our cards. Ready for it?

I embossed my circles with a circle embossing folder, but other than that, it's embellishment free. It's a different card than my usual style, but I love the clean look and easy to mail factor :) We would love it if you played along with us here.

Also, the design team call is still going on, so now is the time to submit to become a Bacon Bit. Ha! That rhymes :)

One more thing. We are hosting a Customer inclusive Blog Hop: "Green Eggs and ..... Hambo!" on Friday, January 27, and would love to have you join us! Email Judy at hambodesignteam@gmail.com if you would like to participate. It's all about Hambo images and book titles :) Deadline to sign up is January 18.

Have a great day!

Details not listed above-Paper: Georgia Pacific White, Punches: EK Success, Nesties.

Sketch Challenge

2012-01-10T08:34:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone,

This week DRS Designs is the sponsor over at Card Patterns. Playing along and using this weeks sketch gains you a chance to win a $20.00 voucher to use at the DRS Designs store.

Ready? I present this weeks sketch:

And my card as inspiration.

Pretty literal, but I like the stamped paper I made using the Silhouette Branch background and the thank you portion from this stamp. I sent it off to my cousin who gave me a beautiful ornament for this past Christmas :)

Don't forget that DRS Designs also has a challenge on their blog every Thursday and it's another chance to win some stamps. This week the challenge is to use the spotlight technique.

For a better look at my card, hop on over and check out this post.

Thanks for stopping by today. Our weather has been beautiful these last few days. No snow and sunshine! So rare this time of year for us :)

Have a good day!

Challenges for this card:

Crafty Cardmakers-No Floral Embellishments

Lexi Creations-Anything Goes

Squigglefly-Thank You

Stamp and Create-Anything Goes

Truly Madly Crafty-Anything Goes

Catered Crop-Buttons

Dream Valley-Anything Goes

GingerLoft-Anything Goes

Catch the Bug-Anything Goes

CES-Anything Goes

Frosted Designs-No Patterned Paper

Art Impressions-Anything Goes

CRAFT-Thank You

Details not listed above-Paper: The Paper Company, Ink: Stampin' Up, Ribbon and buttons from my supplies.

Maybe a Cupcake?

2012-01-05T04:00:00.016-05:00

Hi Everyone,

I made this card for someone who was recovering from some minor surgery over the holidays, but I'm hoping the cupcake helps me say goodbye. Sadly this is my last post for Lindsay's Stamp Stuff. I have decided to step down from the design team for personal reasons, nothing bad or sad, don't worry. I just will have less time to devote to card making, so I thought it was the only fair thing to do. I will dearly miss the interaction with some of the sweetest design teammates out there, but at least in the land of blogs, we all have a spot to visit each other.

Mostly my thanks go out to Lindsay herself, she gave me my first design team spot when I was a blogging newbie, and has been nothing but generous and gracious. I hope that you will continue to visit her personal blog, The Frugal Crafter. No one out there has more clever ideas and tips than she does!

Cupcakes on this card from the set Sweet Stuff II

Thanks so much for visiting me and now I think I need a real cupcake.

Challenges for this card:

Paper Take Weekly-Anything Goes

Party Time Tuesday-Anything Goes

Stamp N Doodle-Anything Goes

Top Tip Tuesday-Anything Goes

Cupcake Craftroom-Anything Goes

House of Gilli-Anything Goes

Heart Song Inspirations-Anything Goes

Stamps R Us-Anything Goes

Cutie Pie Challenge-Use a Sentiment

The Pink Elephant-Anything Goes

Details not listed above-Paper: The Paper Company, Heidi Grace, Markers: Copic, Ink: Stampin' Up, Doily: Darice, Rubber Stamp: Inkadinkado, Gems and ribbon from my supplies.

The Hambo Challenge Continues & DT Call

2012-01-04T08:23:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to tell you that the current challenge at the Hambo Hoedown is running for two weeks. So if you didn't have time to join us due to the holiday, there is still time remaining. The theme is to use something "new" on your creation. After linking up at the Hoedown, don't forget to email a photo of your card to hambodesignteam@gmail.com and you will recieve a free digi to play along the challenge the following week.

Do you love Hambo Stamps? Well, now is the time to try out for the Design Team. Read all the details at Talk to the Ham.

Good luck!

DRS Designs Challenge and New Stamps

2012-01-03T04:00:00.001-05:00

Hi Everyone,

I'm back today featuring two cards using stamps from DRS Designs. This first card was made for the current challenge a the DRS Designs blog, which is SNOWFLAKES. Not only does this Snowman in a Box have snowflakes, but I also used the Interlocking Snow stamp for my background. It's pretty subtle, I just did a stamping job in Versamark Dazzle, but in real life it does have a small bit of sparkle. The One Line Happy Thoughts sentiment was from the last release. I know this card is pretty simple, but it is one of my favorite layouts for this type of stamp :) Also, it's cute and doesn't take a million years to make!

This next stamp is from the new release at DRS Designs. You can see them all by clicking here. The ever adorable Leonard the Pig is making an appearance in this Rose Offering stamp. I knew I had to pair it with the punny Valenswine's Day sentiment and I used the Easy Dot background and Interlocking Hearts to make my coordinating papers.

I still had a bit of this printed heart ribbon, which ended up being the perfect amount for this card and I added 3 little paper hearts for embellishment. The only thing that's unusual about this "Karin" card, is that it's completely flat and has no glitter. I know. Shocking! LOL! It would make a great card for OWH. I'll have to remember it for next year, since I think the deadline has passed.

Have you made any Valentine's yet? No time like the present to get started :)

Have a great day!

Challenges for the Snowman Card:

Crafting When We Can-Friendship

GingerLoft-Christmas or Winter

Robin's Fetish-Anything Goes

The Outlawz-CAS

52 Christmas Card Throwdown-Anything Goes

Craft You Days Away-Snowmen

Crafty Calender-Cold and Frosty

Marks Finest Paper-Snowflakes

Challenges for the Valentine:

Card Cupids-Valentines

Fashionable Stamping-Anything Goes with something new (Stamp)

Robin's Fetish-Anything Goes

Penny Black-Love and Hearts

Pile it On-Anything Goes

Sentimental Sundays-Anything Goes with a Sentiment

Sparkles Forum-Anything but Christmas

Squirrel and the Fox-Something New

Delicious Doodles-Anything Goes

Stampin for the Weekend-Anything Goes

Details not mentioned above- Paper: The Paper Company, Markers: Copic, Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Stampin' Up, Punches: Stampin Up, Nesties, Ribbon and brads from my supplies.

My Year in Review and Winner

2012-01-01T08:34:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year!

Thank you so much to everyone who linked up these past few days and shared their top card choices for the 2011 calender year. When I thought of doing this at my blog, it was a real of the moment idea. I had no idea what kind of response I would get, so let's just say I was completely overwhelmed. What a great way to wind up the year. It was wonderful visiting you and I hope you had fun looking back as well.

Now, after visiting your blogs, I'm completely blown away by the vast amount of talent out there. I know we all have our favorite designers that we visit over and over, but the same amount of talent is out there amongst the masses. I know, I just witnessed it in this hop. So before we get to the winners of the hop, I humbly present, in no particular order, my personal picks for my favorite cards of the year.

Image from Lindsay's Stamp Stuff.

Stamp and iPaper from Amber Ink.

Image from Lindsay's Stamp Stuff.

Stamps from Hambo Stamps.

Image from I Brake for Digis.

Stamps from DRS Designs.

Stamps from Sparkle N Sprinkle.

Stamps from DRS Designs.

Digi and sentiment from Hambo Stamps.

10.

Stamps from DRS Designs.

11.

Digi and sentiment from Hambo Stamps.

12.

Stamps from Sparkle N Sprinkle.

So with out further hesitation, here is the winner of the $25.00 gift to a shop of your choice is:

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2012-01-01 12:35:54 UTC

(#55 is Arlene)

And the winner of the $15.00 DRS Designs store voucher is:

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2012-01-01 12:43:04 UTC

(#23 is Tracey McNeeley)

Please contact me at karinwithani@att.net and I will make sure to get you your prizes.

Thanks again to all who participated and here's to a happy, healthy and crafty new year!

"A Year In Review"

2011-12-29T08:13:00.002-05:00

Edit to add: I have great news! One of my favorite crafty places, DRS Designs, has graciously offered up a second prize of a $15.00 voucher to their store! Yippee :) I know first hand they have some super stuff in the next release!

Welcome

to the

A Year In Review Blog Hop!

In keeping with the spirit of the season, this is the place to look back and highlight some of your favorite projects from the past year. Please place your name in the Linky spot, (please link to the post, not your general blog) and remember to spread the love to your fellow bloggers who are participating. I even know of one person who is offering up some blog candy of her own, so you never know what you may see along the way :) If you are just finding out about this now, have no fear. You can add your name to the list anytime before the hop is over :)

I will be back on January 1st with my list of favorites and I will also announce the random winner of the $25.00 gift certificate to the crafty place of your choice.

Happy New Year!

Happy Newt Year!

2011-12-28T08:00:00.006-05:00

Hi Everyone,

Woot! I told you the Hambo Hoedown would be back this week ;) Here we are ringing in the new year with this cute (aren't they all cute?) digi and the challenge to use something "new" on your project. Along with this Reptile and punny sentiment, I used my new paper pad of Lilly Bee papers for the background and to paper piece his shirt. It was the one thing I snagged for myself as I was shopping for gifts a couple of weeks ago. He looks like he's waving at me from sunny Florida in his vacation shirt...lol! Anyway, I will be sending this off to a friend that lives in sunny California.

Are you ready to ring in the new year? We are doing the usual and staying in for dinner. Have a safe and happy time, whatever your plans are, and I hope one of your resolutions is to join us at the Hoedown!

Also, don't forget about the Year In Review Blog Hop. It's starts at 9:00 am (EST) here on my blog and there is a $25.00 gift certificate up for grabs to one lucky participant. The winner will be chosen randomly and I will let them choose the crafty place for their prize :)

Other Challenges for this card:

Creative Stamp Friends-New Years

Christmas Inspirations-New Years

Marks Finest Papers-Anything Goes

Secret Crafter-Anything Goes

Delicious Doodles-Anything Goes

Glitter Geeks-New Years

Details not listed above-Paper: The Paper Company, Markers: Copic, Punch: EK Success, Ribbon: American Crafts

A Year In Review Blog Hop

2011-12-27T14:08:00.001-05:00

Edit to Add: Please go to the home page to link up your "Year In Review"

Hi Everyone,

Last year I participated in a "My Top 10 Favorite Cards" Blog Hop and I had so much fun looking back on the past year, that I thought I would host "A Year In Review" myself this year.

All I need is for you to participate, and it's super easy.

Just pick out your favorite cards from the past year, and post them on your blog. Then come over here and pop your name in the Linky spot ( Fingers crossed that I can get it to work!) and let the oooing and aahhing begin. All I ask is that you limit the number of cards you choose to 12 (That's one for each month of the year) and post a photo of the button below at the top of your post and link back to my blog.

Nothing like waiting until the last minute to let you know, right? Well, that's only because I thought of it maybe an hour ago myself. So, until we start at 9:00am (EST) on December 29th, I would appreciate any advertisement you could give me ;) Just popping the picture above in your side bar with a link back here, would be most helpful.

And what is a hop without a prize? Pretty lousy...lol. So, I will be offering up a $25.00 gift certificate (to a yet to be determined crafty place) to one lucky participant chosen at random!

So, spread the word, start your list of faves and see you here on the 29th!

Out of this World Terrific

2011-12-27T04:00:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone,

Are you making plans for the new year yet? I hope one of them will include joining us for the Thursday challenges that we are hosting on the DRS Designs blog :) Since the current challenge is Heat Embossing, I decided to use that technique for the birthday card I needed to make.

I used the Starry Background stamped in Versamark and heat set it with gold embossing powder. Spaceboy Skip is an adorable image for a boy's card and I love the Out of this World Birthday sentiment; It's the perfect match for him and his space friend. However, to make it fit my card design, I stamped it separately and cut it out attaching it on top of a border made from using the Interlocking Circle stamp.

Here is a close up of the embossed stars, the clear embossing on his space helmet, ribbon and felt button embellishment. They're mail friendly ;-)

Thanks for dropping by the blog today. Get those heat guns in gear before the next challenge on this Thursday!

Challenges for this card:
Crafty Boots-Celebrations
Paper Playtime-Anything Goes and a Sentiment
Pollycraft-Punch it
Cutie Pie Challenge-Use a sentiment
Whoopsi Daisy-Sparkle & Shine
Kenny K's Krafy Girls-Anything Goes
Penny Black and More-Happy Birthday
Paper Sundaes-Celebrate
Crafty Pad-Anything But Christmas

Details not listed above-Paper: The Paper Company, Ink: Stampin Up!, Punch & Twine: Martha Stewart, Die: Spellbinders, Embossing Powder: Rubber Stampede, Markers: Copic, Ribbon from my supplies.

JOY

2011-12-21T08:00:00.073-05:00

Hi Everyone,

The Hambo Hoedown challenge is taking a break for the Christmas holiday this week. Have no fear though, because we will be back next week :) Until then, I wanted to share the card that I made using the new Elf Gift digi that is available in the store right now.

I won these letters awhile back, so I decided to break them out for my card today. I thought a little sentiment like that would be enough along with the "Merry Christmas" paper at the bottom. I wouldn't want to pull focus from that adorable elf :) I think this image would make the cutest thank you card for all the lovely gifts we receive this time of year, don't you?

Thanks for stopping by. I know I haven't been posting much recently, it's just that with Rod taking off work at the start of December, I got super behind on everything. If I don't get a chance to say it before the weekend, Merry Christmas. And just because of my card today, I thought I would go ahead and elf myself.

Details not listed above-Paper: The Paper Company, Lilly Bee Design, The Paper Studio, Markers: Copic, Foam Letters: Pink Paislee, Punch: EK Success, Nesties, buttons and twine from my supplies.

Happy Holly Days!

2011-12-20T08:03:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone,

Well, the big Christmas holiday is almost here and I'm popping in quickly to let you know that the current challenge at the DRS Designs blog is Red, White and Green. If you're taking a break from the holiday prep, I hope that you can play along!

Here are the stamps I used on my Christmas card today:

Girl Swirl Holly

Happy Holly Days

Fanfare Square

The Fanfare Square is sized to work with your Nesties and of course can be used year round :)

Well, I'm still baking some treats and getting some wrapping done, so it's short and sweet today.

Thanks for stopping by!

Details not listed above-Paper: The Paper Company, Ink: Stampin' Up!, Markers: Copic, Nesties, Stickles, Ribbon from my supplies.

Season's Greetings

2011-12-14T08:00:00.007-05:00

Hi Everyone,

It's Wednesday, and that means it's time for a new Hoedown!

The challenge this week is CORNERS. How's that for easy? Grab your Santa Monster digi that you received for playing along last week, or any Hambo Stamp, and adorn your corners any way you see fit.

I just nipped mine off on the background papers and also on the panel that houses my Santa Monster. I did also add some brads from my stash to those, but left the outer ones blank. No real reason for that, just thought less is maybe more.

I used some sheer ribbon edged in gold and a gold metal snowflake embellishment to finish it off.

Are you done making cards? I'm almost done. I will be using some store bought ones (GASP!) to help me finish out my list this year :)

Hope you get a chance to play along at the Hoedown...I'm always blown away (and humbled) by your creativity as I visit your blogs each week!

Details not listed above-Paper: K & Company, The Paper Company, Markers: Copic, Punches: EK Success, Ribbon: May Arts, Brads and embellishment from my supplies.

Let it Snow

2011-12-13T04:00:00.021-05:00

Hi Everyone,

The current challenge this week at the DRS Designs blog is to use Polka Dots on a card. This was an easy one for me, because I was able to use the Polka Dot Background stamp which is a favorite of mine.

Yes, I still need Christmas cards so the theme was a no brainer for me. I used the Interlocking Snow Background stamp for the base and since Penguins are all the rage, I used the Let it Snow Penguins since it doubles as an image and sentiment in one :)

Here is the direct link to the Polka Dot challenge on the DRS Designs blog. Ink up your DRS Designs stamps and you might win some more...lol!

Also, DRS Designs is the sponsor at the PlayDate Cafe. The prize is a $15.00 voucher to the store. Yes, a chance at more stamps! Here is the photo inspriation for the challenge:

What are you waiting for??? Have a great day!

Details not listed above: Paper: The Paper Company, Ink: Stampin' Up!, Memento, Punch & Stickers: EK Success, Ribbon: American Crafts, Markers: Copic

Vellum Flowers

2011-12-11T04:00:00.001-05:00

Hi Everyone,

How about a break from all the Christmas cards? I know that I can use it! I've been loving seeing anything spring like or floral lately. I think it's just the holiday fatigue that's setting in. Not good since Christmas isn't even here yet :)

Anyway, this is one of those card shares that I couldn’t wait to show off to you. I was just thrilled with the results when I finished it, and while it’s only 4 1/4″ x 4 1/4″ square, it packs a big beautiful punch. I used what might be my new favorite glitter from Sparkle N Sprinkle named Carnation (G1028). I adhered it to some Sticker Paper(99558) to create a gorgeous base for my flowers, which were made by stamping in Versamark (99702) on vellum and embossing with White Detail (EP298) powder. Each flower was fussy cut and adhered to the card using a rhinestone brad. These lovely designed flowers come from the Stampette set named Blossoms To Go (440S) and the sentiment is from another flower set named My Rose Garden (402).

I simply added a scrap of patterned paper layered with a border to the top of my card and finished it with a bit of ribbon and butterfly charm. A very girly card that could be sent to a friend for any number of reasons. We all have those special people in our lives that need to be remembered with a card.

If you need further details regarding my card, I invite you to check it out in the gallery here.

Thanks so much for visiting!

Anta Claus

2011-12-07T08:00:00.035-05:00

Hi Everyone,

It's Hambo Hoedown time again and it's fun challenge this week. If you played along last week, and emailed a photo of your card, you should have received this darling digi named Anta Claus. And because he looks like he's going to fold under the pressure of carrying this huge package, the challenge is to make a card with more than one fold.

So instead of making my usual Z fold card, I was inspired by my blogging friend Gina, and I made a Center Step card using this tut here. It only took two tries for me. Sometimes I'm a bit dense when it comes to following directions that include measuring and numbers...lol. Anyway, it was easy to decorate with patterned paper and I even did a bit of paper piecing on the enormous gift :) Also, I took the December 25 from the patterned paper I was using and I made that my sentiment. Yes, even though it's pink, it really is holiday paper.

I hope you can get out of your comfort zone and play along in our "more than one fold" challenge at the Hambo Hoedown!

Details not listed above- Paper: Bazzil, Georgia Pacific White, KI Memories, Markers: Copic, Die: Provocraft Cuttlebug, Stickers: EK Success.

New Challenge!

2011-12-06T04:00:00.003-05:00

Hi Everyone!

DRS Designs is starting a new challenge over on the DRS Designs blog! Every Thursday there will be a new challenge (and they are easy too!) and we encourage you to enter it using your DRS Designs stamps.

The first challenge is STITCHING, real or faux. And here is my super simple, and oh so stampy card to inspire you!

I did a bit of faux stitching since I couldn't get my hand held stitcher to cooperate ;) I kept it flat and easy to mail so that I could send it out for the holidays :) Here are the stamps I used on this little number....

Interlocking Snow Background

Warm Wishes

Simply Snowman

The deadline to link up you card for this challenge is tomorrow, and then on Thursday we will have a new challenge for you. If you don't enter, you can't win :)

Hope you can play along and Happy Winter!

Details not listed above- Paper: The Paper Company, Markers: Copics, Creative Memories, Ink: Memento, Stampin;' Up!, Punch: Martha Stewart, Gem from my supplies