Paper Loves Glue

Waltzingmouse Christmas Dies

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Duran) — Mon, 18 Nov 2013 08:00:00 +0000

I am sure you've heard the exciting news about the new dies at Waltzingmouse? So cool, huh! Well today, the design team is showcasing the new dies and a new stamp, Alpine Christmas.

For my first card, I used one of my favorite holiday sets, Festive Foliage with the new Pinecones die set. Starting with a lighter shade of green ink, I rolled my stamps into a darker shade for a more realistic looking effect.

I then stamped pretty snowflakes and a sentiment from the new Alpine Christmas stamp. Isn't that script font so pretty?

For the finishing touch, a little strip of snowy glitter and pearls to add some shine.

Next up, I used the new Sweetie Jar die set and the Candy Jar stamp. Inside, I created a holiday arrangement using more stamps from Festive Foliage (yes, it really is one of my favorites) and a sentiment from Alpine Christmas.

Want to see more? Head on over to the Waltzingmouse blog for more projects featuring the new die sets.

Holiday Wishes

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Duran) — Tue, 01 Oct 2013 08:30:00 +0000

Happy Tuesday! I am blogging today over at the Precious Remembrance Stamps blog; sharing another card using the new Holiday Wishes stamp set.

Any type of holiday cards are my favorite type of cards to create. And if you’re like me, getting an early start on Christmas cards is a must.

I have a small collection of vintage candy cane pipe cleaners. And I just think they are perfect for decorating on Christmas packages or adding as a fun embellishment on holiday cards.

Adding a variety of Christmas themed papers, I surrounded the framed stamped image in traditional Christmas colors. A little white paper doily, ribbon, and a silver bell is all this card needs for a cheerful holiday greeting.

I hope you've enjoyed today's card for Precious Remembrance. I am so glad you stopped by!

Waltzingmouse Release Day Blog Hop

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Duran) — Thu, 19 Sep 2013 18:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the Waltzingmouse Stamps Release Day Blog Hop! Today is the day - the new stamp sets are available in the Waltzingmouse shop. As a recap, there are eight new sets.

To celebrate the new release, you are invited to a blog hop party. For those who want to play along, just hop to each of the design team blogs and leave a comment. A randomly selected comment will be eligible to win a stamp set from Waltzingmouse! Yeah!

If you've been following along the blog hop, you should have arrived here from Karin's blog. If not, you may want to start at the Waltzingmouse blog so you don't miss a thing.

For my card today, I used the new Spooky Tree and Vintage Witch stamp sets. The detail and quality of these stamps are amazing! I love that about Claire's stamps. She always captures the details.

The witch was stamped in watermark ink and heat embossed in black. I carefully cut her out and added foam tape to give her some dimension over the tree silhouette.

I hope you've been enjoying the projects for today's blog hop.

Be sure to leave a comment below to be entered in the blog hop prize. And continuing on the blog hop, be sure to stop by Renee's blog to see her lovely project.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Do Not Open Until...

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Duran) — Tue, 17 Sep 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Hello again. I am back to share another fun project featuring the Holiday Wishes stamp set from Precious Remembrance Stamps. Since this stamp set is primarily a Christmas theme, I thought it would be fun to showcase it as a Halloween set. With that idea in mind, I've created a Halloween treat bag that's perfect for a quick gift.

I started with a medium size glassine bag and added diagnol stripes using black Stayz On ink. This type of ink is permanent and can stamp onto almost any type of material, even fabric! After stamping the bag, I added a quick burst of air from a heat gun just to make sure there were no smudges.

The tag from Holiday Wishes is perfect year round, but to give it a Halloween twist, orange ink was a must! I also added the date, October 31, using the Calendar stamp set. Dyane’s handwritten fonts are just the best! Talk about cute!

I added a few layers using patterned paper, a dark purple doily, and crinkle ribbon. Then the finishing touch, filling the bag with chocolate bars! Oh yes!

I hope you enjoyed my Halloween treat bag idea using the Holiday Wishes stamp set. It’s just another way of getting more use from your stamps year round.

Waltzingmouse Release Preview | Day 2

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Duran) — Tue, 17 Sep 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the second day of previews of the new stamp sets to be released at Waltzingmouse Stamps! Available on September 19th, there will be eight new stamp sets!

Today, the design team is previewing three new sets:

All Hallow's Eve
The Count
Splat That

I say this every year, but Halloween and fall decorating is one of my favorite things to do. It's the beginning of the holiday season and is just the right time of year to welcome that hot cup of apple cider and start the smells of baking in the kitchen. Oohh, I love it!

So of course, with the break of autumn approaching, I am loving the new Halloween themed stamps from Waltzingmouse.

I used both the new All Hallow's Eve and Splat That stamp sets. The lovely raven and sentiment were stamped with watermark ink and heat embossed in black and deep purple. And see the splatters? They are from the new mini Splat That set. How fun, right?

For embellishments, I added washi tape, pleated trims, and a Halloween flair button from my Etsy shop.

To see more previews of the new stamp sets, be sure to visit the other design team member's blogs...

Edna Morrisedie| Iwona Palamountain| Jean Martin| Jeanne Jachna

Jennifer Holmes | Julia Aston | Kelly Schirmer | Laurie Schmidlin

Lynn Mercurio| Renee Lynch| Tosha Leyendekker | Claire Brennan

Thanks for stopping by today! I hope you're enjoying the previews so far.

Waltzingmouse Release Previews | Day 1

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Duran) — Mon, 16 Sep 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the first day of previews of the new stamp sets to be released at Waltzingmouse Stamps! Available on September 19th, there will be eight new stamp sets!

Today, the design team is previewing three new sets:

Art Deco Backgrounder
Putting on the Ritz
Opera Tags Christmas

First up, is the ultra glam Putting on the Ritz and Art Deco Backgrounder stamp sets. The backgrounder set comes with one very large background and several smaller pieces so you can create your own patterns and backgrounds, as I've done here.

And just wait until you see all the new sentiments in the Putting on the Ritz stamp set. Seriously fun!

Next up, Claire has created a follow up to the fancy Opera Tags set with a Christmas theme. If you already own the Opera Tags Spellbinders dies, then this set is a perfect pairing to add more variety to your collection.

Now don't stop here. Have a look at some of the other design team members previews featuring the new stamps coming to Waltzingmouse!

Thanks for stopping by!

To My Daughter...

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Duran) — Tue, 13 Aug 2013 08:00:00 +0000

Happy Tuesday! I'm back today to share with you one more project featuring the new Journey stamp set from Precious Remembrance. I hope you've been enjoying this new stamp set. Not only is this set perfect year-round, but it's especially perfect for this time of year with so many on vacations and traveling during the warm summer months. It's the perfect stamp set to compliment your memories and summer smiles.

Sometimes, I like to create cards for my daughter. Just because I love small ways to show my love for her. That's what today's card is about. I just adore her smile and love to take as many photos of her as I can. I created this card for her to tell her to never let go of her gorgeous big smile!

I started this card by creating a background using the arrow border stamp. I off-centered each layer to create a fun pattern. Who says backgrounds have to be lined up anyway? To keep it fun, I added fringed fabric trim. So simple to create by cutting slits into the fabric and fraying the edges.

The camera has been paper pieced and colored with Copic markers. I created dimension by adding foam tape between each layer and finished it off with a small wooden heart. Colored pink, of course!

Now it's time to give this card to my daughter before she reads this on the blog. It's hard to be sneaky when your family reads your blog posts. ; )

Here's to a happy Tuesday! I am so glad you stopped by today!

Waltzingmouse Release Day Blog Hop

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Duran) — Sat, 10 Aug 2013 18:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the Waltzingmouse Stamps Release Day Blog Hop! Today is the day - the new stamp sets are available in the Waltzingmouse shop. As a recap, there are nine new sets.

If you've been following along the blog hop, you should have arrived here from Karin's blog. If not, you may want to start at the Waltzingmouse blog so you don't miss a thing.

For my card today, I created a floral collage featuring the new Two Step Sprig, Big Day Today, Pinstripe Background, and a little touch of Simple Sprig.

Each floral piece was double stamped, starting with the lightest color and increasing the color with each layer. I love stamps with this type of technique. It really adds life and dimension to your creations.

And don't you just love that new label frame? It's included in the new Big Day Today stamp set. The flourishing frame is just the right amount of fancy.

Be sure to leave a comment below to be entered in the blog hop prize. And continuing on the blog hop, be sure to stop by Renee's blog to see her lovely project.

I hope you've been enjoying the projects for today's blog hop. Thanks so much for stopping by!

Waltzingmouse August Release | Day 2

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Duran) — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the second day of previews of the new stamp sets to be released at Waltzingmouse Stamps! Available on August 10th, there will be nine new stamp sets - yes, nine!

Today, the design team is previewing three more sets. And this time it's a floral theme!

Simple Sprig
Two Step Sprig
Funky Flowers

If you're like me, then you just adore anything floral! That's why I am loving the newest floral stamps during this release. And with all the layering possibilities - let me just say...oh me, oh my!

For my first card, I primarily used the new Funky Flowers set. This set is full of different flowers in all shapes and styles. And because you can stamp each flower into a single, double, triple or more layers...the possibilities are endless for creating a beautiful floral bouquet.

I also got a little creative by creating a custom frame. Using the large flourish from Join Us and the straight edged line from Holiday Labels No. 14 stamps, I added blue embossing powder for lovely texture. Inside the frame, I used a sentiment from the Vintage Garden Seed Packet set.

Next up, I created this card using both the new Simple Sprig and the Two Step Sprig stamps. I stamped two layers for the leaves to add dimension. For each flower bud, I added a subtle glitter using a gel pen (given to me by my sweet friend, Colleen, at sooofullofcraft). I just love the added detail from the glitter.

Tomorrow, the design team will be back to showcase the next series of stamps to be released on August 10th. Yes, there's more!

To see the other designer's preview projects for today, head over to the Waltzingmouse blog for a complete list.

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you've enjoyed seeing the previews so far!

Waltzingmouse August Release

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Duran) — Wed, 07 Aug 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the first day of previews of the new stamp sets to be released at Waltzingmouse Stamps! Available on August 10th, there will be nine new stamp sets - yes, nine!

Today, the design team is previewing three new sets:

Ocean Bound
Tying the Knot
Safe Harbor Sentiments

My first card features the new stamp set, Ocean Bound in classic nautical colors - red, white, and blue. This is a larger stamp set that is packed full with a variety of images and sentiments. There is even the knotted label frame as shown on my card. And you're going to love the variety of sentiments and gorgeous fonts in this set!

My next card features the new set called, Tying the Knot. This set is full of decorative rope borders, images, and sentiments.

I added gold embossing powder to the rope borders on the top and bottom of my card. I was trying to go for a vintage look using colors that you might see on an old map. I just love the pattern paper too...it has that old patina color that I just love.

Tomorrow, the design team will be back to showcase the next series of stamps to be released on August 10th. And you don't want to miss the previews. Let me just hint that the sets are gorgeous!

To see the other designer's preview projects, head over to the Waltzingmouse blog for a complete list.

Thanks for stopping by!

Capture the Moment | Precious Remembrance Stamps

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Duran) — Tue, 30 Jul 2013 07:00:00 +0000

Hello everyone! I'm blogging today over at the Precious Remembrance blog. I had this idea to create a photo-themed card knowing the Journey stamp set would be perfect. The idea came to me because my own grandmother is always wanting to see recent photos of my children. Since she is not on any form of social media, she is not able to see the daily moments I often post through Facebook or Instagram. Sending mail with photos tucked inside is a special gift for her since she lives so far away.

Using the new Journey stamp set, a photo frame from Pink Paislee, and a wooden camera from Studio Calico, I’ve created a thoughtful way to include photos tucked inside the card. For the background, I’ve added the large flower from the Mom & Dad stamp set to add some color.

And of course, you know I just had to add a paper doily and a jewel in the center of the wooden camera as decorative embellishments. I know my grandma is going to love this gift in her mailbox. I hope you’re inspired to send some of your own memories with a card and photo. It’s such a nice way to let someone know you’re thinking about them.

So glad you stopped by today!

Sip & Savor Tea Packages | Gift Idea

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Duran) — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 04:00:00 +0000

When I first started paper crafting, I really loved the idea of making handmade gifts. To me, there is something soothing about sitting down to create something for someone else and thinking about there reaction to receiving their gift. I love that!

Gift giving doesn't always have to be a big event. It's the small gifts that can sometimes mean the most, especially when given for no reason at all, except to make someone's day extra special.

Each little gift box here is filled with flavorful tea bags. I know lots of tea drinkers and these will make perfect little last minute gift ideas. Here is how I decorated each box....

Step 1. Die cut the Party Favor 9 Tea Box and stamp background using Background Basics 2.

Step 2. Use post-it notes to mask off the front of the box at the creases. Stamp border using clear watermarking ink and Background Basics 3. Sprinkle embossing powder over wet ink and use a heat gun to set the powder.

Step 3. Repeat step 2, but mask the front flap of the box at the first crease. Stamp and emboss. Assemble the box and decorate.

Step 4. To create the double pennant, die cut pennant using Favor Flags dies. Fold in half at an angle. Stamp sentiment using the Favor Flags stamp set.

Last, add pretty bow toppers using the Bow Trio Mini dies.

I hope you've enjoyed this gift idea! I already know several friends who I will be giving these to.

Thanks for stopping by!

Ahoy, It's a Boy! Clear and Simple Stamps Party Hop

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Duran) — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 04:00:00 +0000

It's Party hopping time! Today, the Clear and Simple Stamps design team is sharing projects with a party twist. And I've got an idea for a boy's baby shower with a summer beach theme.

I used the new Take Out box party favor die and cut the lids off for some party snacks. Filled with gold fish crackers and embellished with a cute ship's anchor and pennant for "best fishes." Yes, it's punny, and completely adorable, if you ask me.

I used the Create-A-Plaid stamp set to create the invitation. I just love the sentiment using a mixture of stamps to keep the beach theme going.

And you can't have a beach theme without a little fishing. I created a fishing pole straw for the drink cups tied with real fishing line!

See even more party inspiration by visiting the design team blogs here...

Audrey Tokach | Tracy Schultz | Lori Tecler | Elena Roussakis

Jennifer Rzasa | Jean Martin (Guest) | Clear & Simple Stamps

Supplies Used:

Stamps:

Dies:

Take Out Box Party Favor 13 | Seaside Fillers | Sea Life | Shapes: Circles | Favor Flags

Monogram Floral Stationery | Clear & Simple Stamps Release Review

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Duran) — Tue, 16 Jul 2013 16:00:00 +0000

So a while back when I made this set of cards, my sister wanted to know why I didn't use her initials. So sis...this card is for you and is on it's way in the mail to ya! You're welcome!

I have been loving the new Build-A-Wreath and Alpha Monogram sets from Clear and Simple Stamps. The endless layering possibilities just gets my stamping heart pulsing. OK that sounds a little smoochy, but you stampers out there should know what I mean.

Normally, I'm a pastel kind of girl. My sister is the opposite. So I chose more vibrant colors with a little orange to match the orange flowers in her home (she knows what I'm talking about!).

I created a coordinating envelope using the A2 envies from Clear and Simple Stamps. This color is Leek-ed to the Press. Such a fun name! I made it personal using the smaller Mini Alpha Monograms.

All packaged up in a glassine bag with some washi tape and floral embellishments. OK, sis....I hope you like it!

To see more projects from Collection 7, check out the inspiration here:

Tracy Schultz | Clear and Simple Stamps

Stamps Used:

Build-A-Wreath Spring | Lovely Leaflets | Alpha Monogram | Alpha Monogram Mini

Enjoy the Journey | Precious Remembrance Stamps

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Duran) — Tue, 16 Jul 2013 11:50:00 +0000

In this house, we are big campers! Love going camping, fishing, or just being outside in the fresh mountain air. This summer, I am extra happy about camping because we just purchase a new trailer yesterday. The excitement hasn't worn off yet and I can't wait to get out and hit the road!

The timing is perfect for the newest stamp set over at Precious Remembrance. It's called, "Journey." And I can't think of a better way to create a card with the great open road on my mind. I used the "enjoy the journey" sentiment as my starting point and created a sort of postcard themed card.

Mixing it up, I used several other stamp sets from Precious Remembrance too: Calendar, Positive Thoughts, Mom & Dad, and Journey. I just love the way they mix and match so well together!

So what plans do you have for the rest of the summer? I am sure you can guess what our family will be doing! And I think this Journey stamp set will be perfect for scrapping a travel journal while we are on the road. I am so excited!

Be to sure to follow the Precious Remembrance blog as the design team features more projects for your inspiration.

I am so glad you stopped by!

Well Said Stationery | A Clear and Simple Stamps Group Project

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Duran) — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 04:17:00 +0000

With so many ways technology allows us all to connect instantly on a daily basis, like texting, email, Facebook and Instagram; handwritten correspondence is becoming a lost art. So today, Clear and Simple Stamps challenged the design team with a group project - to bring back the 1980s (circa pre-Facebook) and create a set of stationery for a hand written note.

I love sending thank you cards. I can come up with a million reasons to send thank you cards. And no matter how many, it's always a thoughtful gesture to surprise someone in the mail with a little love. Don't you think?

I used the beautiful 24-Karat Gold A2 envelopes and created a coordinating set of cards and stationery paper. There are even matching stickers to seal the envelopes shut.

So I did my best to create a flourishing cluster of flowers using Build-A-Wreath Spring and Lovely Leaflets.

And a little gold embossing for the sentiments. I love that sparkle!

The box was created using the lid from an acrylic box and My Style Blueprint cardstock. If you've ever purchased ink from Clear and Simple Stamps, then you might recognize the acrylic lid. Every ink you purchase from Clear and Simple Stamps comes carefully packaged inside an acrylic box to prevent any ink from spilling. I save the boxes to re-use on projects like these.

Thrifty, eh?

There's more stationery projects to see. Start at the Clear and Simple Stamps blog for links to all the participating designer's blogs.

Thanks for stopping by!

Precious Remembrance New Stamp Release

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Duran) — Fri, 05 Jul 2013 14:50:00 +0000

Hello! I hope you had an amazing 4th of July holiday yesterday! To keep the party going, it's Release Day over at Precious Remembrance Stamps. And Dyane has a giveaway for you on the Precious Remembrance Stamps blog.

Introducing Journey...

See all the stripes going down my card? I masked off the chunky white sections using washi tape and used aqua blue mist to fill in the color. With the washi mask still in place, I added stars to create a pattern.

The sentiment was entirely my daughter's idea. She spent the day with me in my craft room. While I was making this card, she was holding this stamp set in her hands very quietly. Then out of nowhere, she jumped up and said, "you should mix the stamps and make your own quote." I gave her a scratch piece of paper and she wrote "a photograph makes every journey last forever."

She's a clever girl...it worked perfectly!

The camera was also misted. No markers used at all. For an extra embellishment, I added an epoxy dome over the heart to give the camera lens a glossy look.

And here's a look at the new Journey stamp set available today. Want a chance to win this set? Head over to the Precious Remembrance blog and leave some comment love ♥.

Thanks for stopping by!

Tutorial | Fortune Cookie Rewards & Printable

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Duran) — Wed, 03 Jul 2013 04:00:00 +0000

So summer is here. I don't know about you, but asking my kids to do chores around the house can be like pulling teeth. This summer, I got smart (I know, finally). I decided on giving them a great way to earn rewards for the extra special things they do to stay on top of their chores.

My son is the worst - he loves to collect laundry and legos in his room. Have you ever stepped on a lego with your bare foot? Oh it's just awful!

My daughter, on the other hand, loves to keep bottles of nail polish and cotton balls laying around the house.

Anyway, asking them to do their chores is just too much of a chore for me. So I came up with a fun new way for them to earn rewards by keeping up with their chores without me having to ask! The bonus? They are even coming up with creative ways to do extra stuff around the house. Yes, extra!

How?

I used the new Take Out Box die from Clear and Simple Stamps and came up Fortune Cookie Reward Treats. When I notice my kids have done something extra special around the house or to help one another, they can pick a fortune cookie from the box. Inside each cookie is a super cool reward for doing an awesome job.

You should hear what kind of crazy things my son is trying to come with in order to get a new cookie from the box! He is hilarious!

Here's how you can make your own fortune cookie reward system too.

1. Die cut a large circle from cardstock. 2.5 to 3 inches wide works best. I used the largest circle die from the Shapes: Circles combo pack.

2. Ink up each circle using distress ink. This will give your treats that "fortune cookie" color. I used Brown Leather Satchel ink to distress each circle.

3. Add a small piece of strong adhesive to the edge of your circle and roll it up like a burrito (ooh, burritos!).

4. Now place your fortune inside the opening and fold the circle in half (download the printable below).

5. Add more strong adhesive inside the crease to keep it sealed shut.

6. Approximately 4 to 5 fortune cookies will fit inside the Take Out Box.

And just because I didn't want you to leave without a little something, I created a template for you to print and use for your own fortune cookies.

I hope you enjoyed my Fortune Cookie Reward Treats idea. My son has already earned a trip to the toy store and movie night. We saw Monsters University and it was so fun! My daughter has already earned a new outfit from the mall and more nail polish (of course!).

Give it a try and let me know what kind of rewards you came up with!

Font Used for Fortunes: Chinese Takeaway

Goodbye, Google Reader!

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Duran) — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 00:35:00 +0000

Today is the last day for Google Reader. I know so many of you, like myself, have been using Google Reader to follow all your favorite blogs. I was a bit shocked when I heard the news months ago. But as the saying goes, when one door closes, many more will open.

Since the announcement, I have been trying out two different alternatives to Google Reader. So far, it's a tie between Bloglovin' and Feedly - although I think I am leaning towards Bloglovin' as my favorite.

Here are my top five reasons I am loving Bloglovin':

You can search new blogs easily. I have found several new blogs that I've added to my reader just from searching a topic.
Blogs I follow are neat and organized alphabetically. So if I want to see only a specific blog, just click from the list and I'm there.
You can "like" or favorite a blog post and Bloglovin' will store it for you. You can go back to your "liked" pages at any time.
Sharing is easy. Just "share" and you can post to Facebook, Twitter, etc.
I love the simple image preview. Google Reader never had this one and that was just lame.

And if you hurry before tomorrow, Bloglovin' will import all your Google Reader subscriptions over with just one click. So don't worry about manually transferring all your subscriptions over. Bloglovin' will do all the hard work for you!

Step 1. Sign up with Bloglovin'. After you sign up, you will see the following message. Click on "Import from Google Reader."

Step 2. Click "Accept" when Bloglovin' asks permission to manage your data in Google Reader.

Step 3. Bloglovin' will import your subscriptions over from Google Reader. It took me a matter of two seconds. Yes, I counted!

Last, Bloglovin' asked me if I wanted to add an icon to my Chrome browser. I said "yes." It's a nice way for me to see if there are any new blog updates without having to check in Bloglovin'.

Now don't get me wrong, even though I am recommending Bloglovin' more over Feedly, Feedly is a beautifully designed reader. And I mean, stunning! I just prefer a simple approach to reading blogs. Feedly seams to be fast and so streamlined that I've often skipped several of my favorite blogs because of how fast you can flip through the pages on my iPad. Maybe it's better for browsing on your computer instead?

I don't want to skip anything - that's why I am choosing Bloglovin' as my favorite reader for now.

So that's it! Pretty easy, right? I hope you find Bloglovin' a great place to get cozy and catch up on all your favorite blogs.

And as for Google Reader....change is a good thing.

Waltzingmouse Stamps Release Day Blog Hop

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Duran) — Sun, 30 Jun 2013 18:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the Waltzingmouse Stamps Release Day Blog Hop! Today is the day - the new stamp sets are available in the Waltzingmouse shop. As a recap, there are eight new sets.

If you've been following along the blog hop, you should have arrived here from Karin's blog. If not, you may want to start at the Waltzingmouse blog so you don't miss a thing.

For my first card, a little summer inspired creation using the new Big Berry Cherries stamps. And yes, those cherries are big! I just love that each of the pieces are separate to allow you to place the stamps anyway you choose.

To get the gradient colorful cherries, I used three different inks: red, dark pink, and pale pink. By rolling my stamps through each of the colors, I was able to make these cherries have dimension. I just love how they turned out! Good enough to eat!

This next project features a fun set called, Charm Squares. This set will not be available for purchase, but will included as a free gift with purchase. Hooray! Be sure to check out the details for how to get this limited edition set over at the Waltzingmouse blog.

Charm Squares features fun quilt style blocks, buttons, and a coordinating sentiment. Here I've added fabric knots, a stick pin, and a mini wooden spool with twine. "Sew" adorable, don't you think?

Now, there is just one more stop along the blog hop. Don't miss out on Renee's lovely project!

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I hope you've enjoyed the projects along the blog hop today.

P.S. Google Reader will end on Monday. Continue to follow my blog on Bloglovin to stay updated!

Introducing You're A Doll | Waltzingmouse Stamps Release Day

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Duran) — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 07:59:00 +0000

It's finally time for previews at the Waltzingmouse blog! I am so excited to share with you all the new stamps that will be available this Sunday!

Today, I am introducing You're A Doll and You're A Doll Additions. And oh my...these stamps are gorgeous! Claire never disappoints.

In the trendiest chalkboard style, I created a frame for my nesting doll (my grandma calls these dolls Babushkas) using white ink, white embossing powder, and a white colored pencil.

I even added a little chalkboard "dust" by dabbing a paper towel into the white ink and blotting it over the embossed nesting doll image.

This next card is completely opposite from my first card. It's bright and full of color - just like those pretty Russian nesting dolls.

Since each one of these dolls are separate pieces, you can choose which patterns to combine into your perfect doll! I love that!

The corners are decorated with flowers and leaves also from You're A Doll. Aren't they sweet?

And below is my inspiration for this card. We have several of these nesting dolls displayed throughout our home. I grabbed this one from my shelf. She was so colorful, I just had to recreate her.

I hope you enjoyed my preview projects today. There's still plenty more projects to see. Head over to the Waltzingmouse blog and check out more projects from the design team.

Thanks for stopping by!

P.S. Google Reader will end on July 1 (this Monday). Continue to follow my blog on Bloglovin' to stay updated!

Seaside Ahoy | Clear and Simple Stamps Release Review

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Duran) — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 07:35:00 +0000

Looks like this blog will be busy during the next week with many more previews of all the new design team assignments I've been working on. I can't wait to show you all the new stamps I've been playing with!

Today, I am joining the Clear and Simple Stamps blog (and Jennifer Rzasa) to show you the new dies and stamps that have been added to the shop.

Last year, Clear and Simple Stamps released some of my favorite stamp collections with a seaside theme. Now, they've added to the collection by releasing coordinating dies to go with a few of the stamp sets. Here I've used the new Seaside Filllers dies and stamps to create a friendly summer card and gift box.

The little anchor with polka dots is so sweet. I've added a little baker's twine for that nautical detail.

The gift set is a new die called Party Favor 9 Tea Box. Yes, it fits bags of tea inside the box perfectly. Isn't that a great idea? Oh, and this box assembles with just a single piece of adhesive. I love the quick assembly!

There's more to see on the Clear and Simple Stamps blog. Have a look!

Thanks for stopping by!

A Coffee Lover's Gift Idea | Morning Brew Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Duran) — Fri, 21 Jun 2013 04:00:00 +0000

In my house, we are big coffee drinkers. In fact, that's mostly what I drink - coffee and water. Open the fridge and your sure to find cold water and lots of creamer, or maybe a little caramel sauce for adding a splash of flavor to my cuppa Joe.

Craving another beverage while visiting my house? Sorry. In this house you'll have to BYOB (that's bring your own beverage)! Otherwise, I will be happy to make you some fresh coffee, or espresso, if you're feeling a bit fancy (raise your pinky finger in the air!).

So for all you coffee lovers (and tea drinkers) out there, I am happy to tell you about the Morning Brew Collection that Clear and Simple Stamps is releasing today as part of their Collection 7.

From this collection, I used the Beverage Cozy die, Morning Brew: Coffee stamps, and small Coffee Cup die to create a fun gift set. Notice the pleating pattern on the coffee sleeve? I added some coloring to give it a quilt-like style with lace trim. Pretty!

Next up, a card perfect for a little pick-me-up. My favorite is the cute heart stamp on the coffee cup and the bit of steam coming out from the lid.

Have you tried the new Starbucks travel packs? Oh my heavens are they yummy! My favorite are the Caramel Iced Coffee singles and the Very Hibiscus Refreshers. They fit perfectly in your purse too (guilty). They also fit perfectly packaged in a small glassine bag with burlap trim.

And just in case your wondering what the dies from this collection look like....here they are in action. The Beverage Cozy Die is long, but fits perfectly through the Cuttlebug and Vagabond die cutting machines.

Thanks for stopping by to see part of the new Clear and Simple Stamps collection. There's plenty more to see at the Clear and Simple Stamp blog.

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Alpha Monograms | CSS Release Day 3

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Duran) — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Hello there! Before we get started, did you see my new blog? If you're viewing this in your reader or email, come on over and have a look. I decided to treat my blog to a makeover. There were some new features and coding that I wanted to try. It's a work in progress. So please excuse my CSS/HTML dust while I make additional tweaks here and there.

Now on to the show...

When I saw these new stamp sets a while ago behind the scenes at Clear and Simple Stamps, I just knew I HAD to have them! Today, I am so excited to share with you the new release of Alpha Monograms and the Build-A-Wreath series.

Before these stamps arrived at my door, I had created this sketch on my iPad using the Paper app by Fifty Three. Mostly I share this app with my kiddos on long car rides. We play tic-tac-toe, hang man, or Pictionary. And seriously...we have a blast!

Anyway, I thought this would be a great way to capture my idea for these cards. And although I don't normally sketch out my cards before creating them, I think it's something I will try more often.

The Build-A-Wreath series includes all the four seasons, plus a few extra sets. Here I've created a monogram stationery set for the whole year. I just love all the stamping possibilities! This set definitely packs a punch!

Head on over to the Clear and Simple Stamps blog to see more previews of all the new stamp sets available!

Thanks for stopping by!

P.S. Google Reader will end on July 1. Continue to follow my blog on Bloglovin to stay updated!

Hey, Mister!

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Duran) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 06:00:00 +0000

I can't believe summer vacation has started already. With the kids out of school and the start of the first summer holiday, Father's Day, I decided on creating a card for dad with a beachy themed summer twist.

When Clear and Simple Stamps challenged the design team to create a masculine card and incorporate a misting technique in some way, I immediately thought of creating ocean waves using only mists.

To create the waves, I used the large Scallops Border die and sprayed each piece of cardstock with mists. One in aqua blue, the other in more of a turquoise shade. I let the liquid absorb into the cardstock for just a few seconds before dabbing the excess off with a paper towel.

Then I used a heat gun to set the color and speed up the drying process. (Yes, I am impatient that way☺).

I stamped the large "dad" whale and the little "son" whale using Seaside Sentiments 1. I just love how the little whale is looking up to his dad. So stinking cute if you ask me!

The sentiment came from the same stamp set. To stamp "DAD," I used some selective letters from the other sentiments in the set. Sometimes you need to get creative when you're missing that one word you need to complete your card.

After stamping the sentiment, I hand drew the speech bubble free-hand. I kind of like that my speech bubble did not come out perfectly round. Let's just say I was purposely going for that "handmade" look (uh, yeah. that's it.)

Either way, I think it really does fit the personality of this card - fun and a bit silly.

See what the other girls have created for the Hey, Mister Group Project here:

Audrey ♥ Elena ♥ Jen ♥ CSS Blog

P.S. Google Reader will end on July 1. Continue to follow my blog on Bloglovin to stay updated!