The Scalloped Edge

MTSC47 Christmas Kirby

2009-11-09T21:02:42-08:00

Hi everyone! It's Tuesday and it's Mercy's Sketch time!! I say it week after week, but this is another fabulous sketch!

I was asked a few weeks ago by Irina Blount, owner of La La Land Crafts, to be a special guest for the month of November and of course I said yes! Irina is local (we actually discovered she lives basically withing walking distance to me!) and teaches classes at one of our LSS's! The images from her line are just too cute! The one I used today is called Christmas Kirby. Isn't Kirby adorable? I stamped Kirby in Memento Tuxedo Black on PTI White and colored him in with Copic Markers. I added some Crystal Snow Glitter with a Sakura Quickie Glue Pen to the brim and ball of his Santa Hat and to the top portion of the stocking. The DP is from Rustic Snowflakes from Papertrey and don't you love the ribbon? Lisa Johnson gives a great tutorial for this ruffled ribbon trim on her blog!

Don't forget to check out more inspiration from the other Muse's! Crystal wasn't able to join us this week as she's feeling a little under the weather! Feel better, Crystal!

Pam Speidel

Cindy Haffner

Pam Varnell

Julie Lacey

Crystal Birr

Jessica Diedrich

Vivienne Holden

and the Head Muse herself....Mercy Kerin

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

TSG28~Fun With Chipboard!

2009-11-09T04:00:00-08:00

Hi everyone! I hope you all had a nice weekend! I now have two sick kids (it was just one)...one on the mend and the other just beginning! Looks like I'm in for another long week. Sheesh! Well.....I stole a bit of time in my craft area this weekend to make this card for today's There She Goes challenge #28~Fun With Chipboard!

I started with this A-Dorable new set from There She Goes called Penguin Love. I was inspired by THIS CARD by my pal, Jodi Collins. Thanks, girl!! The scene was stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black and colored in with Copics. I added a lot of Crystal Snow Glitter with a Sakura Quickie Glue Pen to the image to give it a little sparkle. The chipboard is from Maya Road and was colored with a Copic Marker. Two buttons were added to the center for a little more interest. The ribbon and cardstock are from Papertrey and the DP is the Eskimo Kisses from Basic Grey. Of course, I had to add some stitching!

Here are all the details on the challenge:

Chipboard comes in all shapes and sizes, plain or already altered and is such a fun embellishment to use! This week we challenge you to make a card/layout/project featuring chipboard. Chipboard can be found in every house! You can use your favorite die cuts to cut shapes out of cereal boxes, you can paint, paper, glitter them, the possibilities are endless!! Let your imaginations soar and have fun with this challenge :)

To be eligible for the giveaway, you are to create a card/layout featuring some form of chipboard and then come back to the TSG Blog to add your name and a link to your project in the Mr. Linky that is located at the bottom of this challenge post. This challenge is open until the winner has been announced on the following Monday (Nov. 16th). The winner will receive a $5 gift certificate to use in the TSG Web store!

You do not need to have a blog to be to participate in the TSG Challenges! You can simply add the URL link from your project after it has been uploaded to your online craft gallery. If you upload your card to an online craft gallery, please use the keyword

TSG28 so we can check out your beautiful work! TSG stamps are encouraged but not required to play along in the challenges :)

Thanks for stopping by!!

Stamps: Penguin Love (There She Goes)
Paper: Scarlet Jewel, White, New Leaf (all PTI), Eskimo Kisses DP (Basic Grey)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics
Accessories & Tools: Circle Nestabilities, Chipboard Snowflakes, Crystal Snow Glitter, Button & Ribbon (PTI), Sewing Machine, Dimensionals

TESC90 Believe!!

2009-11-06T07:58:10-08:00

Hi everyone! It's Friday and it's time for another one of Taylor's sketches!! I LOVE this week's sketch! I wanted to go the more simple route with my card so I could showcase this ADORABLE Santa from the new Papertrey set, Holiday Button Bits! I got a rather large Papertrey order earlier in the week and I've just been itching to get SOMETHING inked up! The DP is the new Rustic Snowflakes from PTI and I just love it!! I won't go into great detail as I think the card is pretty straight forward, but if you have any questions feel free to email me!

For more inspiration, don't forget to check out the amazing samples from the sketch team:

Alice Wertz

Jami Sibley

Lisa Hjulberg

Lynn Mercurio

Melissa Sauls

Monika Davis

Rachel Sztonyk

Sherrie Siemens

And of course, Taylor

Thanks for stopping by!!! Have a great Friday!!!

Stamps: Holiday Button Bits (PTI)
Paper: Spring Moss, Pure Poppy, White, Rustic Snowflakes DP (All PTI)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics
Accessories & Tools: Mini Library Clips (SU), Classic Circle Nestabilities, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Sewing Machine, Dimensionals

Taylored Expressions Release Day!

2009-11-05T07:59:30-08:00

Hi everyone! Not only is this the last day of sneak peeks for Taylored Expressions,but it's also Release Day!!   Everything you've seen these last three days is available right now at Taylored Expressions!

Today the Baker's Dozen is showcasing a GORGEOUS new set from the Whimsical Wishes Line called Celebrate Life! I adore this set! It's perfect for fall and Thanksgiving, but can go far beyond this time of year!

I stamped the gorgeous pumpkin in Dark Chocolate ink (PTI) on Choice Buttercream cardstock, colored it in with Copic Markers and framed it with Classic Circle Nestabilities. I sponged some Summer Sunrise ink (PTI) around the outside before removing from the die.   The colors are Old Olive, Summer Sunrise and Buttercream. The DP is from Papertrey. I couldn't resist adding some stitching around the two main back panels and the panel just under the main image! I am addicted to my sewing machine! The sentiment was cut out using the Tag Trio Die from Spellbinders and I finished it off with some Vintage Cream Satin Ribbon and a button!

Don't forget to check out the rest of the Baker's Dozen's fabulous samples:

Charmaine Ikach
Denise Marzec
Donna Baker
Jami Sibley
Jodi Collins
Laura Fredrickson
Laurie Schmidlin
Karen Giron
Karen Motz
Sankari Wegman
Sharon Harnist
Taylor VanBruggen

Thank you so much for stopping by!!  Don't forget to check back tomorrow at the same time for Taylor's Sketch!! It's a good one so you won't want to miss it!

Have a great day!

Taylored Expressions Sneak Peek Day 2!

2009-11-04T08:02:18-08:00

Hi there everyone! Welcome to Day Two of the Taylored Expressions sneak peeks! Today the Baker's Dozen is showcasing a darling new Cuppie set called Sweet Indulgence along with the coordinating Spa Key Ingredients Kit! This set also pairs beautifully with the Luxurious Labels set we peeked yesterday! These sets will be available for purchase on November 5th (tomorrow) at the Taylored Expressions store!

I stamped this adorable image in Memento Tuxedo Black on Choice Buttercream and colored in with Copic Markers. I used the Classic Square Nestabilities to cut it out. I also added some Hero Arts Gemstones to the lights on the mirror and some Glossy Accents to the mirror. Every item Iused on this card aside from the adhesive gems is from the Spa Key Ingredients Kit!   The DP is Whirlybird from the My Mind's Eye Penny Lane Collection! Love the fun bright colors and patterns in this DP!!

Don't forget to check out more amazing samples of this set from the Baker's Dozen!

Charmaine Ikach

Denise Marzec

Donna Baker

Jodi Collins

Laura Fredrickson

Laurie Schmidlin

Karen Giron

Karen Motz

Sankari Wegman

Sharon Harnist
Taylor VanBruggen

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

Taylored Expressions Sneak Peek Day 1!!

2009-11-03T08:00:26-08:00

Hi everyone! It's Day One of sneak peeks for Taylored Expressions and I can't wait to show you the newest sets! Today the Baker's Dozen is showing you samples of a new set to be released on Thursday, November 5th called Luxurious Labels! It's a gorgeous spa themed set that is perfect for any lady!

For the card, I stamped the adorable bath tub two times on Choice Buttercream with Memento Tuxedo Black and colored in with Copic Markers. It was cut out with Classic Circle Nestabilities. For the spa bottle, I added some of my very favorite Amazing Grace Bath and Shower Gel by Philosophy. I use this every time I step foot in the shower! My Mother-in-law loves it, too, so I thought this would be a fun little extra gift to give her for her birthday! The image on the front of the bottle is also from this set. It was stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black and colored in with Copics. I cut it out with paper snips and adhered it to the front of the bottle. The DP, cardstock and ribbon are all from the Spa Key Ingredients Kit that will be released this Thursday! Isn't that DP so fun?

Don't forget to check out more amazing samples of this set from the Baker's Dozen!

Charmaine Ikach

Denise Marzec

Donna Baker

Jodi Collins

Laura Fredrickson

Laurie Schmidlin

Karen Giron

Karen Motz

Sankari Wegman

Sharon Harnist
Taylor VanBruggen



Thank you for stopping by! I love hearing from all of you!! Have a great day!

Stamps: Luxurious Labels (Taylored Expressions)
Paper: Intense Mint, Intense Pink (Prism), Choice Buttercream, My Mind's Eye DP
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers
Accessories & Tools: Classic Circle & Long Rectangle Nestabilities, Adhesive Gems (Amuse), Sewing Machine, Dimensionals

Mercy's Sketch #46 {MTSC46}

2009-11-02T20:59:22-08:00

Hi everyone! Happy Tuesday sketch from Mercy! This week's sketch is sponsored by Whimsie Doodles Digistamps! What fun images they have!!

I chose to use this adorable Christmas Tree muffin! I colored it in with Copic markers and cut it out with paper snips. I added some adhesive rhinestones to look like ornaments then layered it on a Labels Four Nestie that had been sponged with Enchanted Evening ink before removing from the die. The colors I used are Enchanted Evening, Pure Poppy and Garden Green. The DP is Real Red from a retired hostess pack. The ribbon is May Arts from my LSS.


Don't forget to check out what the Muse's did with this sketch and give a warm welcome to our new guest designer for the month of November........Vivienne Holden!!! Welcome, Viv!!!

Pam Speidel
Cindy Haffner
Pam Varnell
Julie Lacey
Crystal Birr
Jessica Diedrich
Vivienne Holden

and the Head Muse herself....Mercy Kerin

Thank you for stopping by! Have a great Tuesday!

TESC89 Joy Heart Love!

2009-10-30T08:04:00-07:00

Hi everyone and Happy Friday! This has been a doozy of a week in my neck of the woods! My youngest daughter had Swine Flu and is finally (Thank God) on the mend! I spent most of the week disinfecting the house so that the rest of us wouldn't get it! It's working so far, as the rest of us thankfully have not gotten sick!  I'm looking forward to a relaxing weekend and a little Trick or Treating!

Now onto why you stopped by! It's Taylor's Sketch Challenge! Woohoo! The jury is still out on my card.....seems I didn't get sick, but my mojo lost it's way, somehow! I made a very non-traditional colored Christmas card! All of the cardstock and DP I used are from the October Key Ingredients kit from Taylored Expressions. I just love this Earth Love dp by Cosmo Cricket and thought it would look great paired with the birdhouse from Taylor's new set, Wings of Joy!  I REALLY wanted to sew on my card, but I did this late last night and since my craft area is in my bedroom, hubby wouldn't have appreciated the noise from the sewing machine while he was sleeping!! So I pulled a Jodi instead and I used my mat pack and paper piercer to pierce around the edges!

For more inspiration, don't forget to check out the amazing samples from the rest of the sketch team!

Alice Wertz
Jami Sibley
Lisa Hjulberg
Lynn Mercurio
Melissa Sauls
Monika Davis
Rachel Sztonyk
Sherrie Siemens
And of course, Taylor

Thanks for stopping by!!! Have a great Friday!!!

There She Goes Blog Hop Day 3!

2009-10-29T21:00:54-07:00

Hi everyone!! Welcome to Day Three of the There She Goes Sneak Peeks! If you've arrived from Faith's Blog then you're in the right place, but if you've just happened along, then head on over to Dawn's blog so you can start from the beginning!

Today we are previewing THE CUTEST SET! It is called Penguin Love and has 55 stamps! Yes, I said 55! 55 Glorious Penguin Love stamps for only $23.00 smackers!!! This set is sure to please!!

This is such a happy set! I chose just FIVE stamps to build this little scene (that still leaves 50 stamps!). It was all stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black and colored in with Copic markers. It was framed with Circle Nestabilities and I added some Sugar Coated Glitter with a glue pen for the snow. The color combo is Pure Poppy, Cool Carribean and white. The Cool Carribean layer was stamped with snowflakes from the set we peeked yesterday, Stuck Together and one of the little snowflake cluster stamps from Penguin Love. The ribbon is Pure Poppy Saddle Stitch from Papertrey and the gems are KaiserCraft. Oh and the white layer was embossed with the snowflake embossing folder.

Want a chance to win this set? Just stop by all of the Trendsetters blogs and leave a comment. When you're done just head on over to the There She Goes Blog and add your name to Mr. Linky. The winner will be announced at the Release Party Chat on Saturday!

Your next stop on this hop is Jessica's Blog!

Thank you for stopping by!

Stamp a Sweet Impression Peek

2009-10-29T08:55:00-07:00

Hi everyone!  This is a little sneak peek of a project I made for the the Stamp a Sweet Impression blog today! If you're interested, then head on over there and check it out!!

Have a great day!

There She Goes Blog Hop Day 2!

2009-10-28T20:59:23-07:00

Hi everyone and welcome to Day 2 of sneak peeks from There She Goes! If you've arrived from Faith's Blog, then you're in the right place.  If you've just happened along, then head on over to Dawn's blog so you can start from the beginning!

Tonight we are giving you a sneak peek at the new mini sets that will be released on Saturday. I have a peek at the new mini set called Stick Together, a set of 11 stamps for only $7!!

I started with Mercy's sketch from this week, MTSC45. I stamped one of the sentiments from the set in Enchanted Evening (PTI), cut it out with an Oval Nestie and before removing it from the die sponged some Bashful Blue towards the center and then went around the edges with Enchanted Evening. I framed it with a Scalloped Oval Nestie in Enchanted Evening. The background dp was done with two of the snowflakes in Enchanted Evening and Bashful Blue. I added some light blue adhesive rhinestones (Amuse) to the centers of the snowflakes and on the main sentiment. The Bashful Blue strip was embossed with the snowflake embossing folder. I used the eyelet border punch on the bottom. The ribbon is May Arts and the button and twine are from Papertrey!

Want a chance to win this set? Just stop by all of the Trendsetters blogs and leave a comment. When you're done just head on over to the There She Goes Blog and add your name to Mr. Linky. The winner will be announced at the Release Party Chat on Saturday!

Your next stop on this hop is Jessica's Blog!

Thank you for stopping by!

There She Goes Blog Hop

2009-10-27T20:59:14-07:00

Hi everyone and welcome to the first day of sneak peeks from There She Goes! If you arrived here from Faith's Blog then you're in the right place, but if you just happened along then head on over to Dawn's Blog and start from the beginning!  The set we're sneaking peeks of today is called Holiday Additions! Do you remember the set, Home Sweet Home, from last month's release? Well, this set was designed to coordinate with Home Sweet Home! It is DARLING! So many images to mix and match with the beautiful fireplace! So without further adieux, here is my card:

One of the new additions that I just love is the brick insert for the fireplace! So easy to stamp and so much fun to color! I was inspired by Sandra's wood floor on this card so I thought I'd give it a try, but I ended up covering it with the sentiment! I always forget about leaving space for the sentiment!!

Want a chance to win this set? Just stop by all of the Trendsetters blogs and leave a comment. When you're done just head on over to the There She Goes Blog and add your name to Mr. Linky. The winner will be announced at the Release Party Chat on Saturday!

Your next stop on this hop is Jessica's Blog!

Thank you for stopping by!



Verve Believe Blog Hop

2009-10-24T07:58:07-07:00

Welcome to the Verve Believe Blog Hop. If you’ve just happened across my blog, you’ll want to start back at the beginning at Julee's Blog and hop your way along. Today we’re hopping for the Cure, sharing projects from a new set Verve just released called Believe. This set was designed in honor of breast cancer awareness and Verve is donating $10 from the sale of every Believe set to the Susan G Komen For the Cure foundation. We believe that we can make a difference. We believe that each day should be celebrated, each moment cherished and that every little thing we can do in the fight to find a cure matters.

Thanks for hopping by! Next up on the hop is the fabulous Tosh. Oh, and we’ve got a special gift hidden along our hop for one lucky commenter, so if you see something you really love, give a little shout out and you just might win a $30 gift certificate to Verve!

Thanks for stopping by!! Have a great weekend!

Stamps: Believe (Verve Stamps)
Paper: Kraft, White, 2008 Bitty Dot Basics (All PTI)
Ink: Memento Black, Spring Moss (PTI), Copics
Accessories & Tools: Labels 7 Nestabilities, PTI Button, Berry Sorbet Ribbon (PTI), Sewing Machine, Dimensionals

TESC88 Little Christmas Piggies and a TE SALE!!

2009-10-23T08:08:26-07:00

Hi everyone! It's Friday and it's time for Taylor's Sketch Challenge!!   I took a little liberty with the sketch by flipping it and not using the three squares, instead using that space for my sentiment and some ribbon! I have been dying to ink up the cute little piggies from the Taylored Expressions set, Trick or Sweet II, but wanted to use them on a Christmas card. So here's what I did.....

I stamped the little piggies by masking them.  They were stamped on Choice Snow White with Memento Tuxedo Black and colored in with Copics. The little pieces of Holly are from the birdcage stamp from the new Taylored Expressions set, Wings of Joy. The sentiment is from another one of Taylored Expressions new sets, Holiday Wonder. I masked it so that the words "A Mouse" were left off the end and then came back in with the "Little Piggies" portion of the sentiment from Trick or Sweet II, "We're All Little Piggies on Halloween".  Clear as Mud? LOL!   The sentiment was cut out with Long Rectangle Nestabilities and sponged with Pretty In Pink ink before I removed it from the die. The ribbon is PTI Scarlett Jewel Twill and the clear rhinestones are Hero Arts! I think it turned out so cute!  I'm not one to mix and match sets, so I felt a little creative when I thought to do this!!

For more inspiration, take a look at the awesome samples from the sketch crew:

Alice Wertz

Jami Sibley

Lisa Hjulberg

Lynn Mercurio

Melissa Sauls

Monika Davis

Rachel Sztonyk

Sherrie Siemens

And of course, Taylor

In honor of Halloween, we have a Fright Night Special just for YOU.

All of our Halloween stamp sets AND the Halloween Key Ingredients are ON SALE for 20% OFF Friday October 23rd through Sunday October 25th ONLY!

So don't miss out on this last minute holiday deal!

Trick or Sweet

Trick or Sweet II

Punchy Potions

Spooky Expressions

Frightful Night

Halloween Key Ingredients (final quantities)

Plus you'll want to check out the TE What's the Deal Department for some incredible deals like JustRite Stampers products at 40-50% OFF! These JustRite products will not be re-stocked, so grab them while you can!

Thanks for stopping by!!! Have a great Friday!!!

Verve Sneak Peek...Christmas In The Air!

2009-10-22T15:00:00-07:00

Did you know that Verve peeks began a couple days ago on the Verve blog? You don't want to miss this release because it's really my favorite to date!! I literally squealed when I saw this month's release!  I think I actually gasped, then squealed, but you don't need to know those particulars, do you? LOL!

There are two sets being peeked on the Verve Blog today. I used the new set, Christmas in the Air here. To see the other gorgeous samples with this set and the other new set, you'll have to check out the Verve blog! The Diva's have some amazing samples to share!

I decided to try a winter scene with my new favorite Christmas DP, Eskimo Kisses by Basic Grey. You will be seeing a lot of it here so I hope you don't get sick of it!! I hand cut rolling hills with three different patterns, sponged the edges with Antique Linen Distress Ink and then did some fun sewing along the hills! The cardstock colors I used are Scarlett Jewel, New Leaf and White....all from Papertrey. Actually all of the supplies except for the dp are from Papertrey.

Don't forget to join us for the Verve Release Party tomorrow night, Friday October 23rd at 9:00pm EST in the Verve Forum! Hope to see you there!

Thank you so much for stopping by!

Stampin' Up Sets for Sale!

2009-10-21T00:00:00-07:00

Hi there everyone! I am once and for all cleaning out all of the rest of my Stampin' Up! sets! I love a lot of these sets but I simply don't have room for all of them and they are sitting here completely unloved! Each set is used and may be slightly stained, but this in no way affects the stamped image. They are neatly mounted and come from a smoke free home! I can only accept Paypal payments at this time!

~I will only ship USPS Priority Mail. One set should fit in a Flat Rate envelope for 4.80, any more will have to be shipped in a Flat Rate Box for 9.85.   US Residents only!

~A Flower For All Seasons 5.00
~A Happy Heart 10.00
~A Little Birdie Told Me     10.00
~All in a Row     5.00
~Baroque Motifs    10.00
~Big Bold Birthday    12.00
~Big On Christmas     10.00
~Boho Backgrounds   8.00
~Bronc Buster     8.00
~Bundle Of Joy     10.00
~Cheep Talk 12.00
~Christmas Classics 12.00
~Classic Backgrounds    8.00
~Cute & Cuddly     12.00
~Cute and Curly (UM)     8.00
~Eastern Blooms   10.00
~Fifth Avenue Floral (partially mounted) 12.00
~For All You Do    12.00
~Great Friend    10.00
~Greenhouse Garden    12.00
~Humor In High Heels   12.00
~Inspired by Nature   12.00
~Love You Much 12.00
~Lovely As A Tree
~Nursery Necessities 12.00
~Oval All (UM) 8.00
~Pocket Silhouettes 10.00
~Quilt Quips (UM) 10.00
~Season Of Friendship     12.00
~Season of Joy    12.00
~Simple Friendship 12.00
~Snow Flurries     5.00
~Sweet Celebrations    10.00
~Sweet Little Sentiments (UM) 5.00
~Sweet Stems (UM) 8.00
~Tart & Tangy 5.00
~Three Little Words  (UM)   8.00
~Upsy Daisy    10.00
~Wild About You    12.00

Sentiment Sets:

~All Holiday    12.00
~Celebrate Everything 5.00
~Circle Of Friendship 8.00
~Edgy Eloquence   6.00
~Happy Everything (missing "together" stamp) 6.00
~Hugs & Wishes 8.00
~It's All Good    5.00
~It's Your Birthday 10.00
~Just So Sayings 6.00
~Lovely Labels (UM)    6.00
~Perfect Ending    5.00
~Small Sayings    8.00
~Small Script   4.00
~Short & Sweet    6.00
~Simple Sayings II    6.00
~Sweet Serendipity     10.00
~That's Nice 5.00
~Think Happy Thoughts 6.00
~Tiny Talk  (UM) 4.00
~Warmest Regards 5.00
~Wonderful Words 6.00

Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients Challenge

2009-10-20T08:00:00-07:00

This is my second post today so if you're looking for Mercy's sketch challenge just scroll down....

Hi everyone! It's the 20th of the month and time for the Key Ingredients Challenge from Taylored Expressions. This is my first key ingredients challenge since joining the Baker's Dozen Design Team and boy are you in for an awesome kit this month! The designer paper in this kit is one of my new favorites: Can you say Cosmo Cricket Earth Love? I know!!

The required element in this month's challenge is DIMENSION...anything to give your creation some pop...foam tape, liquid pearls, rhinestones, pearls, etc. Head on over to Taylor's blog for all the details!

This is the card I made for the challenge. The ribbon, chipboard birds and Avocado Maya Mist I used to color the birds are all from the October Key Ingredients Kit!  I laid the birds and their wings out on a piece of scrap paper and simply misted them with the Maya Mist. They dried lickety split and are so pretty and sparkly IRL! Oh and a tip:  Just tap the Maya Mist in the palm of your hand to get the shimmer all throughout the mist.  The branch and sentiment are from the Taylored Expressions set Branching Out. The Branch was stamped in Dark Chocolate (PTI). The sentiment was also stamped in Dark Chocolate, was cut out with Ribbon Tag Dies by Spellbinders, then sponged with So Saffron ink before removing from the die. I think I'm addicted to doing that! LOL! I adhered the birds and popped their wings up on dimensionals. The eyes are black Taylor's Tiny Twinkles. Oh, and I can't forget the stitching! I used chocolate thread and I LOVE the look!

If you haven't enrolled in Taylor's Key Ingredients Subscription Service, you can do so at any time!   You don't have to pay for it all at once either....Instead of paying for the 3-month or 6-month subscription up front, Taylor now bills you monthly! It's a great deal!

You can see more awesome samples from these girls: Dawn Easton, Karen Motz, Denise Marzec, Laurie Schmidlin, Sankari Wegman and Taylor Van Bruggen.

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you have a great Tuesday!

Mercy's Sketch #44 {MTSC44} and a Verve Sneak Peek!

2009-10-19T21:00:00-07:00

Hi everyone! It's Tuesday and it's time for another one of Mercy's FAB sketches!!  I'm also giving you a little sneaky peeky at a brand new set that will be released this Friday by Verve! It's called Believe and it is the most beautiful and inspiring Breast Cancer set!  October is Breast Cancer awareness month and I'm here to remind you to have your mammograms! I just had my first mammogram a couple weeks ago and am happy to report that it was all clear!

So here are a few details: I stamped the sentiment in Memento Tuxedo Black on PTI White cardstock and then overstamped it with the cancer ribbon in Pretty In Pink. The stem for the flower was also stamped in Memento Black and then cut out with a Labels Four Nestabilities die. Before removing it from the die I sponged some Pretty in Pink around the edges!  I stamped two different sized flowers and colored them in with Copics. I layered them and added a pink adhesive pearl to the center. The background looks black doesn't it? Well, it's not black, it's actually Smoky Shadow by PTI. I randomly stamped the largest flower from the set in Basic Gray (SU!) on the Smoky Shadow cs. It's subtle but so pretty IRL! A little stiching, ribbon and a few more pearls completed the card!

Now it's your turn to give this sketch a try! If you do participate, don't forget to link your card in the Mr. Linky box on Mercy's Blog! Also, don't forget to check out what the other Muse's did with this sketch:

Pam Speidel
Cindy Haffner
Pam Varnell
Julie Lacey
Crystal Birr
Jessica Diedrich
Shannan Teubner
Silke Ledlow (Ocotober's Guest)
and the Head Muse herself....Mercy Kerin
The Verve peeks begin today on the Verve Blog today so don't forget to head on over there to check out what the Diva's have created with this awesome new set! I hope you can join us for the Verve release party this Friday October 23rd at 9PM EST in the Verve Forum! Hope to see you there! This release is AMAZING!

Thank you for stopping by! Have a great Tuesday!

Stamps: Believe (Verve)
Paper: Smoky Shadow, White (PTI), Pretty In Pink (SU!)
Ink: Memento Black, Basic Gray, Pretty In Pink, Copics
Accessories & Tools: Labels Four Nesties, Pretty In Pink Taffeta Ribbon, Pink Adhesive Pearls (Hero Arts), Sewing Machine, Dimensionals

Dear Friends...

2009-10-17T22:13:09-07:00

Hi everyone! Hope you're all having a great weekend!  We spent the day with my In-laws visiting and eating! My MIL is an EXCELLENT cook! I love going over there to hang out! When we got home I went right to my craft area and sat down to stamp this card! The colors are a little out of the ordinary for me, but I kind of like 'em! I used a set from There She Goes called Side By Side. Isn't the sentiment beautiful? I just love this set!

I'm going to make this a short post because I'm tired and my bed is calling my name! LOL! Have a great Sunday!

Stamps: Side By Side (There She Goes)
Paper:  White, Raspberry Fizz, Ripe Avocado (all PTI), Basic Grey Lemonade DP
Ink: Memento Black, Copics
Accessories & Tools: Labels Four & Nine Nestabilities, Fancy Tags Shapeabilities, Adhesive Gems, Eyelet Border Punch, Sewing Machine, Dimensionals

Verve Project Parade with TESC87!

2009-10-16T08:02:20-07:00

Hi everyone! It's Friday and I'm here with this week's Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge! Today is also my feature day for the Verve Project Parade over on the Verve Blog This card is just a part of my project! If you want to see the whole project then hop on over to the Verve Blog.....there are prizes up for grabs so you don't want to miss out!

I used a new Verve set called Starstruck for my card. I stamped one of the starbursts from the set in Bashful Blue ink on PTI White cardstock and then overstamped the sentiment with Plum Pudding (PTI) ink. It was cut out with Circle Nestabilities and before removing it from the die, I sponged on Bashful Blue ink which gives it the white edge! The Plum Pudding cardstock behind the sentiment was cut with a Labels Nine Nestabilities. The polka dot stars are from another Verve set called Polka Stars. The gems at the bottom are Taylor's Tiny Twinkles and the scallops were done with a Scallop Edge Punch.   I'm not really a purple person but I'm trying to embrace it! I really love this color combo!

Don't forget to check out the samples from the rest of the sketch team: Jami, Lynn, Monika, Sherrie and Taylor!

Thank you for stopping by! Have a great Friday!

Merry Mass Production with Taylored Expressions

2009-10-14T08:00:00-07:00

Hi everyone! A few days ago Jami issued a challenge to the Baker's Dozen Design Team to create a set of 4 -10 identical or very similar Christmas cards that could be easily mass produced! I thought this sounded like a fun challenge so I decided to play! You also have a chance to participate in this challenge so make sure to check out Taylor's blog for all of the details!!

I made four cards using the newly released and completely adorable set from Taylored Expressions, Wings of Joy. The sketch is this week's Sweet Sunday Sketch from our very own Karen Giron.  I thought this sketch was perfect for this Joy stamp!

I wanted this to be an easy project, so I cut all of my elements first (die cuts, DP, card base, etc), did all of the stamping and coloring at one time, then the assembly. Easy Peasy! I stamped Joy four times in Memento Tuxedo Black on Choice Snow White, colored in with Copics, and framed with Oval Nestabilities. The DP is Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses and the cardstock and ribbon is from Papertrey Ink.

Instead of making all of my cards totally identical, I decided to keep the sketch the same, but changed up the colors and DP on two of the cards! It's hard to tell from the pictures, but I added a row of machine stitching just above the scallops on each card.  I couldn't leave off the stitching!! LOL!

Don't forget to check out what the other girls from the Baker's Dozen did with this challenge!

Charmaine Ikach
Dawn Easton
Donna Baker
Jami Sibley
Jodi Collins
Karen Motz
Sankari Wegman
Sharon Harnist
Taylor Van Bruggen

Thanks for stopping by!! Have a great day!

Stamps: Wings Of Joy (Taylored Expressions)
Paper: Choice Snow White (Taylored Expressions), Scarlet Jewel, New Leaf, Aqua Mist (Papertrey Ink), Eskimo Kisses DP (Basic Grey)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers
Accessories & Tools: Oval Nestabilities, Scarlet Jewel Bitty Dot Ribbon (PTI), Scallop Edge Punch, Sewing Machine, Dimensionals

Mercy's Sketch #43 {MTSC43}

2009-10-12T23:11:45-07:00

Hi everyone! It's Tuesday and time for another one of Mercy's fab sketches! I used a totally neglected but very loved set from Papertrey called Vintage Picnic. I am totally not feeling this card.....but I'm posting it anyway! I don't know what it is but I stared at it for too long and just gave up! LOL! I won't go into great detail as it's pretty self explanatory and I'm not happy with it!!! Don't forget to check out what the other Muse's did with this sketch:

Pam Speidel
Cindy Haffner
Pam Varnell
Julie Lacey
Crystal Birr
Jessica Diedrich
Silke Ledlow (Ocotober's Guest)
and the Head Muse herself....Mercy Kerin
Thank you for stopping by!! Have a great Tuesday!

Happy Birthday

2009-10-10T18:57:47-07:00

Hi everyone! Hope you're all having a great weekend! We ran a few errands today and had lunch out with my Mom and Dad!  Yummy and fun! When we got home I sat down and stamped this card! I used the There She Goes set called Special Delivery. I've had this set for quite awhile and this is the first time I've ever gotten it inky! YIKES!

The mailbox was stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black and colored in with Copics. The color combo is Dark Chocolate, Hibiscus Burst and White. The DP is 2008 Bitty Box Basics from Papertrey Ink. The zig zag piercing at the bottom was done with a Stitch Doodle Dot template by Crafter's Workshop. This is the coolest template! I just love that piercing!

Well, that's all for now! I hope you have a great Sunday!

Stamps: Special Delivery (There She Goes)
Paper: White, Dark Chocolate, Hibiscus Burst, Bitty Box Basics (Papertrey)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics
Accessories & Tools: Crafter's Workshop Template, Circle Punches, Scallop Circle Nesties, Hibiscus Burst Bitty Dot Ribbon, Swiss Dots embossing folder, Sewing Machine, Dimensionals

TESC86 Fa la la la la!

2009-10-09T07:58:01-07:00

Hi everyone!! It's Friday and it's time for another one of Taylor's sketches!! This week's sketch is also a contest, so make sure you read all the way to the end of this post....you don't want to miss it!!

I used the darling Taylored Expressions set Home Sweet Home and paired it with the new Christmas Key Ingredients Kit! When I saw this dp from the Jolly by Golly line by Cosmo Cricket, I knew I wanted to use it with the choir cuppie from this set! Both of my girls are in choir at school and this card will go to their Choir Teacher, Mrs. Williams, at Christmastime! I stamped cuppie in Memento Tuxedo Black on Choice Buttercream and colored him in with Copics. Cuppie is up on dimensionals and I used Liquid Applique on his scarf and ear warmers. The snowflake chipboard was colored with Copics and the scallops on the green cardstock were done with a scallop edge punch.

Do you like to use card sketches as a jumping off point when you create? Do you enjoy inspiring others with your creations? What about a discount at the TE Store…would you enjoy that? Well then read on to see how you can join the Sketch Crew each week as they provide weekly inspiration using the TE Sketch!

Taylor is looking to add three new people to the Sketch Crew! If you’re interested in joining us, just create a card using today’s sketch and post a direct link to your creation on Taylor's blog by Friday, October 16th at 8 am PST. You may enter as many cards as you’d like. We'll be searching through your creations for the most clever and creative of the bunch! Taylor will notify the winners on Saturday, October 17th and they’ll join the Sketch Crew for the first time on October 23rd. Check out Taylor's blog for more details!

Don't forget to check out the sketch crew: Jami, Lynn, Monika, Sherrie and Taylor!

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

You Put A Song In My Heart

2009-10-07T13:26:06-07:00

Hi everyone and Happy Wednesday! I had absolutely nothing to do today so I stamped for fun!! YIPPEE!! I hadn't yet inked up this beautiful new set from Verve called Swan Song, so I pulled it out this morning and got to work.

I stamped the swans three times in Memento Tuxedo Black on PTI Vintage Cream, colored each in, cutting one out with Heart Nestabilities, and cutting the wings out in different places from the other two.  I added the two sets of wings to each using dimensionals and gave the edges of some of the wings a little coating of Star Dust Stickles. The colors I used are Dark Chocolate, Melon Berry and Vintage Cream, all from Papertrey Ink. The Melon Berry layer was run through the Cuttlebug with an embossing folder from Stampin' Up! I forget the name of it but it is out of the most recent catalog.  I used Chocolate pearls for the eyes and to frame the sentiment. The patterned paper is the In Bloom dp from Papertrey. The scallop border was done with the Eyelet Border Punch. The Melon Berry Bitty Dot Ribbon and cardstock are a much better match IRL, but for some reason they look way off in the picture. I have also given up hope that my Janome Sew Mini will do a proper zig zag stitch.....thus the "Wonky" stitching again!

Well, that's all for today! I always love it when you stop by!!  Have a great day!

Stamps: Swan Song (Verve)
Paper: Dark Chocolate, Melon Berry, Vintage Cream, In Bloom DP (All Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Dark Chocolate (PTI), Copic Markers
Accessories & Tools: Heart Nestabilities, Star Dust Stickles, Chocolate Pearls (KaiserCraft), Eyelet Border Punch, Melon Berry Bitty Dot Ribbon, Stampin' Up! embossing folder, Sewing Machine, Dimensionals