Express Yourself

If you are looking for the Cupcake Inspiration Challenge, CIC55 scroll down one or click here.  I made this for the Card Patterns #60 sketch, for the JUGS29 color challenge, and for the fun new game over at SCS QFTD05.  The person being honored this week is Sue or Coffeestamper.....I wanted to make a coffee card. She had this wonderful link where you can get this coffee cup for free.  You can get yours here.
I am totally being stretched with these colors, I am not a purple gal, so I am not real happy with this card, but hey it is a challenge right?  The sentiment is from Verve set Express Yourself. 
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Stamps:  Verve Express Yourself
Paper:  SU White, SU Designer Paper
Ink:  SU Lavender Lace
Accessories:  Sizixx Embossing Folder, Ribbon, Book Pages, Gemstone, SU Square Punch, Circle Nesties, EK Success Border Punch, and Glue Dots

Happy Birthday/Gift Set

Good morning, it is time for the Cupcake Inspiration Challenge, CIC55.  I wanted to make a gift set using these fabulous plastic checkbook covers, I luv these.  They will make an awesome handmade gift for just a few bucks.  Remember everything is 25% off in the entire store so you can get a pack of four for a little over a $1 a piece....wow!  I used the papers from KaiserCrafts and it is called Devonshire.  The paper flowers are the Devonshire Embellishment pack, they come with lace trim and pearls.  Be sure to check out the other sweeties creations and show them some.  I will check out your creation and show you some luv if you link it to the Hope Stamps Eternal Blog.  Enjoy!

 Kristen ~ Michelle ~ Piali ~

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Stamps:  Verve Big Wish
Paper:  SU Very Vanilla and KaiserCraft Devonshire Designer Paper
Ink:  Momento Rich Cocoa
Accessories:  Plastic Checkbook Cover, Janome, Buttons, Twine, Ribbon, KaiserCraft Embellishment Pack, and Glue Dots

NEW-Data Dig

Good morning, I want to share with you today some helpful tips that I will call my "data dig" or information find.  They may or may not be my ideas but I will link you to the finder or creator.  I will label any posts that have information of this type "data dig" so that you can find it easy  These today are mine, the top set of cards are from the sketch over at Clean & Simple, FTL84 about two weeks ago.  I luvd the sketch and made this card here for the challenge.  I really had fun with it and it was super simple.  Now I am not one to make duplicates of cards very often; but when you stumble upon a good thing that works, why not use it again?  I hope you don't think this is lame.  We are all super busy and lately, I have needed more cards than normal because of my dh's surgery.  The group of cards you see here are for the ladies in my prayer group who have supported us during this time.  I luv the different patterns, texture, and colors, don't you?  I used the fabulous little sets from Verve called Celebration of Thanks, Thankful Accents, and Thankful Hearts.
The second "data dig" is the new way SU is packaging there stamps; now I really like the plastic dvd style case, but boy is there a lot of wasted space.  The wasted space is the first thing I noticed and shared with my demo and stampin buddies.  Being a tad bit on the organized side I wanted to use the space.  I have been changing my wood mounted stamps to unmounted, using EZ Mount(it is on sale).  I have gotten 5 extra sets in this case for a total of six sets.  I wrote the names and what the stamps say on the inside for reference.  I hope you have a wonderful day and can use my "data dig" in the future.  Also, I will be adding more creations to my Etsy site tonight.  Enjoy!

  FTL84 Sketch, I Created Layered Butterflies, Embossing, and Patterned CAS Card  
  Storing More Stamp Sets Using SU DVD Style Cases

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Friday, I have created this card for Sharon's Stamp Simply, ssnotime135  It's a color challenge of purples and browns, there is a little inspiration photo to get your creative juices flowing.  I used the fabulous sketch from sketch girl again, I really liked it and was very happy with the way this one turned out.  I used the Verve set Because Of You, this is another favorite Verve set of mine.  I hope you can play along with us, check out the DT's fabulous creations.

Deb Neerman:  Paper, Ink, Scissors & Stamps 

Barbara Anders: Paper Pursuits

Jennifer Buck: The Buck Stamps Here 

Jenny Gropp: One Krafty Kat

Tammy Hershberger: Stamp Happy (Tammy is taking a break this month)

Janine Orchard: 2bKrafty

AJ Otto: The Willow Garden (AJ is off and running today so can’t play - have fun, AJ)

Deb Saaranen: Dream In Color 

Barb Schram: Explore. Dream. Discover

Have a great day and and even better weekend.  Enjoy!
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Stamps:  Because Of You(Verve)
Paper:  French Vanilla and Mud Pie(Bazzil), Elegant Eggplant(SU), Koshi Designer Paper(Basicgrey)
Ink:  SU Elegant Eggplant
Accessories:  PTI Ribbon, Old Book, SU Punch, Gemstone, Janome, EK Success Border Punch, SU Square Punch, and Glue Dots

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I also want to share my card I made for the Splitcoast Fan Club Theme of Vintage, CT0410 this is really hot now.  I also wanted to use the sketch that Mary Jo offers on Monday's, TSSC117.  I really did start with this sketch, I know it is not exactly, but hey I have always been one to tweak sketches..lol....even my own!  I played along with  Jenny in her first Wee Memories Challenge, WMC1; it is an inspiration..  When I saw the photo of the umbrella, boots, and flowers I knew I wanted to play along.  I wish I could play with every challenge, everyday but it is next to impossible, there are so many challenge blogs out there.  I do like the variety and it keeps us motivated and moving forward, so for that I say thank you! 
My card today, has no stamping, can you believe it?  I used a quote that I found on line and printed it in Word and I must say I luv it.  I sure would like to have it in rubbah...hehehe.  The umbrella card is a flash card by K & Company, they are so adorable.  I used an old piece of a book page for a tab and added a button.    I hope you are having sunshine in your world today!  Enjoy.
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Stamps:  None
Paper:  Bazzil and SU Sweat Pea Designer Paper
Ink:  Computer Ink
Accessories:  Janome, Ribbon, Old Book, K & Company Flash Cards, EK Success Notebook Border Punch, Nesties Labels Twelve, and Glue Dots

Take Joy

Good morning, I have created this for the Sketch Girl #16 challenge to which I am the guest this month....isn't that awesome?  If you have not played with these ladies I hope you will make it a point this week.  I adore this sketch, I have used it on another card I will be sharing tomorrow.  I used the colors from Stacey's Curtain Call Act25.  I have never had any of the Bold Brights from SU, so I used what I had.  I am thrilled with the color changes at SU, there are hardly no BB, yeah!  They have made some outstanding color choices, these are by far my favorites, now I wish I could get them to sell single packs of textured paper.  I use Bazzil and Prism most of the time because of the texture.  I used an all time favorite Verve set Petals & Stems.  I added stitching, a tag, and ribbon.
I have been lurking over at the Etsy site for quite awhile, I decided to put some of my cards in an Etsy shop.  So for those of you that have encouraged me to do that, I say thank you!  For those that  was interested in buying, here is the link enjoy va.sunshine creations.  Happy shopping and be sure to tell your friends!
 I hope you have a wonderful day, only one more day until the weekend....enjoy!
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Stamps:  Petals & Stems(Verve)
Paper:  Avalanche(Bazzil), White(SU), Sweet Pea Designer Paper(SU)
Ink:  Wild Wasabi, Tangerine Tango, So Safron, Pretty In Pink(SU)
Accessories:  Janome, PTI Ribbon, SU Square Punch, Stickles, KaiserCraft Gemstones, SU Butterfly Embosslit, EK SUccess Notebook Border Punch, and Glue Dots

Bloom

Well, the gals from The Color Throwdown kept me around for another week, after my very late post last week I was sweating bullets.....lol.  I have to tell you, I adore these colors, they are this weeks CTD88.  I can see a super fun card or something more elegant.  Be sure to head over to CTDBlog and check out the fabulous creations from the DT over there!  I used the Verve set Budding Blossoms  and a sentiment from Floral Symphony.  The gray and white designer paper is SEI Madaline.  I used Jen's Sketch For You To Try, SFYTT.  I can't wait to see what you do with these colors!  Enjoy.
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Stamps:  Verve Budding Blossoms and Floral Symphony
Paper:  Bazzil Avalanche, SU Basic Grey, Tangerine Tango, So Safron, and SEI Madaline Designer Paper
Ink:  SU Basic Grey, Tangerine Tango, and So Safron
Accessories: Scalloped Circle Nesties, Ribbon, PTI Buttons, PTI Linen Threa, KaiserCraft Gemstones, and Glue Dots

Heartfelt Thanks

 
Good Monday morning, it is mojo time.  I have for you today, a rather layered sketch that I submitted to Julee, I hope you have fun with it!  I used the Verve set Feel The Sun and Celebration Of Thanks. I have been making lots and lots of thank you cards, we have been very supported during Gary's surgery.  I want to be sure to send everyone a note of appreciation for the many ways our friends, coworkers, family, and church family have reached out to us.

The polka dotted designer paper is from the SU Sweat Pea Paper Pack.  I did aa little stitching along the edges.  I used the EK Success Notebook Border Punch, added a bow tied with a button.  I stamped and layered the flower three times and added stickles to the center for a little shimmer.  Have a wonderful day, I know I will I am off again this week.  It has been wonderful to be with dh during this time.  Enjoy!  
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Stamps:  Verve Feel The Sun and Celebration Of Thanks
Paper:  PTI Hawaiin Breeze, Bazzil Blackbird, SU Whie, and SU Sweat Pea Designer Paper
Ink:  Momento Tuxedo Black, SU Bermuda Bay, and Copics Y21 and Y23
Accessories:  Janome, Nesties Labels Ten, Stickles, PTI Ribbon, PTI Button, PTI Linen Thread, EK Success Notebook Border Punch, Distressing Tool, and Glue Dots

Embrace Life

I created this for today's CAS62, I am so honored to be a guest for this weeks CAS challenge.  It is an inspiration challenge, we where to chose a photo from photos shown here, Mackinac (Mackinaw) Island, Michigan Postcards.
I made a circle card based an the big wheeled cycle, I luv these cycles and the tulips are from the other photo.  I used a PTI set Wishing You, I adore tulips, they are my favorite flower.  I added a sentiment and ribbon, brad tab.  You can get the steps to making a circle card at this post if you need them.  Have a wonderful day.  Enjoy!  
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Stamps:  PTI Wishing You
Paper:  Bazzil, White, and SU Wild Wasabi
Ink:  SU Real Red and Summer Sun
Accessories:  Circle Nesties, Scalloped Circle Nesties, Ribbon, SU Cordaroy Brads, and Glue Dots

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I created this for today's FS166, Pat, you can see her gallery here.  I used the SU set Vintage Vogue, stamped and cut out the flowers.  I curled the ends, added, a pearl, and stickles to give them a glittery look.  I stamped the sentiment is SU Pretty In Pink ink and added SU old olive ribbon.  As I type this I realized that that I have used lots of SU elements for this one, wow.....I do not do that very often.  I hope you have a great Monday, take the time to make someone smile today.  Enjoy!  
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Stamps:  SU Vintage Vogue
Paper:  Bazzil Pink, Prism Spring Willow Medium, and Sweat Pea Designer Paper
Ink:  SU Old Olive and Pretty In Pink
Accessories:  Janome, SU Old Olive Ribbon, Pearls, Stickles, EK Success Postage Stamp Border Punch, and Glue Dots

Thanks

 
Good morning, I have some great news to share, everything is 25% off over at Hope Stamps Eternal, wow...now is a great time to get all those goodies you have been wanting!  This is for today's cupcake inspiration challenge from Hope Stamps Eternal, CIC54.
I used the gorgeous paper from Bella Blvd called Estate Sale, this paper is sooo pretty.  I used the green paper to paper piece the leaves.  I embossed the back panel, you can see embossing folders here.  I heat embossed the flower petal and then added a big ole button and ribbon.  I also used the sketch from Unscripted Sketches, #50.  I hope you will play along with us this week and be sure to head over to Hope Stamps Eternal Store and take advantage of the 25% off everything!
Be sure to check out the other sweeties creations

Colleen ~ Karen ~ Kelli ~ Kristen ~ Piali

Foe those of you who are wondering about my dh, they where not able to shock his heart, his blood is not thin enough and will continue on meds for several more weeks before they will try again.  Thank you all for the prayers and support.
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Stamps:  PTI
Paper:  Bazzil French Vanilla, My Mind's eye Quite Contrary, and Bella Blvd Real Estate Designer Paper
Ink:  SU Sage Shadow, Craft Chocolate Chip Ink
Accessories:  Janome, Ribbon, PTI Ric Rac Die, Linen Thread, Embossing Folder, and Glue Dots

Congratulations

Happy Friday, aren't the weekends fabulous?  I know they are at our house, we are usually on the motorcycle by now.  DH is still recovering and won't be able to ride until the end of May, thanks to all for the prayers and well wishes to us during this time.  We are heading back to the hospital today to have his heart shocked, please pray everything goes well.  
I have for you Sharon's Stamp Simply challenge, to make a graduation/congratulations card.  If you do not need either you can make an end of the year/treat creation.  You can get all of the details from Sharon's Blog, ssnotime134.  This is also for Amber's Viva la Verve, VLVAPR2010 sketch with a living room inspiration photo.  I made a square card and rotated it to suit the sentiment.  I used the SU sentiment stamp from the set Well Scripted.  The stars are from the Verve set Polka Stars.
I finally got some of the oval nesties these are Labels Ten, super cute scallop shape on the ends.  I hope you can play along with us on both challenges, be sure to check out the DT's samples from Sharon's Stamp Simply Challenge, these gals are wonderful!

Sharon Johnson: No Time To Stamp?

Deb Neerman:  Paper, Ink, Scissors & Stamps 

Barbara Anders: Paper Pursuits

Jenny Gropp: One Krafty Kat

Janine Orchard: 2bKrafty

AJ Otto: The Willow Garden

Deb Saaranen: Dream In Color

Barb Schram: Explore. Dream. Discover

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Stamps:  SU Well Scripted and Verve Polka Stars
Paper:  Bazzil French Vanilla, Tutu Pink, and My Minds' Eye Quite Contrary
Ink:  SU Melon Mambo and Certainly Celery
Accessories:  Janome, Ribbon, Nesties Labels Ten, Stickles, and Glue Dots

For You

Ok, I am the biggest goof ball right now..I probably will here the words "you are fired" and I just started ...lol.  I was chosen to be this months Color Throwdown Guest and I forget to post...dah!  Please forgive me.  This is this weeks colors, gray, pink, and olive.  I used a PTI set.  You can see the other DT creations over at The Color Throwdown, CTD87..I hope you will make time to play, these colors are fabulous!
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Stamps: PTI
Paper:  Bazzil Pink, Old Olive, and Basic Grey 
Ink:  SU Basic Grey
Accessories:  Ribbon, Janome, SU Border Punch, PTI Linen Thread, PTI Buttons, and Glue Dots

Anything Is Possible

Good morning, it is mojo time, today's sketch was designed by Janette, it's fabulous!  This week is Mojo133 and it is a contest week, so be sure to get your very best creation in to the Mojo Monday Blog,  you could win FREE Verve!  I used the Verve set Starstruck, I used Star Nesties for the shape.  The designer papers are from my stash pile.  I used a Sizzex embossing folder for the medium size polka dotted embossing, I am luvin the polka dots!  I also used the colors from The Color Dare Challenge CD62, these are a favorite color combo of mine.  I hope you will play along with us at the Mojo Monday Blog and be sure to head over to the blog to see the other mojo makers creations.  Enjoy!
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Stamps:  Verve Starstruck
Paper:  Bazzil Avalanche,SU Soft Sky, and Designer Papers
Ink:  SU Real Red
Accessories:  Janome, Star Nesties, Stickles, SU Ribbon, Sizzix Embossing Folder, and Glue Dots

CAS-Thanks For Caring

Hi, this is for today's CAS61, to only stamp the sentiment.  I also used Stacey's Curtain Call Colors ACT24, kraft, white, turquoise, so safron, and green.  I also used Mary Jo's sketch, TSSC115 from last week, I just discovered this challenge blog yesterday.  She has already posted a new one for this week, check it out!  I have been making very similar cards for thank you's for all the ladies in my prayer group who have been by my side during my dh's surgery.  I will share them in a day or two.  Be sure to check back in the morning for this weeks Mojo Sketch.  Enjoy!
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Stamps:  Verve Thankful Hearts
Paper:  SU Kraft, Wild Wasabi, So Safron Designer Paper
Ink:  PTI Hawaiian Shores
Accessories:  Sizzix Embossing Folder, PTI Ribbon, PTI Button, PTI Linen Thread, SU Border Punch, and Glue Dots

Happy Easter

Happy Easter to you, I hope that you will take time to reflect the true meaning of today.  If you haven't you can read the death and resurrection story here in Luke 23 and Luke 24.
I have for you today the Cupcake Inspiration Challenge, CIC53, the cupcakes for today's inspiration reminds me of a bright sunshiny day!  I used the perfect designer paper from Making Memories called Flutter.
Speaking of designer paper, now is the time to get your Imaginisce and Bella Blvd designer paper it is 15% off and there are some great designs, check them out!

I used two different stamps to make the image shown, the sunshine sentiment is from Imaginisce and the KaiserCraft flowers from the set Peachy Keen.   I stamped the flowers and cut them out, adding stickles and a silver bead.  I adhered them with pop dots to give more depth.  I also used the sketch from Unscripted Sketches #49, last week I was chosen in the top 3...wow...how exciting is that?  I know I was thrilled!  I hope that you can join us for this weeks CIC.  Have a fabulous Easter, enjoy!

You can see the other sweeties creations here, be sure to visit and show some luv!

Colleen ~ Karen ~ Kelli ~ Kristen ~ Michelle ~ Piali

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Stamps:   Imaginisce Sunshine sentiment and KaiserCraft Peachy Keen
Paper:  SU Melon Mambo, Old Olive, White, My Mind's Eye Quite Contrary, and Making Memories Flutter
Ink:  SU Old Olive and Melon Mambo
Accessories:  PTI Ribbon, Making Memories Cutter, Silver Beads, Stickles, and Glue Dots

Smile

I made this card for The Color Throwdown,CTC86 and for Just Us Girls sketch challenge, JUGS27.
I used PTI Wishing You set and Basicgrey Origins designer paper.  I want to remind you that all  Imaginisce and Bella Blvd designer paper is 15% off, now would be a great time to pick some up.  I added PTI ribbon, a button, and a little stitching.  The main image is framed to give it more depth.  Be sure to check back in the morning I will be sharing this weeks Cupcake Inspiration Challenge.  Enjoy.
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Stamps:  PTI Wishing You
Paper:  Bazzil Mud Pie, Avalanche, and Basicgrey Orgins Designer Paper
Ink:  SU Wild Wasabi and Summer Sun
Accessories:  Janome, PTI Ribbon, Button, Linen Thread, EK Success Slim Edger Border Punch, Circle Nesties, Silver Beads, and Glue Dots

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Wow, it is a gorgeous day here in VA, it is about 80 degrees and the sun is shinning brightly......it is definitely something to smile about!  I am sharing a super simple CAS card today.  The colors and texture are from the Play Date Cafe, PDCC23 and for the challenge over at Crafting in Croatia, to use this sketch shown.  I used an embossing folder sponged with navy ink, added ribbon, border punched bottom, and the smile sentiment from Verve.
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Stamps:  Verve Celebration of Thanks
Paper:  Bazzil, Navy, and White
Ink:  SU Night of Navy
Accessories:  Ribbon, EK Success Punch, Embossing Folder, and Glue Dots