A Note To Say Hello

I'm back again with the same sentiment stamp from the guitar card I shared on Monday - but this card takes a different approach. I got messy with paint and added in some layered stamping to create a one-layer card with "dimension".


I don't get to get out my paint much, but it sure is fun. Give it a try!

Thanks for coming by!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Bazzill (Teal);
Stamps: American Crafts (sentiment); Claudine Hellmuth (frame from Decor-Clear, frame from Decor-Foam);
Ink: Memento (Tuxedo Black);
Paint: Folk Art (Yellow, White);
Tools: Fiskars (Trimmer, Scissors); Martha Stewart/EK Success (Scoring Board);

Winner {Growing In Unity}

Thanks to all who left comments for my week as the Growing In Unity gal...and a very special thanks to each of you who are followers of this blog.




Savannah O'Gwynn, please send me an e-mail with your US mailing address so I can get your prize package out to you.
{You can find my e-mail address in my blog header or on my Blogger profile.}

{Winner will have 48 hours to contact me with their information. If they have not contacted me by that time, a new winner will be chosen.}

Just a NOTE

Earlier this year I shared a similar guitar card and I thought I'd show you this one I created.


It's a similar idea, but a different play on words with the sentiment.
{For this card I was focusing on the word: NOTE.}

Thanks for stopping by today!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Georgia Pacific (White);
Stamps: Market Street Stamps (Vintage Wallpaper); American Crafts (sentiment);
Ink: Memento (Tuxedo Black); Ranger (Shabby Shutters);
Twine: The Twinery (Charcoal);
Brads: Heidi Swapp (Black);
Pearls: Queen & Co. (Grass Green);
Template: Tifany DeGough (Guitar);
Tools: Fiskars (Trimmer, Scissors, Craft Knife, Embossing Stylus); Martha Stewart/EK Success (Scoring Board);

Ribbon & Pins {Growing In Unity}

Welcome to day 5 of my week as the Growing In Unity gal!

Thanks for joining me this week as I showed you some of the things I've created using stamps from Unity Stamp Company...it's been so much fun having you!
Be sure you've commented on each of my Growing In Unity posts this week because Unity Stamp Company is allowing me to give away a stamp set - and I will draw a random winner from the comments that were posted throughout the week!

If you are new here or aren't already a follower: I'd love to have you follow my blog!
If you are one of my regular readers: Thanks for coming back! I love having you!


For my final card I created a simple card created by masking the Glowing Hours chandelier from the Authentique Paper Itty Bitty set and the Vintage Ledger stamp. I finished it off with a ribbon and some trinket pins.

Thanks for stopping by today - and don't forget to leave a comment so you can win some stampy goodness!

And, of course, I'd love it if you sign up to be a follower!

{The randomly picked winner will have a choice of one kit from the following list: Sending My Love, Bitty Backgrounds, Little Me, Bella Fiori, Homegrown , Hugs & Kittens, Handmade Holiday, Bella Trees, Imagine It - to be sent to a domestic address only, please.}

Supplies:
Cardstock: Georgia Pacific (White); Bazzill (Teal);
Stamps: Unity (Glowing Hours - Authentique Paper Itty Bitty, Vintage Ledger);
Ink: Memento (Rich Cocoa);
Ribbon: May Arts (368-15-33);
Other: Maya Road (Trinket Pins - Turquoise Leaf, Gem, White Star);
Tools: Fiskars (Trimmer, Scissors); Martha Stewart/EK Success (Scoring Board);

Beauty {Growing In Unity}

Welcome to day 4 of my week as the Growing In Unity gal!

Stay tuned each day this week as I show you something I've created using stamps from Unity Stamp Company...and be sure to comment on each of my Growing In Unity posts this week because Unity Stamp Company is allowing me to give away a stamp set!

If you are new here or aren't already a follower: I'd love to have you follow my blog!
If you are one of my regular readers: Thanks for coming back! I love having you!


I'm back again today with another rose stamp.
I used the masking technique to add in the Worn Grid background to create a one layer card.

I colored the image with Copic markers and added a few simple pearls to finish it off.




Thanks for stopping by today - and don't forget to leave a comment so you can win some stampy goodness!

And, of course, I'd love it if you sign up to be a follower!

{The randomly picked winner will have a choice of one kit from the following list: Sending My Love, Bitty Backgrounds, Little Me, Bella Fiori, Homegrown , Hugs & Kittens, Handmade Holiday, Bella Trees, Imagine It - to be sent to a domestic address only, please.}

Supplies:
Cardstock: Georgia Pacific (White); Bazzill (Raven);
Stamps: Unity (Beauty In All Things - Itty Bitty, Worn Grid);
Ink: Memento (Tuxedo Black);
Markers: Copic (Y04, Y08, YG05, YG25, C0, C3);
Other: Pearls;
Tools: Fiskars (Trimmer, Scissors); Martha Stewart/EK Success (Scoring Board);

Dream Catcher {Growing In Unity}

Welcome to day 3 of my week as the Growing In Unity gal!

Stay tuned each day this week as I show you something I've created using stamps from Unity Stamp Company...and be sure to comment on each of my Growing In Unity posts this week because Unity Stamp Company is allowing me to give away a stamp set!

If you are new here or aren't already a follower: I'd love to have you follow my blog!
If you are one of my regular readers: Thanks for coming back! I love having you!


Today's card is a simple one - just cardstock, ink, and one stamp - but I loved the way it turned out.

The stamp is from the Melody Ross "Love Life" Unity set and I inked it with a few colors of chalk ink. I love the size of this stamp because it can easily be used to create a quick card that still has a big impact.




Thanks for stopping by today - and don't forget to leave a comment so you can win some stampy goodness!

And, of course, I'd love it if you sign up to be a follower!

{The randomly picked winner will have a choice of one kit from the following list: Sending My Love, Bitty Backgrounds, Little Me, Bella Fiori, Homegrown , Hugs & Kittens, Handmade Holiday, Bella Trees, Imagine It - to be sent to a domestic address only, please.}

Supplies:
Cardstock: Georgia Pacific (White); Bazzill;
Stamps: Unity (Love Life - Melody Ross);
Ink: Tsukineko (Night Sky, Aegean Blue, Ocean Depth);
Tools: Fiskars (Trimmer, Scissors); Martha Stewart/EK Success (Scoring Board);

LIFE {Growing In Unity}

Welcome to day 2 of my week as the Growing In Unity gal!

Stay tuned each day this week as I show you something I've created using stamps from Unity Stamp Company...and be sure to comment on each of my Growing In Unity posts this week because Unity Stamp Company is allowing me to give away a stamp set!

If you are new here or aren't already a follower: I'd love to have you follow my blog!
If you are one of my regular readers: Thanks for coming back! I love having you!


When I started creating projects for this week I noticed that many of the stamps I was using were florals (roses, especially). I don't know what it is about flowery stamps...I just love them!
{And unlike most women I'd rather NOT have my husband bring me home fresh flowers.}

This rose from the "A Thing of Beauty" Itty Bitty set is one of my all-time favorite Unity stamps. I love coloring it with Copics, but here it is colored with Distress Inks.



Thanks for stopping by today - and don't forget to leave a comment so you can win some stampy goodness!

And, of course, I'd love it if you sign up to be a follower!

{The randomly picked winner will have a choice of one kit from the following list: Sending My Love, Bitty Backgrounds, Little Me, Bella Fiori, Homegrown , Hugs & Kittens, Handmade Holiday, Bella Trees, Imagine It - to be sent to a domestic address only, please.}

Supplies:
Cardstock: Georgia Pacific (White);
Patterned Paper: Authentique Paper {Uncommon 6x6, Blissful 6x6}
Stamps: Unity (Life Bingo - Simple Stories, Rose);
Ink: Memento (Rich Cocoa); Ranger (Distress Ink); Ranger (Distress Stain);
Accents: Lace Ribbon; Twill Ribbon;
Tools: Fiskars (Trimmer, Scissors); Martha Stewart/EK Success (Scoring Board);

Hello Rose {Growing In Unity}

Hi!
I am so excited to be featured this week as the Growing In Unity gal!

Stay tuned each day this week as I show you something I've created using stamps from Unity Stamp Company...and be sure to comment on each of my Growing In Unity posts this week because Unity Stamp Company is allowing me to give away a stamp set!

If you are new here or aren't already a follower: I'd love to have you follow my blog!
If you are one of my regular readers: Thanks for coming back! I love having you!


Since today is the first day - I thought it would only be polite to start off with a little hello:


I created the image panel by stamping the rose from "Born An Original" {Authentique Itty Bitty} in watermark ink and embossing it with clear embossing powder.

I went over the embossed image with chalk inks to create the gradient effect.


I finished off the card by adding some letter stickers in a coordinating color - I love the clean and simple look of this card when it all comes together.


Thanks for stopping by today - and don't forget to leave a comment so you can win some stampy goodness!

And, of course, I'd love it if you sign up to be a follower!

{The randomly picked winner will have a choice of one kit from the following list: Sending My Love, Bitty Backgrounds, Little Me, Bella Fiori, Homegrown , Hugs & Kittens, Handmade Holiday, Bella Trees, Imagine It - to be sent to a domestic address only, please.}


Supplies:
Cardstock: Bazzill (white); Georgia Pacific (White);
Stamps: Unity (Born An Original - Authentique Itty Bitty);
Ink (Chalk): Tsukineko (Mango Madness, Thatched Straw, Pixie Dust, Pink Grapefruit);
Ink (Watermark): VersaMark (watermark);
Embossing Powder: American crafts (ZING! Embossing Powder – Clear);
Letter Stickers: My Little Shoebox (Lemon Pie);
Tools: Fiskars (Trimmer, Scissors); Martha Stewart/EK Success (Scoring Board);

Blog Hop {Market Street Stamps & The Twinery}

The Introduction:
If you are hopping along with us today: You should have come here from Jen Carter's blog. If you did, you are in the right place! Welcome!
If you aren't already a follower, I'd love to have you follow my blog!

If you are one of my regular readers: Thanks for coming back! I love having you! Please join along in the hop - you can start at the The Twinery's blog.

The Prizes:
Market Street Stamps is giving away one $25 Gift Certificate


The Twinery is giving away one Ultimate Color Sampler Pack ($25 retail value)


The Details:
Leave a comment on each blog along the hop (both days!). The winners will be chosen randomly from all comments on the manufacturer blogs AND the designer blogs.

Blog comments close on Monday, November 25th and the winners will be announced Saturday, November 26th on the Market Street Stamps blog and The Twinery's blog.


The Project:
This hop is especially exciting for me because I am blessed to be both a Senior Designer for Market Street Stamps AND a member of the Design Team for The Twinery.


I was wanting to create something more than just a basic card for this hop...so I decided to jazz it up a little by creating a shaped card.

I hand drew the tree template and used it to shape the cardstock that had been stamped with the Argyle background from Market Street Stamps.


I added a little swag of The Twinery's Maraschino twine to the tree. I topped it off with a round tag which was stamped with "Joy" from the Simple Joys set and tied it off with a bow of Maraschino and Honeydew twine.


Oh, and see those little star "ornaments" hung with tiny twine bows? Those were created using one of the star stamps from the Blast Off set (seriously one of my most used sets!) and were stamped on a Shrinky Dink sheet and heated with my heat gun.

Thanks for stopping by today!

The Next Stop:
Samantha Casey's blog


Supplies:
Twine: The Twinery (Maraschino, Honeydew);
Stamps: Market Street Stamps (Argyle, Simple Joys, Blast Off);
Ink: Tsukineko (Tea Leaves, Red Magic);
Cardstock: Georgia Pacific (White);
Other: Shrinky Dink (Shrink plastic);
Template: Tifany DeGough
Tools: Fiskars (Trimmer, Scissors, Round N Round Squeeze Punch - Large, 1/8" Round Hand Punch); Tim Holtz (Tiny Attacher); Ranger (Heat Gun);

So Blessed

{As seen on the Fiskateers blog}



I admit it. I have a thing for birds.
And not really the real kind of birds...the paper crafting kind.
Bird stamps, bird papers, bird punches...birds...birds...birds.

I was totally excited when Lead Fiskateer Rebecca offered me the opportunity to be able to combine the awesome Scarecrow Squeeze Punch and the For The Birds stamp set in one little mini album...perfect for the upcoming holiday season.

I can see these stamps and the punch being so versatile for every day and many holidays (Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas), but I decided for my project that I would create a Thanksgiving theme project...focusing on the "THANKS" in "Thanksgiving".


I created this mini album from plain chipboard pages and a few canvas pages. I added some stamping, layered on some punched shapes, topped it off with a few extras...and voila!





I was planning on putting some pictures of our family's trip to the pumpkin patch in here (which I haven't had printed yet)...but I also think this would be a great family activity around the Thanksgiving table.

Each person can take a little time out to pass the book around and write, in their own handwriting, how they have been blessed.
{And I think that would make a great family tradition - a new book every year with so many memories of wonderful blessings!}



How have you been BLESSED?

Supplies:
Patterned Paper: Authentique Paper (Free Bird Series - Fair-weather);
Stickers: Authentique Paper (Petite Type - SPS001, SPS003; Diction - SJ0004);
Stamps: Fiskars (For The Birds);
Ink: Memento (Rich Cocoa);
Mist: Tattered Angels (Hot Chocolate, Marshmallow);
Tape: 7 Gypsies (Music Tape - Brown); Washi Tape;
Other: Chipboard; Canvas; Book Rings; Eyelets;
Tools: Fiskars (Trimmer, Scissors, Round N Round Squeeze Punch, Scarecrow Squeeze Punch); Tim Holtz (Tiny Attacher); Martha Stewart/EK Success (Scoring Board); We R Memory Keepers (Cinch);

Gathering Goes Cold {Authentique Paper}

{As seen today on the Authentique Paper blog}



I see the Gathering collection from Authentique Paper and the colors bring warmth to mind. The colors also seem perfect for Fall or Spring projects...but I wanted to push them a little bit into the cold winter season as well.


I got the idea to create a winter shadowbox from Sam (Authentique Paper's owner) and set out to get some additional inspiration online. I found a winter shadowbox that incorporated pearls to indicate snow, so I added that idea in (with the "diamonds" I was planning to use to give it an icy look).


I wanted to use the depth of the shadowbox, so I created a few layers of the scene and adhered them with foam tape and also hung a few pearls and gems at various depths to give it a little something extra.


The beautifully thick and textured papers from Authentique automatically add a beautiful richness to any project, and I think they are perfect for decor like this shadowbox.

To add a little decoration to the actual box-front I created a few folded rosettes and added some more "ice".
{Just as a side-note: these are the STURDIEST folded rosettes I have ever made. The thick paper in the Gathering collection makes for some very beautiful & incredibly stable pieces.}


I hope I've done Sam proud in how this shadowbox turned out.

Would you please do me a favor?

Please head on over to the Authentique Paper Facebook page and leave Sam a note telling her how you think I did on the shadowbox project.
{And if you don't already 'like' Authentique Paper on Facebook - be sure to do so. There will be lots of fun and exclusive stuff going on over there.}

Thanks for stopping by today!


Supplies:
Patterned Paper: Authentique Paper (Gathering Collection);
Other: Shadowbox; Pearls; "Diamonds"; Clear Gems; Wooden Buttons; Clear Thread; Brown String;
Template: Tifany DeGough;
Tools: Fiskars (Trimmer, Scissors); Martha Stewart/EK Success (Scoring Board);

Family Generations

These cards were inspired by the Autumn challenge on the Unity blog - I just love the color combination of yellow and black and think it looks great for autumn projects. Plus with the holidays coming up I associate autumn and winter with more family time.
I used the Unity "Generations" stamp set - I love those doilies!


I plan to package these cards along with the decorated jars I shared previously (which are now filled with candy) - a fun way to send a little bit of love to family we may not see all that often.


Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Georgia Pacific (White); Bazzill (Tapioca);
Stamps: Unity Stamp Company (Generations);
Ink: Tsukineko (Midnight Black, Thatched Straw);
Twine: The Twinery (Charcoal, Buttercream);
Tools: Fiskars (Trimmer, Scissors); Martha Stewart/EK Success (Scoring Board);

Blog Hop {Authentique Paper & The Twinery}

The Introduction:
If you are hopping along with us today: You should have come here from Authentique Paper's blog. If you did, you are in the right place! Welcome!
If you aren't already a follower, I'd love to have you follow my blog!


If you are one of my regular readers: Thanks for coming back! I love having you! Please join along in the hop - you can start at the Authentique Paper blog.


Here's the full hop order for today:
Authentique Paper – http://authentiquepaper.blogspot.com/
Tifany DeGough - http://inkblotsbytrd.blogspot.com/
Julie Ranae Murray - http://juliesopenwindow.blogspot.com/
Natalie Dever - http://dougnat.blogspot.com/
Stephanie Johnson - http://www.parkersprints.blogspot.com/
Emily Lanham - http://createserendipity.blogspot.com/
Hera Frei - http://cappuccinoandcolour.blogspot.com/
Heather Conklin - http://goldiecar.blogspot.com/
Deena Neimat - http://www.imakestuff.typepad.com/
Janeen Shember - http://suburbngypsy.blogspot.com/
Ivona Foster - http://blog.sugarsticksparties.com/
The Twinery – http://www.thetwineryblog.com/

The Prizes:
Authentique Paper is giving away a prize pack ($20 retail value)
The Twinery is giving away a Colorful Bunch Sampler pack ($20 retail value)


The Details:
Leave a comment on each blog along the hop. The winners will be chosen randomly from all comments on the manufacturer blogs AND the designer blogs.
{Winners must have a US/Canada address.}


Blog comments close on Monday, November 14th at 11:59pm (Pacific) and the winners will be announced Wednesday, November 16th on the Authentique Paper blog and The Twinery's blog.


The Project:
This hop is so exciting for me because not only am I the DT Coordinator for Authentique Paper - I am also a member of the Design Team for The Twinery.

I am a BIG fan of both companies and the products they create and I LOVE to use them on a daily basis. I share many of my creations here on my blog...but there are so many things I use the products for that I don't share here (usually because I forget to take a few pictures before an item is given away).


I loved combining the beautiful papers from Authentique Paper's Gathering line with the fabulous twine from The Twinery.

I started out just creating some placecards for a Thanksgiving table setting, but once I started creating and I just couldn't stop...so I created some coordinating napkin rings and a box that can be used to hold some pinecones or a small gift.


If you've already been to the Authentique Paper blog, you read about how I created the box - so I'll share with you here how easy it was to make these placecards.
(And then be sure to work your way through the hop to The Twinery's blog to read a little more about the napkin rings).


For each placecard I started by using one of the papers from the Gathering collection 6x6 Bundle and scored it down the middle to create the "tent".

I created the turkeys from another piece of the 6x6 Bundle using a round squeeze punch and added the fun "feathers" with The Twinery's Cappuccino, Caribbean, and Mandarin twine.
(I cut a little beak for each turkey from a small scrap of paper.)


I didn't want the decor to scream "TURKEYS!!!" so I left the little guys without eyes to just give the hint of turkey without it being over the top.

Although I must admit, I think these would be so much fun with some little googly eyes. :o)


While you can definitely add in the names of the Thanksgiving guests, I thought it would be fun to add a few phrases to the placecards with Authentique Paper's Petite Type - easy and fun!

Thanks for stopping by today!
The Next Stop:
Julie Ranae Murray's blog


Supplies:
Patterned Paper: Authentique Paper (Gathering - 6x6 Bundle, Grow);
Stickers: Authentique Paper (Petite Type Square);
Twine: The Twinery (Cappuccino, Mandarin, Caribbean);
Tools: Fiskars (Trimmer, Scissors, Scalloped Sentiment Border Punch, Round N Round Squeeze Punch); Martha Stewart/EK Success (Scoring Board);

Enjoy Your Birthday

This is a card I created awhile ago and just realized I haven't shown it yet. I made it when I had just a couple of Copic markers and wanted to see what they could do - so I colored in these flowers with one Copic...just adding more layers of color to create depth.

The whole card comes from a very limited amount of supplies and a simple approach, but I enjoy how it turned out.



Supplies:
Cardstock: Georgia Pacific (White);
Stamps: Hero Arts (flower, sentiment);
Ink: Memento (Tuxedo Black);
Markers: Copic (B21);
Mist: Ranger (Perfect Pearls Mist - Turquoise);
Tools: Fiskars (Trimmer, Scissors); Martha Stewart/EK Success (Scoring Board);

UNIQUE {Market Street Stamps}

I love the way that a simple card can still be exciting.

There is nothing here besides the basics: cardstock, patterned paper, stamps, and ink...but I think it makes an impact with those little pops of color.


Thanks for stopping by today!

Supplies:
Cardstock: Bazzill (Bumblebee, White);
Patterned Paper: Lily Bee (Picket Fence 6x6);
Stamps: Market Street Stamps ("Unique" from Hippie Chic);
Ink: Tsukineko (Mango Madness);
Tools: Fiskars (Trimmer, Scissors); Martha Stewart/EK Success (Scoring Board);

Shutterfly Winners!

Winners, please send me an e-mail letting me know you've won my Shutterfly giveaway so I can get your code out to you.
{You can find my e-mail address in my blog header or on my Blogger profile.}

Mini Notepad Tutorial {Market Street Stamps}

With the holidays coming up quickly I've got handmade gifts on the brain.
Add to that the combined love my children and I have for paper and pens, and the perfect little stocking stuffer is born - a mini notepad.


I started by cutting some patterned paper to 4 1/4" x 2 3/4". I stamped each patterned paper with a different background stamp from Market Street Stamps (Zebra Print, Argyle, Pretty Perfect Grid, and Vintage Music). I also stamped some additional patterned paper with one of the decorative circle stamps and the "just a note" sentiment from the "For All It's Worth" set.


I then added embossing powder to each of the stamped images and set the embossing with my heat gun.


I cut out the circular tags to add to the front of each notepad, punched the notepad pages, cover, and chipboard backing with my Cinch.
{Tip: For a 2 3/4" x 4 1/4" notepad I slid the ruler on my Cinch 1/8" out and punched only pegs 1 & 4.}


To bind the notepad, I cut a 1/8" dowel in 2 1/2" pieces and used a small rubber band (the kind you get in the hair accessories) to hold the dowel in place.

By combining patterned papers with the many great background stamps offered by Market Street Stamps, you can create individualized notepads for everyone on your list.

Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies:
Stamps: Market Street Stamps (Zebra Print, Pretty Perfect Grid, Argyle, Vintage Music, For All It's Worth);
Ink: VersaMark (Watermark);
Embossing Powder: American CRafts (Zing - Chestnut);
Patterned Paper: Crate Paper (Portrait - 6x6); My Mind's Eye (Mabel - 6x6, Hattie - 6x6);
Other: 1/8" Diameter Dowel; Chipboard; Rubber Band;
Tools: Fiskars (Trimmer, Scissors); Cinch Binding Machine;