Friends with Blogs!!

Remember that adorable Bella-rak that I posted from my friend Karen the other day. Well look at this girl go, she's now bloggin to boot!  Be sure to check out her sweet new blog Paper Playhouse because she's got some beautiful eye candy for you already!

Speaking of Eye Candy, I'm off to work on a little myself. Its been days and days since I got to stamp, which makes me crab-tastic!

Hand Delivered RAK!

Last week, I attended a little vendor fair at my son's school, and my friend Karen agreed to come for moral and physical support!  When I tell you that we couldn't GIVE things away, really I'm not kidding you.

I cut paper for some make and takes, Karen made a beautiful display out of some random samples I had laying around and nobody was interested - not in the least! I take that back, we met one very sweet woman who really seemed to enjoy her cards, and I'm hoping will join us for my next class!  

That sweet woman aside, we had no takers.  In fact, when Karen asked one woman who was watching me make a card if she' d like to make one, her response was "Absolutely NOT!" I nearly peed my pants laughing over that one.

Lucky for me, Karen is such a good sport, not only did she join me for an afternoon of designing and shopping at our LSS the next day, but then she treated me to this beauty in my mailbox the next day!  

I literally squealed with delight to find these sweet Elzy's all "Copified" and stitched up with her new Janome!  I tell you, I'm a dangerous friend to have, real life enabling is way more dangerous than web enabling! 

Let me say, this card looks good in the picture, but in real life, its a stunner!  There is shimmer and shine all over this baby and all the back ink is embossed.  It's so pretty!  I'm on a mission to make this girl use the giant stash she's got going on.  She puts my "collection" to shame, and that....is not easy.  

Cards from my little Turkeys.....

Happy Thanksgiving!!  

The other day, my boys enjoyed putting my stamps to work to make cards for their families for Thanksgiving. 

This is Kim Hughes "Let's Get Stuffed" set from Cornish Heritage Farms.  

My six year old was so excited about his card, that he wanted to be sure I posted it for all of you to see.  

Here's what he has to say about his creation.......

"First my mom folded the paper and stamped the turkey onto a piece of paper with me.  

Then I colored it in with markers.  I added some legs and then I added one more pumpkin.  

I also added a pumpkin to the back. I like to call it "The Giant."

Here's a little card that I made with the same set, as well as my Copic Markers and some Sonoma paper from Scenic Route.  I can't remember if I've posted this before, so if you've seen it before... sorry!!!

Hope everyone here in the states has a wonderful day full of turkey, family and lots of relaxation!  

What's Up Wednesday - With Water

These weeks are going faster and faster, I can't believe I'm already writing another What's Up Wednesday post!  

There is so much to share today - Kim by now has already announced the new Wednesday Hook Up, a new tutorial will be posted by Shannan, I'm hostessing the Challenge of the day!  Then to top it off, don't forget the first fifty orders of the day will be getting a special little extra from Kim! You'll also find the DT members posting some of their favorite finds within the MFT gallery.  

And there's always some chatter on the WUW thread on the My Favorite Things Member Company Forum.  I told you, its a busy day! 

So, here's my sample for the Water Challenge.  It can be that you watercolor, or use an image that is watery!  I did both.  This image is colored with my Peerless Watercolors, and an Aquapainter.  I just picked up one of the Peerless Palettes last week, I seriously can't recommend it enough.  It is a fantastic addition to my Peerless Paints... it allows you to spread out the color and be able to pick the depth of color you'd like. For the boots, the girl's raincoat coat and the doggies coat, I used more saturated pigment.  For the puddle and the background, I used the very lightest portion of the ink I'd spread out onto the palette.  

So head on over to the MFT Member Company forum on Splitcoast, pick up some watercolor pointers from Shannan, and upload your watery creations to the gallery using MFT as a keyword.  Can't wait to see what you come up with.  Three lucky participants will be picked next week to receive $5 gift certificates to the My Favorite Things store! 

I just found all the details on the What's Up Wednesday Hook Up. Oh My Goodness, she's having specials Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. HUGE!  Find the special offers HERE.

Have a great day!

So Thankful.....

Good morning!  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend,  I'm starting to feel a little better finally, thanks for all your well wishes, but boy does this cough linger. 

I do have two new things to share with you this week, but I'm starting work on my Christmas cards, and Christmas shopping so I might be a little light on the postings the next few weeks trying to just keep up with you know...life!!

I know we're all feeling the pressure of the holidays, but I'm committing myself here and now, to enjoy it.  To try to make lists, and get a little done day by day, but to enjoy the spirit of the season, and try to NOT stress.  

I'm so looking forward to Thanksgiving.  We're going to be having a small celebration this weekend with just my immediate family, and lots of time to just relax (of course, I'll be toting a small project with me to work on...) but I'm looking forward to a brisk walk on the beach, trying to get a cute picture of the boys for our Christmas cards, enjoying my parents delicious Thanksgiving cooking, but most of all, cherished time with those people I love the very most.

To get myself into the spirit, I tested out my new Labels One Nesties from Polka Dot Plaza (I can't believe they still have them in stock, they're uber hard to find right now, if you need some, I advise running over there!) and my Peerless Watercolors with Gina K's set: So Grateful.  

This was my first chance getting to play around with my peerless watercolors and I was SO thrilled with them.  I HIGHLY recommend Kim's Perfect Palette, to go with them it really helps to be able to scribble out the color onto the palette to pick the depth of pigment you need for your project.  

By the way I'll be doing a tutorial SOON on using the Palette with your Peerless so that you can see exactly what I mean.  

Have a great day everyone!

Flourished on a Friday

This has, from a stamping perspective, been the laziest week ever for me.  I caught a cold and in addition to having no energy, I'm feeling completely sans mojo the last few days.  

This is my last card that I've got saved up to post, I'll have to get crafty and creating... I'm hopeful that will come back once I'm able to breathe without coughing.

Its been so bad in fact, that I've been having dreams about coughing, which means, you guessed it, I've been coughing all night long. Sigh.

Thank goodness for Friday - although this one promises to be a real nail biter for me.  Assembly to attend in the morning, then I'm lunch/recess mom for the Kindergarten, and demonstrating for Stampin Up at a little school shopping event this evening.  Oy, I need a nap already.

You may remember, Friday is my special Starbucks Day!  This set is "Coffee with Friends" from Flourishes and thought a little coffee card would be perfect for today's post. 

I was thinking I'd paper piece the teacups, till I noticed the paper I'd selected is a near perfect match for SU's Sage Shadow so I stamped onto watercolor paper and used my aquapainter. 

The paper is "Oh Joy" from Cosmo Cricket, everything is all stitched together zig zag style (tired of it yet?)  I decided to be like my friend Denise - she always makes the most beautiful creations, and finishes them both inside and out.  When I got started with the inside, I realized that my little piece of designer paper would also be a fun little pocket for an extra "somethin'"

I have a few more ideas with this paper floating around, just need the energy to stamp... anyone have good cough remedy? 

Thankful Hearts

How could I not play in the Dirty Dozen and Dirty Dozen Alumni monthly challenge?  Oh my goodness am I ever so excited to be in the presence of these fabulously talented stampers!

This month's challenge was to create some sort of table decor, or a hostess gift for Thanksgiving incorporating a heart into your project.  

I had picked up this beautifully boxed candle on a recent excursion to Target.  Its a pumpkin scented soy candle, so in addition to being beautifully packaged, it meets my green criteria (lead free wick!) Yahoo!!

I created a little bellyband to cover the label, adding a nestie diecut oval and scalloped border adding the "thankful" from Cornish Heritage Farms.  Then added a little felt flower petaloo love from My Favorite Things.  I stamped the little heart from Cornish Heritage Farms "Heartwarmers" set colored it with copics and then gave it some sine with stickles.  It is attached to a Cuttlebug Tiny tag die and then attached with some linen thread and a button. 

Glitter always looks so much better in person, it has totally befouled my photograph, in real life its so sparkly like a little ruby gem! The whole box is tied up in some pumpkin and chocolate ribbon.  

However, the more I looked at this project, I felt like the heart was really just tucked onto there, and not integral to the design. And, being the

 over-achiever I am, I had to try again.

I still had plenty of this October Afternoon paper leftover, and I had just received my order from Just Rite Stamps of the Brayton font as well as the rectangular stamper.  What a great excuse to put them to work!!  

Following Sharon's Tutorial on Rubber Stamp Conditioning, I cleaned and sanded the stamp surface to really condition that rubber to take to the ink.  I zig zag stitched all my edges on the card for a really homey feeling and then added a Cosmo Cricket chipboard heart shaped button finished off with a felt flower and button from Making Memories.  Although I loved the altered candle, I thought in the end, that this project was really more reflective of the Thankful Hearts challenge.

Thanks so much to Sharon Harnist for hostessing this challenge - please be sure to check the Splitcoast Galleries with the keyword "DCTH1108" to see what all the other Dirty Girls and Alumni have to share today!

Blog Candy Winner Announced:

Thanks to all of you who commented for a chance to win the new BC Dzyns set "and then I said"

and I hope you enjoyed our Blog Hop today.  I'm already looking forward to the next one!

Don't forget that there is a new What's Up Wednesday Challenge posted today, as well as a new How'd they Do That Tutorial.  

Without any further ado, the winner of my extra set is

9kids Who Said: I have five daughters, so this set would be perfect! Love what you've done with it here, too!

I'm going to leave a comment on your blog but please email me with your mailing address so I can get your set out to you right away.  To anyone that was interested, the set is already available at MFT and priced at $15.95 its a great bargain for all those gift ideas you'd mentioned! 

See you tomorrow!

MFT BcDzyns Blog Hop: You Get Me -

Late this summer, My Favorite Things released the first stamp set in a new line called BC Dzyns - it is Kim's daughter Brianna's line of stamp sets and it is a totally fresh new style for MFT.

The second set in this line titled "And then I said" and is now available!! If you are a Splitcoast Fan Club member, you've already been treated to a sample from Carole in the October Gallery. (ps, the link to the card will only work if you're an FC member...)

When thinking of what I was going to use to color in this beauty, I knew I needed some real rockstar paper for the job.  I finished off the card with some silvery bling from Mark Richards.  

This sassy chick is dressed in a paper pieced outfit and then I colored in the ringer t shirts collar and sleeve with my black copic marker.  I sure wish my hair looked like that, all full of body....

  

By the way, there are TONS of sentiments included in this set too for so much flexiblity!  

I can't wait to see what the rest of the team has come up with for this set. The next stop on Today's Blog Hop is my sweet friend Jody who I know is just going to rock this set!  If you've just stumbled onto this little hop, then be sure to start at Kim's blog and go all the way through.

Blog candy has already been awarded! If not claimed by Friday morning, I will redraw from existing entries!  Thanks for looking!

Enabler Alert: Nesties in the House

I'm so excited, my Labels' One Nesties are in the mail, making their way to me. These babies are SO hard to find right now, so in demand, but I know where you can find them!

Head on over to Polka Dot Plaza.  This store is owned by a really fun group of girls I met while at CHA last winter!!  They also have a huge selection of Just Rite stamps (and um, I have a brand new selection of Just Rite's waiting for me to get all inky - be back with those later this week.)

And I'm so very excited to announce that I've sent a big old box of cards over to the girls that will soon be available, ready made, for you to purchase from their Hand Made Cards category! (I'll be back with an announcement once they're linked up.)

In the meantime, go get yourselves some Nesties and browse around!!  

Happy Shopping!

Cupcakes - All American Style

Usually I make cupcake cards all girly and pinkness, but hey, boys love cake too right?

Last week's challenge on What's Up Wednesday was to paper piece, it is still one of my very favorite techniques!  I stamped the image once to my white cardstock, and then again to a piece of crumpled up Kraft paper.  I colored the one that had been stamped to the white cardstock with my copic markers, and then trimmed out that crumply cupcake liner, and adhered it in place with a Quickie Glue pen.  

Then I created a little shadow with my versamarker for definition on those folds in the liner.  All the panels were zig zag stitched and I added the sentiment "Its Your Day" (From time for the Bubbly!!) 

I picked up this Liberty patterned paper from Scenic Route over the summer, and its just been hanging around, but thought its great for boy cards, even aside from Fourth of July.  

Last week's challenge is still up and running till tonight - and we'll be picking the "We Pick Three"  that's three winners at random to win $5 gift certificates to MFT!

Hope you'll come back tomorrow (actually just really late tonight...) for the next installment of MFT's Blog Hop!  We'll be celebrating tomorrow's release of the next BC Dzyns set!  And, guess what??? I have an extra set to give away as blog candy!!!

Crafty Love....

I'm avoiding the fact that winter is rapidly approaching here in the Northeast.  Although we just went out to buy my eldest a new winter coat today, I felt this sweet stamp set titled Seaside from Crafty Secrets line of Clear Art Stamps calling my name.  I think this little vintage image is just so sweet.

Let me just say that the fine detail in the stamps is just unbelievable and it makes it so easy to shade your images. For this card, I decided to watercolor with my Stampin Up reinkers and an aquapainter.  The image was stamped with Memento ink and then quickly heat set.  

I admittedly wasn't so sure about Baja Breeze when it first was released as an in color, but it has quickly become a new favorite for me.  Quite possibly due to the fact that I love this ribbon!  I hope you're not tired of my big loopy bows lately.  I'm loving them.  

Ordinarily, I would have tried to watercolor that whole panel, but I'm trying to just zone in directly on the image... and embrace that white space. What cha' think?

Being on the Dirty Dozen for my first month, albeit behind the scenes till now, I've made some fabulous new stampy friends. I've just loved meeting Lisa Zappa who is on the Crafty Secrets DT.  She's just totally fabulous, fun and oh man, the most energetic and enthusiastic person I think I've ever met. If you don't already read her amazing blog, be sure to check out Shabby Chic Junk and while I was linking her up for you, just LOOK at what I found. Embellishments galore, in ICE CREAM GLASSES no less. Beautiful. Although my children would totally destroy that.  I can't imagine the chance to have all those assorted goodies at my fingertips.   

Hope you're having a great day!  

Big Dirty Secrets

Oh my goodness, have I ever been holding onto a BIG secret.  HUGE!

When I first seriously began stamping, I made a few goals for myself, some of them I thought would be achievable with hard work, and one of them, was just out of the park, a real longshot, and even with all the hard work in the world.... I didn't think it would ever come true.

I'm bouncing with excitement because now I'm part of the Splitcoast Dirty Dozen!  Me?? A Dirty Girl! 

I can't even stand it! aaaaaggggghhhhh!!!!

If you're not familiar with the Dirty Dozen, well then I'll fill you in.  Each month Splitcoast adds two stampers to their design team, and there are a total of twelve girls at any time.  (duh, a dozen right?)  It is a six month term, during which each girl posts between 6-8 creations to a gallery that is just for the Fan Club of Splitcoast.  

I honestly have learned SO much from Splitcoast. When I first started stamping on my own, that is outside of the SU workshop that I religiously attended at my friend Erica's house, Splitcoast became my source for inspiration, and education.  I never realized I'd find such fabulous FRIENDS there too.  I began challenging myself to complete at least one of the challenges each week, usually sketch or color challenges were my go to.  I signed up for the newsletter and became hooked on trying out the different techniques on the resources tab.

Then, I noticed that the girls that I loved watching on the Dirty Dozen also had these things called blogs.  Akkk.  And here I am.  Blogging, stamping every day (okay, any MINUTE of the day I can conjure up) and now, A Dirty Girl!

The Dirty Dozen gallery is only open to members of the Splitcoast Fan Club.  That is a $25 memership for one year. It gives you access to the amazing Dirty Dozen Galleries, both present and past, you get instant upload privileges too!  Nevermind, you're supporting the most amazing source of inspiration for stampers!  I'm so thankful to Splitcoast and so happy to have a chance to give back.  The most recent gallery just opened, three minutes ago!  I hope you like what you see.  If you have any questions at all, you can find a link to the Splitcoast Stampers Fan Club FAQ's HERE.

I hope all my online friends aren't aren't mad at me for keeping such a secret - but really, how often in life do you get a REAL surprise like this. 

Thanks to everyone at Splitcoast for having such faith in me!  I'm going to soak up every minute of the next six months....  I'm afraid its going to go too too fast!

I'm off to give some love to all my bunkmates in the pile!

Gettin Cozy with Kraft and Chocolate

I think I have mentioned that I'm into some really non traditional Christmas color schemes this year? Quite possibly because I'm just adoring this line of paper from October Afternoon.  Isn't is just cozy... that an my addiction to kraft cardstock. 

This stamp set is titled "Joyeux Noel" from Cornish Heritage Farms -- eeks when I just went to link it - I noticed its on SALE! RUN RUN!!  

I think is going to be my Christmas Card stamp set. I'm just waiting on one more element that is making its way to me from Polka Dot Plaza to finish the job. Well actually, to start the job, but you know what I mean.  

I'm tempted to go all crazy with layers and buttons and "stuff" but I keep reminding myself, if I'm going to make LOTS of these, I've got to go clean.  I really really want to add machine stitching all over this baby, but its for a class (possibly a kit, we haven't decided) over at Right at Home.  Left to my own devices, every inch of this would be distressed and stitched, and I might even use the cracked glass technique, but that's just not practical for class huh??  

I'm planning on bringing parts and pieces of my Christmas cards to work on during our Thanksgiving holiday... maybe the boys will cooperate by watching Wall-e or playing games?  

I'm also going to be whipping up lots of these, and filling them with chocolate covered cranberries for treats for the mailman, the bus driver etc.  Going to load up on them at Sweet Inspirations. I can taste them already.....Hey, did you know those babies were an Oprah's Favorite item one year? Trust me, they're amazing!!

One more coordinated item left in this set that still needs some designing. First, I've got to clean up this house so that my sweet husband thinks I've done something other than just STAMP while he's been away on business......

Coffee and Cookies too!

Last night was the Gina K launch party, and wow was that thread JUMPING!  Here's two projects that I shared last night one with "My Cuppa Joe" and one with "Have a Cookie!"  

My little guys have been chomping at the bit to get inside this little acetate takeout box. They're convinced there are cookies inside, but DUH its a clear box and quite obviously empty.  I'll be filling this with some cookie love for someone this Christmas.  

But it has to be someone that loves crafts, luckily I have several friends that fall into this category!

The single cookie image was stamped, and then I stamped it again onto eclipse tape to create a mask, then stamped the cookies again and again to make a little "grouping" of yummies. 

The top is tied up in lotsa ribbon, a button and a tiny tag die from Cuttlebug.

My second item today is a card I made for Jessica's challenge last night during the party.  Its a sketch challenge (you know I love those...) 

I decided to stamp the coffee bag onto a crumpled up piece of kraft paper to resemble a REAL bag o'beans.  

This sentiment is SO me. Because a girl needs a lot of coffee when you're a night owl like me. Why can't I get into bed at a reasonable hour.  Its just nuts.

I had been pleased with the card but then realized I'd posted it the same time that Kurtis posted one of his drop dead beauties.  Oh, I wanted to run and hide.  That kid is brilliant.  Note to self, next time, arrive to party early, and show ALL my samples before Kurtis 

arrives!!

Don't forget, there are three challenges posted on the Gina K Designs Member Company forum. That's THREE chances at a free set valued at $19.95 or less, and all you have to do is stamp. Duh! Get going!!

If you went to the party last night, I'm SO interested to hear what you picked up... what was YOUR favorite?

You can find the challenges HERE and all the new stamps from Gina K Designs have been released, you can see them HERE

Gina K - Launch Day!

 Is it okay to pick favorites? Because this month, "Winter Tress" is most certainly mine.  The detail in the illustration of the trees, the beauty of the sentiments, it is such a fabulous set!  And while this card isn't particularly manly, I see lots of possibilities for "man cards" in this set. 

When my sewing machine is threaded and has a full bobbin, I'll sew anything that gets too close. I've been having lots of fun zig zagging all my cards together lately.  And when I don't --- I feel like something is missing.  

This paper is Wassail from Basic Grey.  Love the richness of the colors, and of course, it goes with one of my favorite neutrals, Close to Cocoa.  

And, of course, Gina's new "Pure Luxury Paper" is simply AMAZING - you'll love it, I mean just look how crisp my embossing is on the nestie!  YUM. And amazing for cardbases, so sturdy despite the many layers I have hanging off of it right now! 

Now my next preview couldn't be more different, but it is from the other very talented artist in the Krupsky household - Alicia!  When I went on a hunt for paper for these Besties, I walked to a totally different section of my LSS to see what fun, and young paper I could find.  

While my style is usually way more "custesy" this was fun to step way out of my box and try something totally new.  Alicia is such a sweetheart, and I'm so happy for her to be releasing her second set.  How lucky is that budding young artist to have a mom like Gina to make her dreams come true??

This was for sure, a great opportunity to test out Gina K's Pure Luxury cardstock with my Copic markers, and let me tell you this paper rocks for Copics.  I wanted really vibrant colors, and I was able to layer and layer and layer the ink without any bleeding or feathering.   If you've used Copics, they you know its all about the ink and paper selection.    

The young girls I watch saw this card in progress and screamed "oooohhh its BRATZ dolls!"  They loved it.  

Now that you've seen my two previews, I hope you'll hop around to visit Gina who will have previews of both sets today, as well as all the DT members who have previews for you with the newest sets......  

Jessica, Asela ,Donna, Melanie, Emily, Erika, Cammie, Kurtis and our In the Spotlight Guest Designer Courtney Fowler. We also have a special guest preview from Michelle Giraud.

Last but not least don't forget to stop by the Gina K Member Company forum on Splitcoast for tonight's Launch Party from 7-10pm CST. There will be chances at free stamp sets, challenges, and as always, lots of chatter and additional previews from the Design Team.  

Books - the gift of learning

I just wanted to post a quick note over here, inviting you all to a party.  To an e-party that is.

My dear friend Meri has recently signed on as a consultant for Usborne Books.  She attended a book party for a friend, and was totally enchanted with the product.  

I don't know about you, but my home is totally overrun with toys, more than my kids know what to do with... but there is one thing I will always indulge them in, and that is new books.  My eldest is a budding reader with a voracious appetite for new books, my youngest a total maniac who can always be tamed with a little storytime.  

There are books for every level and interest available.  If you have any holiday gifts to buy for any young people, you can certainly find something to suit them.

No pressure at all - but if you have any interest, you can check out the products and place an order directly online - there is a flat rate shipping of $5 which is a truly fabulous shipping offer. (For those of you outside of the US, I'm not sure if its possible to place an order through here, or what the shipping would be, but I'm looking into it....)  And its WAY easier than trekkin' out to the store!

If you have any questions, I'd be more than happy to put you in touch with my friend!  Thanks for looking!

For the love of TREES! (and... um.... stamps!)

If you're a regular here, then you know that we're on a little green adventure at our house, trying to do our part to make this world a more beautiful place!  

So, when I was given the opportunity to do a sneak peek for the upcoming launch of Our Craft Lounge, and I saw this adorable set titled "Tree-Mendous Love" I totally jumped at the chance.

This set is Crafty Cling Rubber, which means that it is unmounted, cling rubber which will adhere right to your clear acrylic blocks for perfect placement.  What I totally love is that they are die cut! Hooray!  They're also available in clear acrylic if that's your preference.  (Don't you love having a choice??)  

I grabbed a handful of Copic markers, and my new Urban Prairie designer paper from Basic Grey. The hearts were all finished off with a touch of Sakura Stardust pen.  

This new company will premiere on Friday, and I know you'll just love what you see.  For this weekend only, with each stamp set you purchase, you'll also get a ticket included with your order.  Then, the following weekend OCL will start drawing winners, and you never know when a new number might be called!   How fun is that?

If you're looking for more samples, you can find them here:

Pam Hooten

Kendra Wietstock

Kisa Peters

Cambria Turnbow

Bev Barton

Heather McNally

Lisa Zappa

Lila Holgate

Joy Kennedy

Thanks for looking!!

What's Up Wednesday: Quickie Cupcakes

Welcome to What's Up Wednesday!!  

I just pulled this directly off of Kim's blog, but just LOOK at all the fun things going on today for My Favorite Things!!  Between 10% off everything you could possibly use to color, and today, the first 15 orders get free Quickie glue pens! Yowsers! Get goin!

Today I posted a little tutorial on two things you can do with your quickie glue pen, paper piecing and a quick little bit of embossing too!  Would love to hear what your handiest thing is to do with a glue pen!

If you haven't given paper piecing a try, today's the day!  Get headed over to the MFT Forum for a little tutorial, a little challenge, and of course, a little chance to win!!

Hope to see you there, I mean HERE!!!

-----------------------------------

The WUW Hook Up! - Now that you have your NEW MFT cupcakes, we want to offer you a super special deal so you can “frost” them. I mean… really… who likes PLAIN cupcakes? Not us! Until midnight tonight, we will be discounting EVERYTHING in our store that can be used to color your cupcakes by 10%!

That’s right, 10% off EVERYTHING used to color! Included are: Copic markers, Twinklette glitter markers, Peerless watercolors, Pearlescent watercolors, Prismacolor pencils, White gel pens, Spica glitter pens, and Shimmerz!

Simply enter code COLORITIN when placing your order, and the 10% will be deducted off ALL coloring mediums! This coupon is valid on Wednesday, Nov 12th only! Ready to shop?

The First 15 - Orders under number 6985 will receive a FREE Quickie Glue Pen! 

How’d They Do That? - You’ve asked for tips, techniques and how-to’s, and here they are! Tomorrow, you’ll notice a brand new sub-Forum called How’d They Do That? That is where our techniques and tutorials will be posted for easy access. Up first is the lovely Joanne Basile (um, that's ME!) with some fancy goodness you can create using your Quickie Glue pen with Paper Piecing AND embossing!

Weekly Challenge - The challenge will be posted early Wed morning, so make sure to check back and play along! You might be the next We Pick 3 winner!

I SPY - Some MFT eye candy! MFT customers are the most talented in the land, and we’ll be starting a new thread tomorrow to toot YOUR horn! 

Coffee time?

I introduced my friend Rachel to stamping, and she introduced me to a love of Starbucks.  Yum.   Friday is my designated Starbucks day, and boy do I get crabby when I miss it!

This cute little mocha is part of a new release from Gina K designs which will be available Thursday night! Its the latest set illustrated by Rupa Shevde called "My Cuppa Joe".  

The day that my stamps arrived from Gina I'd just picked up a few of these fun mocha colored paper from Making Memories.  There are just so many tasty treats and fun sentiments included in this stamp set.  I used this little "For You" on a Cuttlebug Tiny tag die.  

My second preview today features "Funky Christmas." This reindeer cracked me up!  I must say that I also adore the fun little carolers in this set. 

I've been enjoying some un-traditional Christmas color combinations this year, so I had fun with this, kraft, chocolate and red.  Doesn't it look cozy?

Now, we've been alluding to something luxurious that is coming out with this release, and its this ultrasmooth white cardstock!! YUM!  It is totally wonderful for Copic markers, makes such strong cardbases.  Look at all the layers I have on this card and it holds up beautifully! 

I also loaded the inside of the card up with ribbon and layers, featuring another new release "Seasonal Sayings."  The set is full of beautifully written and designed sentiments for the insides of your cards and really cute handstamped elements for the backs of your cards.  That Gina, she thinks of everything!

I'm sure you'll be hearing and seeing a LOT about this new cardstock, but let me just say I can color forever on the heavy weight cardstock and not have any bleed through to my inside.  I'll just "have" to make a one layer card to show you just exactly what I mean.  Its really is amazing.  Just ask any of the cruisers - they've been raving about it and dying to pick up some more.  You'd better grab yours on Thursday night before they scoff it all up!

If you like what you've seen today, don't forget to surf on over to visit Gina's Blog,(in fact RUN over there because she's giving away LOTS of stuff again! She's amazing!!!)   she'll have previews of all three sets today, and you'll find even more samples from: 

Asela 

Carolyn 

Donna

Erika

Jessica 

Kurtis  

Melanie

and don't forget to check out this month's "In the Spotlight Guest Designer" Courtney Fowler.

Bella Sonoma

While I had my Sonoma paper still handy from yesterday's Gina K card, I also played around with Jen's Sketch for You To Try.  I'm really loving loving loving this paper if you hadn't noticed.

Christie gave me this sweet Stamping Bella and I hadn't yet had a chance to get her inky (eeeks!!) as I was sorting through stamps trying to figure out what to do with the sketch, she said "Pick me! Pick me!!" 

I paper pieced Bella's dress and matching rolly bag from the celery polka dotted paper, and colored the rest of her with my Copic markers. 

This sentiment is from Cornish Heritage Farms, its from the Mona Lisa Moments line.  This is Motivational Centers I've got a few more of these sets on my wish list and I'll collect them one by one.  Yes, I'm a stamp-a-holic.  

Have a great day!

Warm and Cozy Sketch

You might think I've been neglecting my Gina K stamps, but you'd be soooo wrong.  I've just been working on previews for the upcoming release...

So that I'd have some love to share, I got to work with my Sonoma collection paper from Scenic Route, and worked with Beate's Weekend Sketch Challenge.  I'm so glad she's back at that, because they're always great sketches!  I finally had some time to play along again!

This image is from "A Warm and Cozy Christmas" from last month's release, and I think it is just soooo sweet.  You know me and snowmen...

Get ready, because previews from Gina K and my pals on the DT will begin on Tuesday - the latest sets, and a new item that is just luxuriously fabulous, will be released at the end of our New Release Party on Thursday night!  As always there will be contests, challenges and lots and lots of chatter. 

This afternoon I'm taking the boys to see Madagascar 2 and then out to dinner.  Then tonight, bedtime for them, and back to sample making for me!  Have a great day everyone!