Wishful Thinking

If you've not started over at Kim's blog today, you'll want to pop back to the MFT Blog so that you don't miss any eye candy along the way!  

Tonight we're hopping along through MFT's Sweet Sixteen to share previews of the four upcoming sets from My Favorite Things.  Tonight I've got something to share with my new personal favorite "Catch Some Rays!"  If you have kids, then you understand why I've titled this blog entry "Wishful Thinking."  

You should see the amount of "stuff" that accompanies me to the pool. I've got floaties, sunscreen, snacks, epi pens, dry clothes, sweatshirts, goggles, pool toys, snacks, waterbottles, a book to read (ha!!) 

But look at this Who's That Girl...she's got it made, teensy bikini, fruity adult beverage in her glass and nice quiet solitude, oh, and she's catching some rays... 

That and the aforementioned rainy spell we've been experiencing - I'd *love* to be sitting by the pool right now.  

This is a preview of the latest Who's That Girl set titled "Catch Some Rays" which will be available Wednesday night from My Favorite Things!  There are four new stamp sets available, including two labels (one for kitties and one for puppies like I shared the other day) as well as a new stamp set from Amanda Baird titled "Puttin on the Glitz."

You'll also find an amazing new ribbon collection - I don't have it yet, but I've seen it on some of the projects from girls that purchased the VIP collection last week.  Um, I must have the ribbon.  I hope you don't all scoff it up before I get a chance to pick some up. Giggle. 

Also be sure to hop on over to see the the latest Tips and Tricks from the Design Team over on the MFT Member Company Forum on Splitcoast. 

Thanks for chillin with me today!  The next stop on the hop is Kirsten! 

My only excuse....

I might be a cardmaker, but seriously, I'm lacking in the personal correspondence arena. What's wrong with me?  

The only plausible excuse of how late my thank you notes are... is that they have been delivered by this sweet little snail?  I'm hoping that if I make the cards cute.. that maybe I'm forgiven for just being hopeless?  Yikes!

This little cutie was stamped with Memento Ink, and then colored with Copics.  I zipped the layers through my Janome and then zipped the main image panel through as well.  I'm gasping that this is nearly the end of my Pink Pirouette ribbon.

I should stop blogging and get back to writing....

You can find this adorable little Snailly Hugabugg over at Stamping Bella.  By the way, I do hope that you'll join us for this week's sketch for Bellariffic Friday.  You can find all the details here on Emily's Blog.

A Journey.....

The weather in New England has been unpredictable at best the last two weeks.  Generally dreary, although periodically the sun will pop through, but you never know for how long.  

Whenever it the rain stops, children RUN outside - dads start up the lawnmowers and we scramble - to enjoy however many minutes of sunshine we can soak in.  The other day it was pitch black skies on one side of my house, and blue skies out the other side.  Bizarre.  

I'm about ready to throw everything in the car and drive. Anywhere. Anywhere that the skies are clear blue, and the grass isn't soggy.  (Its like walking on  a wet sponge at this point.)  You know, something that looks like this little scene on my card over there on the left..

The forecast for tomorrow is "partly cloudy." But according to the 10 day forecast, its the best day we will have between now and Saturday! Yikes! I'll take it!

This sunny scene was created by stamping and masking various images from the Whipper Snapper stamp set "Great Outdoors."  I pulled lots of bright and happy blue papers from my stash including this fun gingham from October Afternoon and some Soft Sky designer paper from Stampin Up.   

After I had all my masking and stamping done, I colored with my Copic markers while leaving the die nested inside a circular Nestability.  This left me a nice crisp debossed edge creating a "faux layer" on my card.  

If you've seen the sun, can you please point it my way?  Thanks!

Bark Worthy Bites - MFT Presents Preview

I have a preview of an upcoming stamp set called "Puppy Chow" from My Favorite Things for you today.  Its one of two new label sets made especially for the Perfect Packaging.

As I operate a home daycare, we don't have any pets - I mean really, don't you think my hands are full as it is?! Giggle.

But my buddy Karen has a little pup that this stamp set reminds me of.  And, I figured this little set of treats might put me on his good side...  

I wanted, and fully intended, to bake him up some home made doggy treats, but I've been crazed with everyone home for summer vacation.... so when I was at the market I bought a bitty size of doggy treats for him, I loved that the packaging read "For Small Friends."  Isn't that cute?   

The Perfect Packaging tins are so easy to alter.  I add a bellyband of just under two inches of cardstock, and I cover the top of the tin by tracing the lid onto the backside of my chosen patterned paper and cut it out.  Then using Zip Dry adhesive, I stick in in place and then once its dry, I quickly buff the edges with a sanding block. Easy peasy!  They are sold in a four pack and are sooo reasonably priced.  I think they are just such a great way to dress up a home made treat, or personalize a store bought treat!  

Then comes the fun part - adding tags and trims and a quick stamped label.  I used my Janome for detail all around the label, and then added a hanging tag with a button and bow combination at the top of the project.  I decided to stamp a quick little 3x3 card to go with the set as well - stamping the envelope to coordinate and finishing that off with a little ribbon.  I love doing that for things I hand deliver - makes such a cute extra little touch.  Especially when its a present for another stamper - those little details don't get lots on other stampers, and well, I *know* that Karen knows my rule about fluffing up a bow to look all pretty again once you open the envelope. Sometimes I worry about how my cards arrive and are presented by non stampers (shudder....)

Be sure to blurf around to visit the Sweet Sixteen (see my sidebar for links) or check the My Favorite Things Gallery on Splitcoast Stampers to see previews the next few days of the upcoming sets!  The release will be Wednesday, July 2nd!  

How could I POSSIBLY FORGET!! You won't want to miss the chance to WIN THE FULL NEW RELEASE!  Paula will be posting the "One Click Challenge" today with the chance to win the entire release to one lucky stamper!!  Be sure to check the MFT Member Company Forum for details!!

Come Stamp with Me!! - Stamping Around Vermont

 

I'm so very happy to announce that I'm going to be teaching at the upcoming Stamping Around event in Vermont!  The event will September 11-12 and  held in Manchester Vermont.

Im looking forward to catching up with good friends, meeting new ones and all the fantastic classes that will be offered! We had *so* much fun at Stamp New England - its sure to be a blast!  

If you're in the area, we'd LOVE to have you!  You can find all the details HERE!

but I've also pulled over a few quick snippets from the Stamping Around Blog!

The Inn at Willow Pond offers idyllic scenery, charming accommodations, fun activities and a chance to get away from it all. The Inn offers wonderfully furnished, spacious inn suites, a grand wood-burning fireplace, and 20 scenic acres with panoramic views of the Green Mountains. The restored 1770’s farmhouse and main lodge are an inspiring setting for conferences, executive retreats and special events.

Double Bella Friday!

Happy Friday Everyone!

It has been a LONG LONG week for me with lots and lots of rain. Luckily, I've had lots of stamps to keep my mind off of it!

This is a card that I made and posted yesterday on Splitcoast for a birthday blog hop for Emily!!  If you happened to miss the Blog Hop, Skip and Dance for Emily, you'll want to start with this post and hop all the way through to see all the birthday themed cards!

I know, you're very very surprised to see a Turtle Tots card here - eye roll.  But seriously are they not adorable or what?  I love them, and I'm on the way to collecting them ALL!

Yesterday Emily also released a whole bunch of new stamp sets.  And what a stinkin' secret keeper, did she not know that I'd FLIP MY LID for the EcoBella! (I actually called her right away to taunt her for holding out on me!!)   

Don't forget that today is Bellariffic Friday!  I used the sketch from Nicky to work on a little Bluebell Bittybloom card - awwww.  I do love those Bittybloom sweethearts!

My boys had a blast recently picking strawberries, goodness were they ever SO tasty and fresh!  I have to say we are very excited for blueberries to come in for our next adventure!  

I pulled some of my new Cosmo Cricket early bird paper that I bought in a recent order from Stamping Bella - I just love the yellows, blues and greens in this line.   

Be sure to stop by Blogabella today for your chance to win Bella Bucks!  

Thanks and have a WONDERFUL day!

Gina K June Previews Continue: Many Wishes and The Journey

I've been so excited for today to show you this amazing new set from Gina K Designs, it is this month's One Free with Three set titled "Many Wishes."  I totally adore these dandion blooms (at least the stamped ones... I don't so much enjoy them in my yard!) 

I've been on a kick lately creating little stamped pieces to use as decorations in various rooms in my house.  It is such an affordable way to add a little handmade touch.  

I picked up a small black frame at AC Moore this weekend.  I believe it was a $7 frame and then was 40% off.  It was just a plain black frame.  I took the glass out and then using some Making Memories scrapbook paint that I have in my stash added a coat of paint and set it aside to dry. 

While I was waiting for the paint to dry, I stamped the blooms with white pigment ink and added the stems with Kiwi Kiss ink.  The sentiment "happiness" was added with the Desert Sand Memento ink that Gina carries.  I found all these papers in my scrap bin and added a button and ribbon bow from my jar of buttons.

I gave the matting a quick zip zap through my Janome - I think it adds such a nice touch to the project, and has the added benefit of holding all my layers on tightly.  

To give the painted frame a rustic feel, I took a white sanding block and smoothed all the edges.  Where I rubbed really hard, you can see the black peeking back through. I love the vintage feel you get - and its so funny, you'd pay a lot more in the store for a piece that had already been painted and then abused. Giggle!   Of late, I've been leaving the glass off my framed pieces, it allows me to give my projects lots of extra dimension.  And I figure in a few months, I'll just switch out the piece with something fresh in this 5x5 space!

Usually I'm very very literal with the colors I use for my projects, but I really wanted to give these little blooms a pop right off the page, so I stamped them with Soft Sky ink to my Gina K Pure Luxury Cardstock for my second project.  

Using Gina's sponging technique from last week's Stamp TV episode, I added a bit of Soft Sky ink to the center of my nestie with the large sponge dauber that Gina carries.

My final project for today is with the other stamp set that is previewing today.  It is illustrated by Asela Hopkins and is titled "The Journey." 

Asela buids so much detail into her images and it makes it easy to shade your finished images.  This set  one is perfect for you coloring addicts!  For my first project, I stamped with Stazon ink to watercolor paper and grabbed a handful of reinkers and my Niji waterbrush.

You'll see that I added lots of stitching on this project as well.  I seriously find it hard *not* to sew on a project so long as I've got thread in the bobbin.  

I'll admit, I loathe winding the bobbin and rethreading the machine, but let me say Gina's newest video tutorial makes it SO easy to follow along. Have you seen it yet?  Be sure to stop by Stamp TV to see the latest!

Thanks so much for stopping by today, and I hope that you'll pop on around t visit everyone else that has previews for you today!  I'm grabbing a cup of coffee and will blurf around while I'm eating my breakfast! Can't wait to see what everyone has done!

You'll find previews today from: 

Gina,   Asela, Cathy,   Cindy  Donna,  Emily,  Erika, Jessica Kurtis, Lee, Lynn, Melanie and Theresa.

Our CenterStage Spotlight Design Team members Selma Stevenson and

Pam Imholz are joining us this morning with previews as well!

And you won't want to miss the Release Party Thursday night from 7-10pm CST on the Gina K Designs Member Company Forum.  In fact, there are lots of previews already posted to this thread! 

Happy Anniversary -

I'm actually posting over a card that I made for February's Splitcoast Stampers Dirty Dozen Gallery.  

And today it finally will be given to my sweet husband.  You see I originally made it for him, and its been patiently waiting in my stash till today.  Because today is our 9th anniversary.

Now, its not a lovey dovey gooey card, but I know he'll love it because he's big on puns.  And that man loves his Vespa.  We rented scooters on our honeymoon in Bermuda, and scooted all over the island.  

Then, on a visit to Rome, we had such fun watching everyone scoot around the city, and laughed at the women in their high end clothing and high heels scooting along to work.  

So, when shopping with my friend Karen one day I ran across this sweet little stamp from Amuse and simply HAD to have it.  Its now safely tucked inside his work bag, and I suspect that he'll find it just about any minute now.  

We actually have a dinner date planned for tonight, and we'd planned to scoot over on the Vespa for dinner (and I was even going to scoot in a dress!)  Alas, it is raining AGAIN here in Boston today.  I know he's praying the weather clears up.   I'll let you know how that works out....um, wish me luck!

And, if you haven't already done so, please be sure to swing on over to this month's Splitcoast Fan Club gallery to welcome the two newest members of the Dirty Dozen!  As always, there is LOTS of eye candy awaiting you!

A secret craving....

I know that I'm often yammering on over here about our organic shopping, and my boys food allergies, but I have a secret craving... and admittedly, its not a healthy one.  Not "a great choice" is the phrase I use with my boys.  

Secretly, I love Dunkin Donuts - specifically, a chocolate frosted one.  There is also an old fashioned shop on Nantucket that we love, called the Downey Flake.  Now, my boys can't have these tasty little morsels due to their food allergies.  And my husband would give me the "hairy eyeball" if he caught me sneaking one... One of my very best friends has a saying about donuts that I just can't even repeat... but really, "Mmmmmm. Forbidden Donut" to quote Mr Homer Simpson.  

Today I have a little donut-alicsious preview for you with the soon to be released "100% sweet" from Gina K Designs.  I stamped those little babies on a piece of Gina K Designs Pure Luxury White cardstock and colored with Copic Markers.  Then I added white sprinkles with my white gel pen, lastly I added a coat of diamond glaze for a real sugary sweet frosting.  Instead of thinking that they're 100% heart attack for me, I'm just thinking 100% sweet! 

Grab a cup of coffee (and your favorite breakfast treat - don't worry your secret is safe with me!) because you'll find lots of previews from the team by hopping around to visit 

Gina,  Carolyn,  Cathy,  Cindy,  Donna, Emily, Erika, Jessica ,  Joanne,  Kurtis,  Lee,  Lynn, Melanie and Theresa 

We are also thrilled to have a couple of our CenterStage Spotlight Design Team join us in our previews this morning: Carolina Buchting  and Jennie Harper

Whipper Snapper June Releases

Good morning!  I hope you had a wonderful weekend! Its been stormy and grey for days and days in Boston, but the good news is hat I had lots of time to STAMP! 

Today I've got a sample from one of the THREE new fabulous sets being released from Whipper Snapper today!

When these new sets arrived, I couldn't wait to let the rubbah fly and get my chickens inky!

I stamped with Stazon ink to watercolor paper and grabbed a handful of reinkers to paint this little scene.   I put lots of Pacific Point paper and ribbon to use on this card, funny that with only a few weeks left for this color, I've decided I love it.  Isn't that always the way....

This card is from the new "Hooked on Fishing" set. I'll have previews of "Beware of Bears" and "Great Outdoors" soon!  Be sure to visit Anna Wight and my fellow Whipper Snapper Featured Designers to see what they've come up with.  I can't wait to see them for myself!  

I must say that it has truly been an honor and a pleasure working as a guest designer for Whipper Snapper the last two months!   I'll have samples to share with the other two new sets, and goodness knows that I'll continue to be a very loyal customer thanks to their darling images, and super speedy customer service!! 

Don't forget you can see all the Whipper Snapper Featured Designer creations in THIS gallery on Splitcoast Stampers.

Julie Campbell

SCS Gallery
Blog

Joanne Basile (that's me!)
SCS Gallery
Blog

Sandra MacLean
SCS Gallery
Blog

Shellie Daniel
SCS Gallery

Tab Robinson
Blog

Anna Wight
SCS Gallery
Blog

Funky Flowers

Good morning everyone!

I've got a quick little gift set that I pulled together with the help of my friend Jody's Die Cuts!

Recently there was a My Favorite Things My Favorite Challenge that focused on trifold cards.  I actually really love trifold cards!  Triangle Trifolds, Cami's Trifold Card, that Double Pocket Card that I'm addicted to....  I think its just such a fun way to add a special something to a card. 

This one in particular is a "Joy Fold"  I adore the criss-cross style of the card.  Mine is held closed by a tiny little button with a pop up glue dot. 

This stamp set is Funky Flowers which was illustrated by my friend Sara Williams.  All the blossoms, vases and stems are mix and match.  Which with clear stamps makes for an easy and versatile project.  For this project I paper pieced the vases, and gave them a coat of Diamond Glaze for extra shine. 

This little die cut tote box is from Jody and I have a few of these on hand in Pure Poppy.  They're just the right six to hold a small treat, a bag of candy - this one is loaded with Hershey Kisses at the moment!  

Don't forget that each Thursday we pos

t a new My Favorite Challenge and a new Sketch Challenge on the MFT Member Company forum, and EACH challenge comes with a chance at a prize!  Here is a link to this week's challenge thread.  Hope to see you over there!  

Have a WONDERFUL day everyone!

Celebrate MFT!

I can hardly believe that this time has rolled around again!  But its the 20th of the month, which means, its Celebrate MFT day!

If you're not familiar with Celebrate MFT it is the 20th of each month, and it is just a fun day to break out your MFT stamps and give them a little lovin'!

This month, I'm inviting everyone to Celebrate Fizer with me!  Several girls on the Sweet Sixteen have already created new goodies with their current image from My Favorite Things Presents by Stephanie Fizer... and I'd LOVE to have you join us!

Please visit this thread on the My Favorite Things Member Company Forum on Splitcoast Stampers!

I have many favorite Fizers in my collection from My Favorite Things, but if you didn't already guess, I'm LOVING this new set titled "Rainy Day Friends."  I'd love to see you ink up YOUR Favorite Fizer and join us! Hope to see you over there!

Enjoy Life!

I have a new postal carrier, and she rocks.  Whenever I get a package, which is pretty often... she hand carries it to my door versus leaving it in the drive, or down at my mailbox.  I squealed and quite nearly hugged her the other day when I saw that my new goodies from Stamping Bella had arrived.

I couldn't WAIT to ink up this sweet little AmpleeTude with her gorgeous flowing locks, and that tasty ice cream! 

I sorta feel like my hair is this long though right now because I'm in the process of growing out my hair for Pantene Beautiful Lengths.

  

I technically have enough to donate at this point (eight inches is the minimum) but now I've got to decide how much more I'd like to grow it so that I don't end up with a bowl cut! 

So, back to the card I also picked up this fabulous paper from Doodlebug Cherry Cobbler paper. I mean honestly, its pink and green -- eeks, how could I resist that? My sweet little AmpleeTude is stamped with Memento Ink, colored with Copics and then I gave her a little bit of shimmer with a glue pen and some glitter.  

Now, you might remember that its Bellariffic Friday.  And Paula came up with a rockin' sketch this week.  The only problem... I didn't have any stamps that I could get to make all those squares work.  I'll be very interested to see what the girls came up with. 

All my Bella stamps are too big - it would have worked if I could have made a GIGANTIC card! LOL!  But I put my favorite little sentiment to work again, and also played with my fabulous new Blossom shaped Nesties.

In the end, Paula's sketch rocks.. but this card just did not want to come together for me.  I'm posting it to show that I still played along...but more importantly that when I was done, I just had to go back and create something I did really love.   

Thanks for stopping by today!  I'm over to see how the girls looked at that sketch. Meet me over at Blogabella!  

Getting Ready for Fathers Day

I've been so wrapped up with end of school gifts and cards that Father's Day sort of creeped up on me! Eeks!

I created a shadow box for my Father in Law with Guiding Light, so I had a head start.... I just needed to put together a coordinating card to go with.   Which was fantastic because the gift predetermined my color palette for this project! Which of course, is a great jump start on my design process.

I'm going to be really sad when I use up this Parisian Breeze paper because it is my go to favorite paper right now. I use it ALL the time!

I stamped the seagull image from Guiding Light onto watercolor paper with Stazon ink, grabbed some reinkers and a niji waterbrush and started watercoloring.

I luckily have some Nautical Netting leftover - that stuff went like hot cakes over at Gina K Designs.  

Zip, zap stitched and given a quick Gina K Designs Pure Luxury Cardstock liner and one down.

Now, to take care of my husband and my own father.  Better get stamping!

Blinged Out Notebook - Girly Reading and Writing Set

You may have seen the Reading and Writing Gift Set that I created for my eldest son, but I also created a girly version for one of his best little buddies! 

This time I got to play with my Isabelle Paper Dolls set!  That set is just so sweet, and I love being able to use her in her little dress, or zip her into any number of her "costumes!"  

This uses the My Favorite Things Summer Glitter Collection for the chipboard letters, and also for the chipboard flower.  You can read more about how I coated those pieces with glitter on my MFT How'd They Do That Tutorial HERE.

The kids have been busy each day recording their summer time adventures!  And a friend just spied them and asked if I'd make one up for her daughter who just loved it!  Hooray!

Of course, I needed a card to match right?  This is a coordinating blinged out card that I made for her to celebrate a the successful completion of Kindergarten!  They had such a great year and eeks, it just went by in the blink of an eye!  

To start, I coated a chipboard frame with the glitter and used it to frame a circular punchout stamped with the "Congratulations" from the Congrats All Around Set. I added a paper covered chipboard star with a button and a gingham bow. 

I hope that my son's little friend has enjoyed her little set as much as he's been loving his.  He told me the other day that at the end of the summer he's going to give it to his Kindergarten teacher as a thank you. Which is sweet and all... but, here's a secret.... I'm keeping it!

 

Blog Hoppin in the Rain!

If you've just hopped on over her from Cindy's blog then you're in the right place!  If not, you'll want to be sure to head back on over to Kim's blog to start so that you don't miss any eye candy along the way!

This is a preview of the adorable new set from My Favorite Things Presents by Stephanie Fizer titled Rainy Day Friends.  It will be available tonight at midnight EST! (That's Tuesday night into Wednesday night.... depending on when you're reading!)

This little sweetie is much happier about the rain than I am.  Its been rainy on and off here for days!  We were all very happy to see the sun shining this afternoon!

Using a marker, I hand drew in spots to my little Rainy Day Friend's coat so that she could be a lady bug.  I've long admired  the little girls matching rain boots and coats, but clearly, my little guys have no desire to be dressed up as lady bugs! giggle.

Please be sure to give a warm welcome to our two newest DT members Barbara and Kathy!  They both totally ROCKED the MFT Idol competition, and I'm so glad to have them on board!  

And while I'm talking about MFT please be sure to come on over to the MFT Member Company forum to join us for the weekly "My Favorite Challenge"  and the weekly Sketch Challenge.  The new thread begins each Thursday! (Yipes, I've got to get cracking on my sample for this week!)

I'm really excited to see all the previews that my friends on the Sweet Sixteen have for you tonight.  The next stop on this Rainy Day Hop is my friend Kirsten.  I love her sweet style of stamping!  And, in person, she's one of the funniest people you may ever meet!  

Don't forget... there is blog candy to be found!  Enjoy the hop!!!  

...just a little something on Etsy!

When I first started papercrafting, I sold my finished items to family and friends and took lots of custom orders.  However, as my designs have become much more intricate over the years, I tend to make one of a kind type pieces. And, between my full time daycare job, my family and my design team deadlines, I don't have a lot of cycles to spend on mass production.  

A few months ago, I finally took the plunge and added some of my items for sale on Etsy.  If you're not familiar, its an online site where you can find all sorts of handmade goods.

I've added a little widget over on my right hand toolbar that shows my most recent additions to my Etsy site, but I've been busy adding some of my recent creations and I'm committing myself to keeping it updated more regularly.

You can find my Etsy creations HERE.  If you have any questions or problems feel free to leave a comment or email me and I'll be happy to guide you through the process!

Just a Little Something - by Joanne B. stampedbyhand's Shop Announcement Thanks for stopping by! I'm a hopelessly addicted paper crafter and daily blogger. I design for My Favorite Things, Gina K Designs and Splitcoast Stampers. You can see my work at www.stampedbyhand.blogspot.com  I've been tucking most of my lovelies away but decided that just maybe some of you would be interested in purchasing some pieces. Thanks for stopping by, and please email me if I can be of any assistance. 8 items 1 view: gallery / list FEATURED ITEMS FROM STAMPEDBYHAND Pampered stampedbyhan... $4.25 USD Celebrate Summer stampedbyhan... $4.25 USD Girls Rock stampedbyhan... $4.25 USD sort by:   Most Recently Listed  Least Recently Listed  Price: High to Low  Price: Low to High  Sweet Lucy Ketto stampedbyhan... $4.25 USD For the Bride stampedbyhan... $4.25 USD Pampered stampedbyhan... $4.25 USD Celebrate Summer stampedbyhan... $4.25 USD Celebrate Summer stampedbyhan... $4.25 USD Girls Rock stampedbyhan... $4.25 USD Set of Four cards w... stampedbyhan... $15.00 USD Love Thee stampedbyhan... $4.25 USD

Reading and Writing Gift Set

I can't believe that the school year blew by so quickly!  I'm so excited for fun adventures with the boys new bikes, and going to the pool club, but I also want to be sure that my little guy doesn't loose all the great skills he's learned this year.

I wanted to make a special card for him to celebrate all that he's done this year, and to let him know how really special he is to me.  

In a way, he's a little bit sad that school is already finished.....  He had a great teacher and an amazing class this year.  He loves his friends, and really has a great time at school each day.  Isn't that sweet?

I stamped Ben Paper Dolls to an MFT Perfect Paper Panel and colored in just his head and neck. Then I stamped the super hero costume onto a separate piece of paper, colored it with Copic Markers and trimmed it out.  Using a quickie glue pen, I paper pieced his outfit right in place.   A fun trick I discovered is that by doing this, I pulled up on his cape to give it some added dimension. I investigated all sorts of camera angles to show you, but it didn't work.  So, let me just say that when you see the card in real life, the cape is actually billowing out behind Billy in the breeze. its pretty cool, even if I do say so myself. Giggle.  

For the inside, I added the chipboard letters "SUPER" because I think that's exactly what my little one is! 

I love that when we read stories at night that he can now read a few pages, then I read a few pages.  He's worked really hard on his handwriting to make everything nice and neat.  He loves to draw and write stories.  

I saw these fabulous composition notebooks from Mead that are specifically developed for K-2nd grade (you can find them HERE.) I just knew that I had to pick a few up.  The top of the page is empty for my little artist to draw a picture, and then there are the dotted lines for penmanship.  

I'm going to have him keep a journal every day over the summer.  I thought it would be a great activity to keep track of all the fun things we'll do, and to keep all his new skills fresh!  I also love that this ties in so nicely with the book we're reading right now  "The Diary of a Wimpy Kid"

So... that means, he needs a matching  book mark to help keep his place!  Right?  

I stamped another image from the Ben Paper Dolls set and punched it out with a nestie circle.  It fit right inside this fun Scenic Route die cut.  

I actually hand sewed a button right through the die cut and through the ribbon pull for extra security. I didn't think a pop dot would be strong enough for repeated use.  I love the flexibility of clear stamps, I placed my sentiment "You Rock!" from Essential Sentiments on the block in a curve to match with the shape of the circular diecut.    

I hope you liked my little Reading and Writing Gift Set! Thanks for stopping by today!

Birthday's ROCK!

I am loving these Poppies from My Favorite Things!  These little rockstars are a blast to color and this time, I gave the guitarist a glitzed out dress with the gorgeous Summer Glitter collection.  

The glitter is opaque, and so richly colored that I didn't even need to color it in first, just used my glue pen to add glitter to the dress and then poured on the glitter!  

I stamped these little rockstar letters with my Glue Pad and my Bling Bet Alphabet and then poured glitter on top.  Then trimmed them out and popped them up for a really fun sentiment! 

This is another sample I made for this week's How'd They Do That Tutorial.  I have a step by step on a few different projects that I created with the MFT Summer Glitter Collection.

Thanks for stopping by today and I hope you have a ROCKIN' day!

Birthday Blog-O-Rama for Karen!

Hi everyone!  Welcome to a little Birthday Blog-o-Rama for my friend Karen! 

When it came time to make a card for her, I wanted to use something from Stamping Bella as its all thanks to Emily that we met!  

And then as I looked through my generous collection of Bella's  I thought this would be such a fun one to use its THE Stamping Bella!  

Karen and I had chatted on email a few times last summer right when she moved to town, and then

 she came to the very first class I taught at our local scrapbooking store and right away, I adored her! We've had such a fun year, enabling eachother, stamping, shopping, bloggin and now working as Bella Babes together!  

Here's a picture of Karen and I from our adventures at Stamp New England together! If you haven't already - please be sure to hop on over to Karen's blog, Paper Playhouse, to see her adorable creations and leave her some birthday well wishes.  

Also, be sure to hop on over to visit Dana, Miche

and Janet we're all leaving some e-love for "Miss Karen" today.  (That's what my boys call her!)

Have a wonderful day and thanks for stopping by today!

Don't Miss the Fun!

Happy Friday!

Today is the first day of my boys being off on summer vacation and to celebrate, we're off on an adventure into Boston to ride the famous Swan Boats.  

Last night, while reading the story "Make Way for Ducklings" my two boys were trying to convince me that they could get a little duckling and have it live in a jar.  When I explained that we couldn't keep a duck in a jar, they suggested that maybe it could live in a fishtank.  Aaack!  No thanks!

This whole thing just makes today's card even funnier.  See, the other day I reached for this fun sentiment from Stamping Bella for this week's sketch challenge.  It reads "if you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun!" 

I totally loved the sentiment when I saw it, but I couldn't figure out how I'd fit both that, and an image on a cardfront.  So this sketch was just perfect for me to highlight this great quote!

Be sure to stop on over by Blogabella to see all the submissions from my friends, the Bellariffic Babes as well as all of the loyal fans! Don't forget that a prize will be awarded to someone who plays along, as well as one lucky commenter from the Peanut Gallery! 

Sweet Matilda!

I've long admired this sweet Matilda Muffinbread from Stamping Bella and finally got around to picking her up in a recent order! Isn't she just so sweet hiding behind a treat that's larger than her head!  

I'm loving this My Minds Eye paper that I picked up recently at my LSS. (You might have noticed that because I'm 

using it on everything lately! ) The colors are just so me, I mean really its just like my treasured Soft Sky (yikes, I'm into my last few pieces....) from SU. 

I stamped Matilda once to white cardstock, then twice onto patterned papers.  I glued the first layer directly onto the stamped image on the white, but then glued a second layer of her skirt on top so that I could fold up the layers for extra dimension.  The bows are colored in white with a gel pen because I wasn't feeling up to cutting the pieces for those teeny bows!   I did however paper piece a sweet little matching headband to coordinate with her dress.

Don't forget that you have until today at 5pm EST to submit your sample to Emily for this week's sketch challenge for Bellariffic Fridays!  Here's the sketch provided by Jen - I had a lot of fun playing with it, and can't wait to see what you all came up with on Friday! 

Stamping Around!

You may remember that this spring, I worked on a really fun event with my friends Julie and Kim! We had so many great classes, amazing giveaways, and of course, got to visit with our blogging buddies, and made lots of new friends too!

I know that when I spoke about the event the last time, so many of you commented that you wished there was a stamping event near you.... well I'm happy to say that Kim and Julie are hard at work on their next events in Connecticut, Vermont and Philly!

Please be sure to stop by their event blog to find all the details! The Connecticut event, being held on July 10 and 11 is already open for regisration! Find the details HERE!

Promises and Memories.

I made a promise to my friend and Dirty Dozen roomie Bev that I'd play along in the Dirty Dozen challenges with her once our term was over.  And, yipes - I'm super late on this one - she posted hers like two weeks ago - sorry BEV!!  But, I've been able to get it done before the next gallery has opened, so I didn't break my promise!! 

Sadly, I need to send a sympathy card this week, and I wanted it to be an extra special one.  I reached for a very thoughtful set created by Gina titled "Not Forgotten"  The sentiments are so very thoughtful, and the font she used is just so perfectly suited.

And I added blossoms from Asela's set "Friendships Garden" - inking only the blossoms a few times, versus the entire potted plant.  

The sketch is the monthly Dirty Dozen sketch. Did you know that each month all the Splitcoast Fan Club members are invited to play along with the monthly theme, sketch and inspiration challenges?  I'll be playing along monthly now that I'm on alumni status.  Sometimes with the theme, but this time, I completely loved that sketch!  You can find this month's challenge thread HERE and I totally encourage you to play along!

Get Glittered!

Good morning!!  

I've been covered in glitter the last week.  My husband and my kids have noticed little flecks in my hair or on my face.  If you're a crafter you know that look... the one that says "Ah, have you been working with glitter?" Giggle.

In fact I've been working with a LOT of glitter for the last week working on a How'd they Do That Tutorial for MFT on the Splitcoast Member Company forum. You can find it HERE.

This particular card uses a technique I'd not tried before called "Glitter Window."  All the full details are over on SCS in my tutorial, but the gist of it is that I ran a transparency through my Xyron machine to make it all sticky on one side, and then applied SU's opaque glitter to the sticky side.  My stamped panel is just under that.

My sample uses Boho Blossoms and Behind the Scenes from My Favorite Things.  You can see on my closeup shot how sparkly it is in real life!

You'll be seeing lots of my My Favorite Things glittery creations over the next week.  You'll see I had a lot of fun working with them, and even though I used a TON of glitter, I still have three nearly full glitter pots!  This opaque glitter goes a long way!!

You can see all the MFT Glitters HERE.  

Be sure to check out all the other MFT How'd They Do That Tutorials. So much inspiration and lots of really helpful tutorials!  

Hope you have a wonderful day!

Its A Cupcake Kind of Day!

How is it that I'm a cardmaker and never seem to have birthday cards on hand. Seriously? 

My littlest one had a birthday party to attend for our little twin neighbors and I wanted them to each have their own little card.  It was a fun excuse to get girly and use what I have left of this adorable Bella Boulevarde paper.  And of course, who doesn't love cupcakes... so I reached for this fun and sweet stamp set from My Favorite Things called "Its a Cupcake Kind of Day."

I usually like to paper piece the liner, but this card was already loud enough with all the patterned papers so I went with a standard, kraft colored cupcake liner.

Combined with Jen's Sketch for You to Try from this week, I was on my way!  The frosting is coated with Pink Shimmerz and I of course, had to add a button, gingham bow to the layout!

You may have noticed, but I adore buttons on a project!! I just bought a candy jar at Walmart for FIVE BUCKS! that I'll be adding all my MFT Cup of Buttons to!  If you haven't been over to check them out you can find them HERE.

So, please tell me that I'm not alone and that you too scramble at the last minute to make a card - right?  Or... sadly, it that just me?

Thanks for stopping by today and have a GREAT day!

Oh Happy Day!

Happy Friday everyone!  

I've got to be very short but sweet with my post today... I have seriously a MOUNTAIN of dishes waiting for me to wash them. My son has a summer birthday and his teacher suggested an early celebration so he can share with the class.  I woke up early and baked brownies and now have to take care of the baking aftermath!

This week, my good friend Karen provided the sketch for Bellariffic Friday.  And, I hope you're not tired of the Turtle Tots because I'm certainly NOT tired of them, and used the Picking Posies stamp set for my submission this week.  It is paired with some American Crafts paper as well as this fun green polka dotted paper from Making Memories.   

Of course, I love any excuse to put on a flower, ribbon and sentiment banner on a card! This layout was just screaming for one!  I did a quick bit of paper piercing on the main panel.  And, I used a color cardstock I never ever reach for... Taken with Teal.  But it was a perfect compliment for this fun American Crafts paper!  

Don't forget to hop on over to Blogabella to see all the creations for this week's sketch challenge and leave a comment. You know one lucky commenter will win Bella Bucks!  

So, believe it or not, there are still a few Turtle Tots that I don't own. But, I did just order a new one this morning.... giggle.

Have a WONDERFUL weekend!

Celebrate Summer - Patchwork Style!

Last week, I woke up with one of those a-ha moments. I'd been working on a project the night before and had lots of spare pieces of the Gina K Stars and Stripes Digital Paper download still on my desktop.  This paper is available as a free download on Stamp TV and can be found HERE! 

I was able to quickly piece together the patterns to fit a 5 1/4 square card.  

I've used both of the new Pure Luxury Cardstocks - Rocket Red and In The Navy.  I sewed each patchwork square with my favorite zig zag stitch.  Then finished the panel by using my tonic edge distresser all around the edges.

The stars and the sentiment are stamped from the new one free with three stamp set titled "The Lazy Days of Summer." This adorable gingham ribbon is part of the latest Stamp TV Kit

If you haven't been over to Stamp TV - you'll want to be sure that you head on over to see the next project with the new Eclectic Summer Kit! While you're there, please be sure to give a warm welcome to the latest members of the Senior Design Team - Lee Murphy, Cathy Tidwell and Lynn Mercurio.  

How could I forget, even more big news!  Gina also announced our Center Stage Spotlight Design Team - these six papercrafters will be part of our design team blog hop in June and they will each receive one of our not-yet-released stamp sets to feature during the blog hop. The ladies who do not have blogs will participate using their StampTV "My page." You can read all about it, and meet our talented guests here on Gina's blog!

Rockin' on the MFT Blog Hop

Welcome to this month's Blog Hop for My Favorite Things!  If you didn't come here from Kim's blog be sure to hop back on over there so that you don't miss anything along the way.  

The very first set that inked up this month was "The Poppies" by Stephanie Fizer for My Favorite Things Presents.  I just LOVE these little rockstars!  

Of course, all my usual patterned papers with pinks, and florals and sweetness, were simply out of the question for this set of photopolymer love... so I had a blast digging through my collection looking for something that I could rock with. 

You *might* have noticed that I love to sew on on my cards... but for this one, the zig zag wasn't going to do the trick.  I had to hold my breath, try not to freak out, and use what I call the "drunk stitch" - intentionally crazy.  

I had a blast coloring this little rocker.  I stamped her drum twice so that I could pop it out for a little extra dimension.  While you can't see it here, the cymbal is coated with Sakura Stardust pen so that in real life it shines!

I took a piece of chipboard and covered it in black craft ink. Then I added two coats of UTEE to give it a faux epoxy look. Lastly, I added a coat of Diamond Glaze for a high gloss - its so cool and looks like patent leather up close, except it has this really rocker pitted texture to it, as if its been distressed. 

By now, all the entries for this month's One Click Challenge have been submitted, and Christina and I can begin hunting through for our favorite submission! Be sure to stop by the Launch Party on Wednesday night at 9pm to see which talented stamper will win the full June Collection for FREE! We'll also announce TWO NEW members to the Sweet Sixteen  -- two of the final four contestants from the MFT Stamping Idol competition will be joining us for the next six months! I can't WAIT to see who its going to be!!

Thanks for stopping by today. The next stop on the blog hop is Candice!  I know that she's got something just fabulous posted for you, I quite literally can't wait to see it! I'm always in awe of that girls Copic skills.  Meet you over there!!

Beach Bum!

I've got a quick little post for you today featuring a little treat box using a set that Anna Wight illustrated for Whipper Snapper titled "Beach Bum."

This little crab is riding the waves and enjoying the life of a beach bum.  I wish I was right now.....  I'm really looking forward to playing with both boys at the beach this summer, I think that the little one is finally old enough to really enjoy himself, and maybe will dig a sand castle just long enough for me to quietly enjoy a chapter of a book, or a frosty cold brew with my tuna sandwich and Cape Cod Potato chips?  Please??? 

At least now he's stopped sucking his thumb, because watching him suck a sandy thumb was really just more than I could bear! LOL!

This is a Bell Box from my friend Jody's Die Cut Page.  This little treat came together in moments flat!  The trick, is that this white piece of cardstock is also diecut and fits perfectly on that front panel!  I quickly added a hand cut black mat for extra dimension - trust me peeps, its EASY!.  I assembled that panel to the front with her Black Dimensional Boosters and closed the box up with the Red Line Sticky.  You'll find all of her Sticky Sale products HERE.

I closed the package up with a piece of striped ribbon threaded through a button. I literally wrapped it around the top of the box, threaded through the button holes and tied a knot. Easy peasy!  Wouldn't this be a fun little welcome gift for guests to your beach house, or a fun little favor for a beach themed party?  You could fill it with roasted peanuts (that is unless you live at MY house... sigh....) or with salt water taffy - yum!  Quick, easy and cute!  Love that!

Jody's die cuts are available in a ton of colors and lots of fun shapes too.  I've got to load up on some of these for my son's birthday party in August. I'm thinking they'll make favors a breeze!  

MFT Monday - Who's That Grillin Guy?

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!  This week, MFT is releasing three new sets, and I've had a blast playing with them all.  

You'll see previews all this week from the MFT Sweet Sixteen!  And, don't forget that you have a chance to win the full June One Click Collection (the entire new release) by entering this month's One Click Challenge click HERE for details. 

Its open till Tuesday night at 10pm EST and then Christina and I will announce the winner at the beginning of the launch party on Wednesday night!  And just a reminder, two NEW DT Members will be announced Wednesday night during the launch party!  I can't WAIT to see who its going to be!!!

I reached for this fun "Who's That Grillin' Guy" set and I put together a birthday card for my husband.  Now, I can safely post that here because I know he never reads my blog.  giggle.

To stamp the steak to match the sentiment (ie RARE) I inked it with SU's Riding Hood Red, then added some Brilliance Pearlescent Chocolate all around the edges.  I then went back and colored the t-bone part with my Copic Markers E31 and E33.  

I'm hurting today from a long day of schlepping mulch in my backyard yesterday. So, I'm going to make this short, but sweet.  Be sure to join us over on the MFT Member Company Forum, there are three challenges open right now that each come with the chance at a prize. What are you waiting for? See you there!