Birthday Wishes Turtle

It is our LAST day of summer vacation. I feel like this summer zipped right by so quickly, and the nice weather has only recently arrived.

This post is going to be short but sweet today as I've also got a new little daycare client coming in for a trial run today.

I thought I'd use one of my favorite Turtle Tots - this little guy is called "Birthday Wishes" to create a more manly card. He's got a chocolate cake, which I coated with a clear glaze pen for a more sugary looking frosting. I totally adore this Little Sprout line Crate Paper called - Emily carries it HERE. Such great boy colors!

Speaking of Stamping Bella, don't forget that this week's sketch will be posted by Emily today! You'll have till Thursday to whip up something fantabulous and mail it to her to be included in her weekly roundup! And, don't forget, one lucky participant will get BELLA BUCKS! Go check Blogabella for all the details!

MFT Preview - Plant a Seed of Love

I totally love this new image from My Favorite Things Presents by Annie LaPointe. When it first came in, I stamped it right up!)

onto some watercolor paper (I stamped with Brilliance ink, then embossed for extra detail) and got working with my reinkers.

I just love the larger size of this image, and al the room to work within the petals.

For my first project, I repainted an old frame with some ivory craft paint. And then had fun creating a framed piece for my sitting room.

Once the paint had dried, I sanded all over to give it a nice rustic image (hey you'd pay extra for that aging in a store...) You can see in the close up the detail of extra mattings, roughed up edges, and of course, lots of sewing!

And then, I decided I wanted to Copic those lovely flowers, so I grabbed an MFT Perfect Paper Panel and gave it another go.

Now, hold on, I'm usually a purple hater, but this fun paper from My Minds Eye was my inspiration and believe it or not, I actually DO have a few purple Copic markers, you know, just in case the mood struck my fancy to make something purple. Giggle.

This new image is titled "Plant a Seed of Love" and is part of the release this coming Wednesday from My Favorite Things. I hope you'll join us over on the My Favorite Things Member Company Forum on Splitcoast. Remember that the latest "One Click Collection" Challenge has been posted and one talented stamper will win the entire collection this month, for free!

Too Cute to Spook

Are you ready for the previews to begin for the September release from My Favorite Things?

From now till Wednesday, the girls on the Design Team (please see links on my sidebar to the right...) will be sharing little previews of the FIVE stamp sets that will be released!

Today, I couldn't wait to share a sample that I've made with "Too Cute to Spook" from My Favorite Things Presents by Stephanie Fizer. I stamped the sweet little witchy and her teeny little kitty cat.

After that, I then masked them so that I could add in the fence. Then I went back in and colored the scene with Copic Markers.

I recently picked up this fun black and white halloween paper from My Minds Eye and as I was putting my card together, I realized I had just the littlest bit of my favorite ruffled gingham ribbon. By the way, have you seen the cute things that Jody has been doing with it? Oh my word, so cute!!!

Don't forget, we'll have our Monthly Blog hop on Tuesday night, where all the girls on the Design Team will be sharing projects using the latest and greatest sets! You won't want to miss it!

To keep you busy between now and then, come on by the Splitcoast Member Company Forum there is a new My Favorite Challenge, a new Sketch Challenge, a new Ambassador's Challenge, and the One Click Collection challenge will be posted today!! We hope you'll come play along!

Peace!

Happy Friday! Bellariffic Friday that i!!

I can't believe it is our last Friday of the summer. Today we have a playdate at the park and then I'm hoping for a few hours at the pool club. School begins for both boys next week, and my new daycare crew starts up. Yikes!

I used Beatrice Bellbottoms for my sample for this week's Bellariffic Friday challenge. I'm lovin' this Early Bird papr from Cosmo Cricket. Emily carries lots of the Cosmo Cricket paper, you can find it here.

I'm making this post, short, but sweet. I'm off and running to enjoy this last day of summer!

I hope you'll swing by Blogabella to see all the samples from my friends, the Bellariffic Babes, and to see all the samples submitted by all the fans of Stamping Bella. If you missed out this week, be sure to check back on Monday when Emily will post next week's sketch!

Daydreamin'

I'm embarrassed to say how long I've had this stamp set, and I've just been so consumed with my sweet Turtles, and my recent obsession with the Vol 25 stamps to show it some love.

Because when it comes right down to it, it is the Bellas that first caught my eye. I love that there is a Bella stamp to suit your any stamping whim.

This sweet Daydreamabella reminds me of myself, sacked out on the couch, wearing my cozies. My favorite Lazy Pants from Vineyard Vines.

The papers here were all smatters of scraps of October Afternoon that were on my desktop from various projects, I used bits and pieces and grabbed another of those fun felt flowers from Michelle (seriously, I'll cry when they're gone I love them!)

I'm not sure if you've already seen, but Emily has announced a fantastic new shipping policy at Stamping Bella - for all shipments over $55 in North America, you will receive free shipping. For all order over $75, there is free shipping to the rest of the world. You'll find all the details of the shipping policy here.

MFT VIP Kit - Available Today Only

Today I have an extra early sneak peek of the upcoming Who's That Girl stamp set from My Favorite Things. Its titled "Tea? Coffee?" and well, honesty I love both of those things dearly. YUM!

I'm looking forward to playing with this stamp set a LOT! WTG is so easy to paper piece here and I love her leaning in, ready for that first sip, or listening to some great scoop from a friend....

I grabbed this fun designer paper from My Mind's Eye and a scrap of polka dotted Scenic Route paper. Lots of sewing, distressing and tea dye ink to soften the edges.

I haven't posted about the MFT VIP Kit in a while, so I thought that I'd go ahead and post all the details for you.

On the last Wednesday of the month, MFT customers are given the option to purchase the upcoming "Who's That Girl" release, along with a fun bundle of products.

For those of you that truly love WTG, its an amazing way to get your hands on the stamp early - and don't forget to check out the VIP Perks Below....

This month, the Kit is priced at $27.90 and contains this adorable "Coffee? Tea?" stamp set, along with the Coffee and Cream Ribbon Nest (there will be three yards each, of five different ribbons)

7/8” double faced satin, brown
5/8” double saced satin, cream
7/8” grosgrain, brown
1” faux suede, brown
5/8” Chocolate stripe

VIP Perks:

VIP perk #1: You get our newest WTG? set in your hot little hands one week before anyone else even sees it!

VIP perk #2: Should you wish to purchase the One-Click Collection within the first 48 hours of the release on 9/2, you may switch out your VIP WTG? set with any other set on the site by mentioning your selection in the comments section of that order.

VIP perk #3: When you purchase this month’s VIP, you will receive a special coupon toward a future purchase IN your VIP Kit order. The coupon will entitle you to purchase one of 4 Halloween stamp sets at a $10 discount with any $20 purchase. You can choose from the following Halloween sets:
Fright night ($5.95 after discount)
Monster squad ($5.95 after discount)
Totally witchin’ ($7.95 after discount)
Who’s that ghost flopsey (FREE, plus a $1 discount on your order)

Offer expires on October 31st!

VIP is available ONLY on August 26th (Wednesday) and in limited quantities.

I'm a Happy Camper.....

Are you ready for this week's TCP Tuesday Challenge? This week, Leigh is hosting, and she's picked a truly fabulous color combination of Chocolate, Sky Blue and Kiwi!

I'm loving it! It was the perfect excuse to ink up the new alpha set that I picked up while at CHA as well as the sweet

little bear from "Happy Camper."

This is a thank you card for friends who hosted us for the weekend in Maine. She had a lot of fun calling me "City Girl" all weekend.

Let me just say, for sure that's NOT me. I'll admit, I'm fully a sub-urban girl, and I'm totally okay with that! Its good to know your place in life right? As for me, I like to keep wildlife either in the zoo, or stamped cutely on paper.

Now, don't forget, here are the rules of the weekly TCP Tuesday Challenge - I hope you'll grab your The Cat's Pajama's stamps and play along!

1. Each a week one of The Cat’s Pajamas DT members will host a challenge.
2. The challenges will vary {stamp, color, theme, sketch, etc.}
3. You will have until {this} Saturday night at 12 midnight EST to complete the challenge.
4. Link your project on this week’s hostess’ challenge announcement. This week you will link your project on Leigh's blog.
5. TCP stamps are not required, but of course, highly encouraged. {Unless it is a challenge calling for a specific stamp.}
6. There will be one winner each month. She/he will be deemed that month’s Swankiest Stamper and get $25 in Cat’s Cash {money to spend on the TCP site!}.

7. When uploading to SCS or PCP, please use the keyword TCPTUES73 for this challenge.
8. Alma will post the entries from the week the following Monday on her blog.
9. The newly crowned Swanky Stamper will be announced on the First of the Month and have his/her winning entry posted on The Cat’s Pajamas website where he/she will reign for the entire month.

Stamping Around Vermont? There's still room!!

Hi everyone!! With only a few days left in August, can I say that I'm getting just SO excited for our upcoming Stamping Around Vermont event!

I've got my projects designed, and all the supplies are on their way to me for me to start assembling my class kits! If you're available, I'd LOVE to have you join us!

I'm using stamps from Stamping Bella come on, you knew there would be a turtle right? Here's just a peeky of one of the things what you'll be working on.

I'd like to thank Stamping Bella, Gina K Designs, Eclectic Paperie, Paper Trey Ink, and my sweet friend Jody who have all contributed products for my class!

Be sure to head on over to visit Stamping Around to find details about our Vermont stamping getaway! If you're in the area. I'd LOVE to meet you!! And, if you don't happen to live around here, be sure to follow their site, because they are always adding new locations!

Inking Up that Bunny

This week's My Favorite Challenge is "First Inking." Come on, fess up, you know what I'm talking about, its a stamp you've got to have, but then it sits, and waits....

Well wait no more! This week, Christina and I are asking you to pull out those un-inked stamps. And if you're good enough to have all your sets inked, I give you a round of applause!! And, in that case, is there a stamp within any of your sets that hasn't yet had it turn?

I must admit, that I haven't yet had a chance to play with the newest Flopsey Set from this month's release titled "Flopsey Chocolate Bunny".

I was very excited to get a chance to dig into this fun My Minds Eye paper that I picked up at my LSS. Its so cheery, I just looooove it. And, I got to play with another of those amazing felt stitched buttons that Michelle sent my way. They're SO fun!

So, ladies, grab your stamps, find one that hasn't yet had its chance to come on out and play and be sure to upload your creations to Splitcoast Stampers using the keyword "MFTMFC13." Each week, a $10 prize is awarded to one creation for our challenge! Could it be you? Only if you play.....

Wisdom....

Can you tell that I've been loving playing with the Vol 25 line from Stamping Bella. Today, I've got my sample for the Bellariffic Friday sketch, and this large circular panel was just what I wanted for my stack of books!

The sentiment reads "Knowledge Speaks, but Wisdom listens." I colored in the stack of books, then cut my nestie with my Big Shot.

I made sure to leave my shape nested inside the die because I wanted to work the image a little more.....I colored all around the image with my ivory marker for a rustic feel - the bright white was a little jarring. Then, I grabbed my tea dye ink and a sponge and made all the edges deeper, you know for a rustic feel, like a well loved book.

Once popped out of the nestie, you still see that crisp white edge, gives great definition to your embossed edge.

Be sure to swing by Blogabella to see all the creations from the Bellariffic Babes, and of course from all of the Stamping Bella loyal fans! Don't forget, there is a prize for one of the creations, AND a prize given to a random blog commenter! What are you waiting for??

Window Shopping with the Gifty Girl

I've been having tons of fun playing with the goodies in my newest MFT Kit - Gifty Girl.

I went pretty straight and clean, right out of the box with my first sample, so this time, I thought it would be fun to play around.

This wide open panel leaves lots of room for customization. I grabbed a straight edge (in my case, no ruler handy, so I used a piece of scrap cardstock....)

I drew in a shop window, and then got to work on my scene. If you have other shopping stamps from MFT you can add all sorts of items to personalize YOUR project.

I used the ribbon, stamp set, diecut tote and the MFT Perfect Paper panel which are all included in the kit. I simply added designer paper scraps from my generous stash for paper piecing, Copic markers, and okay, I cheated and used a bit of linen thread to attach my sentiment. However, I'm guessing if you bought last month's kit, you probably have loads of hemp twine leftover!

You'll find the kit, along with a PDF with project instructions located HERE on the MFT Site.

Celebrate MFT- August Customer Blog Hop

Hi everyone! I'm so excited to kick off this month's Customer Blog Hop for My Favorite Things!! Its the 20th, which means, of course it is Celebrate MFT Day!

If you haven't played along before, its just a fun day for you to get your stamps from My Favorite Things all inky!

This month, I've invited five talented customers and friends to hop along and show their love for MFT, and I'd love for you to pop along and drool over what I'm sure will be some truly gorgeous creations!

I'm having fun playing with this adorable Kawaii style "Feelin' Fruity" set illustrated by Stephanie Fizer for My Favorite Things Presents.

The image is colored with my Copics and then I added clear glaze pen to the cherries for lots of shine. I paired my Cosmo Cricket Early Bird paper (seriously love that stuff) along with a fun little piece of scrap scallop I had leftover from another project. The sentiment is tucked inside, "Thank you Cherry Much." I'm still on my simple card tangent, hope you're not tired of it quite yet.....

Without further ado, I'm going to pass you along to the next stop on this month's blog hop, please head on over to visit Jackie Pedro. I honestly think that everything that girl makes is just cuter than cute, and I'm sure you'll agree!

Don't forget that you too are invited to participate in the Celebration today! Anything that you create for MFT today can be added to the Celebrate MFT Gallery for August on Splitcoast Stampers using the keyword "CelebrateMFT0809." No particular theme, just have FUN and show your MFT love!!!

Get Some Cookie Love....

Last week, I shared one of my new Vol.25 Stamps from Stamping Bella, and I've got another fun one for you this week. I mean really, cookies, I couldn't help myself.

I'm experimenting with being a little more clean and simple with my cards. I've really been enjoying this style on lots of my blog surfing, and I was needing to switch things up a little. You know, to keep myself interested.... would love your thoughts on the subject.....

I was feeling retro and went for that milk glass look on the platter. Its an icy blue to coordinate with the paper... speaking of which, isn't this paper ca-ute? I grabbed this fun green stitched ribbon for a little pop of color.

Not sure about you, but all this talk of cookies is making me want a snack. You can see lots more Vol 25 stamps from Stamping Bella here!

A Shady Tree Gift Set

When I'm out doing errands, I always have my eye out for things that I can use in my crafting. Sometimes, its fun storage finds, sometimes its sources of inspiration. Last month, while picking up some staple items at Walmart, I ran across this adorable chipboard box.

It already had this fun little scalloped edge to the top...and I of course have tons of paper to alter it up.

I had a hankering to play with this little Tea with Flopsey, and decided he'd look sweet atop the box.

So I got to trimming paper, pulled out my handy Zip Dry Glue (love that stuff!!) and my Basic Grey filing set and got to work.

The box is finished inside and out with green and blue assorted papers. I used the scraps to pull together a matching gift card using this amazing stitched felt flower from Michelle (Thanks Michelle!!) and the ghosty shapes that Kim sells at MFT. (I used the flowers, which seem to be out of stock... but she does have the hearts, in stock...)

The box measures 5x5x2 inches, and could hold all manner of fun little gifts, candles, candy, tea bags, cookies etc....

If you happen to be interested, the little ensemble (card with a matching envelope, and box) is available for sale HERE, its now Etsy listed!

Moving forward, I'm going to **try** to be better about adding things to Etsy just as soon as I've shown them here. In fact, some days, they might be available for sneak peek on my Etsy Store before I even show them here!

You Sick Thing!

My poor younger brother had four wisdom teeth taken out last week. Eeeks. I feel so badly for him.... Luckily he has my parents to take care of him, because he and his girlfriend had this crazy notion to both have their wisdom teeth removed at the same time. My guess is that they figured that way nobody could chicken out?

The other night, in a mad panic, I realized I didn't have a card for him to let him know I was thinking about him.

However, as coincidence would have it, I had just received new stamps from The Cat's Pajamas on Friday night including this super cute set "You
Sick Thing", so I had just the perfect stamp set for the occasion.

Instead of my normal gazillion layers, I added designer paper to fully cover the front panel of a kraft card base, then a little bit o' paper pleating, held in place with twine and a button. Another corner rounded snippet of designer paper was added to the bottom. I love that faux wood paneled piece...

I had stamped my image on white cardstock, but with the help of my handy Copic marker, I colored all around the image while the circle diecut while it was still within my Nestie.This takes the bright white edge off the paper, but also gives me a nice faux layer. It also is handy in that it preserves those sweet bright white little bellies of my penguins....

Be sure to hop on over to Alma's blog: Danicing in Pajamas today to see the Holey Moley Monday slideshow of all the fantastic cards submitted for last week's TCP Tuesday challenge. The newest challenge will be unveiled tomorrow!

I {heart} books

I realized I hadn't yet shared my sample for this week's My Favorite Challenge yet! This week, the challenge is to make something that is in a back to school theme!

I was thrilled to have an excuse to play with i{heart}books again from My Favorite Things presents. It is such a sweet sweet set!

Christina and I both reached for this fun apple printed paper from October Afternoon that we both picked up during our shopping spree at CHA.

I hope you'll join us for this week's challenge. Entries are due by Wednesday morning and the winner, along with the next challenge, will be announced on Thursday.

Sorry for the SHORT post today, headed out on a bike ride with the family - I'm not even kidding when I say we're riding our bikes to the library to return books and pick out new ones too. Seriously, a total coincidence! Love when that happens!

Hello Dolly!

Sometimes do you create something that just makes you smile? I just love this sweet little dolly and I had SO much fun making this card!!! And really, when it comes right down to it, that's what its all about. Right?

Since the Bellariffic sketch this week is from Shannan, I took the liberty to fool with it a little - I flipped the placement of the embellies from the left to the right... it just worked better for me. But I know she won't mind because, she's the queen of just tweaking sketches - right?

This image is the recently released Ketto called "Dolly" from Stamping Bella. Isn't she sweeeeeet? And I paired it with more of the fun paper from October Afternoon that I've been having a blast playing with! Here's a hint, you'll find lots of October Afternoon paper HERE.

My fantastic friend and fellow Bellariffic Babe Karen dropped off a glaze pen (love that girl!) the other day and of course, I couldn't wait to give it a try on the hearts on Dolly's dress. Um, love it!

I hope you'll join us over at Blogabella today to see all the samples from the Babes, as well as all of the submissions sent in from Bella fans! Don't forget, there's a chance at prizes for submitting, as well as a prize given to someone in the Peanut Gallery!

A tough decision to make....

I'm often asked by friends and family how I juggle my day job as a home daycare provider, keep up with my two young and active boys, and juggle my various design team commitments. Truth be told, I get far less sleep than I probably should.

This fall, I will be entering the re-licensing process for my home daycare business. There will be a lot of paperwork to do, I have training hours to complete and I also will be minding two very young children (under two years eeks!) and to be on top of that a girls gotta sleep!

I've been quietly terminating some of my additional commitments over the last few months. For example, I no longer offer stamping workshops in my home, I stopped teaching at my LSS, and also stopped designing for their monthly Copic club. While I'd love to be published again, I've stopped submitting for calls for a few months till I can get my head back above water...

Last week, I had to make a very hard call. If' you've seen Gina's blog today, then you may have seen her announcement that I've stepped down from the Gina K Designs Team. Yes, I know.... I must be crazy!!

Usually, I don't make a big production if I *stop* doing things...I just sort of exit quietly stage right. But in this instance, I wanted to say a huge thank you to someone that has been an enormous influence in my "stamping career." And I wanted to be honest with all of you rather than just quietly let the moment pass.

I can't say enough wonderful things about Gina. She's the most supportive, enthusiastic, sweet and generous person you could ever imagine. And did I mention, funny? We had so many laughs on our many phone chats and last summer in Chicago too! Her customer service is legendary, I might think she wiggles her nose and the stamps fly out the door, except I've spoken to the girls at the store, and I know how very hard they work to carefully fulfill everyone's orders.

I'm so thrilled for her that the business has grown so successfully - have you seen what a HUGE phenomenon Stamp TV is? I'm always in awe of how she manages to be Super Mom, run her own business, manufacture her own stamps, and now she's the star of Stamp TV as well!

I know that Gina has no lack of amazingly talented fans who would gladly take my place, and for that I'm so grateful. I'm thrilled to have had the opportunity to represent Gina the last year and a half. More importantly, I'll always look up to her as a mentor and friend. Thank you Gina for all you've done for me.

Whatever.....

I know you're all familiar with the Bellas, and of course, those fun and funky Kettos. You know, I love those Turtles too! wink.

But, I finally picked up some stamps from the Jessica Rose Vol. 25 line at Stamping Bella. (That's where my fun little typewriter last week came from too...)

I love that there are so many lines over at Stamping Bella - I've got such a variety of options depending on my "stamping mood."

I went nautical with the color palette here...and added some twine accents. I'm in sort of a corner rounder mood lately... bemoaning that I didn't pick up that Corner Chomper at CHA. But guess what, Emily has it here in case you've been in a corner rounding mood lately too.

You can't see it here, but I covered the waves in Stickles (yes Karen, stickles! Can you believe it!) so that the waves are shimmery in real life. I've decided Stickles are okay so long as I'm sure I won't fidget with my card and smear them all over my finished project. Go ahead, ask me how many cards I've ruined with a Stickles then last minute adjustment.

I bought lots more of these Vol. 25 Stamps, and I'm looking forward to sharing another one with you next week! Be sure to stop back tomorrow, I've got a sweet little Ketto for you for Bellariffic Friday. Speaking of which, if you haven't submitted YOUR card for this week's sketch, they are due Today by 5pm!! See all the details HERE on Blogabella.

The Gifty Girl Kit

It’s the second Wednesday of the month, which means its time for the release of the My Favorite Things "Gifty Girl Kit"! This months MFT Kit is the famous Who’s That Girl, and she’s shopping! This new image is just the right size for one of my favorite diecuts – this sweet little tote bag!

Check out all the amazing things that come in this kit for only $25:

The kit contains:

• 6 Shopping Tote Die Cuts ($6.00 value)
• 1 Package Perfect Paper Panels ($3.95 value)
• 2 yards Red/White Polka Dot Ribbon in 3/8” ($2.00 value)
• 2 yards Black/White Polka Dot Ribbon in 3/8” ($2.00 value)
• 50 Silver MINI Round Brads ($2.50 value)
• 50 Red MINI Round Brads ($2.50 value)
• Exclusive, UNRELEASED Gifty Girl MINI stamp set ($9.00 value)

For my sample, I used the fun red polka dotted ribbon that’s included, as well as the red mini brads.

I happen to have a handy collection of paper scraps, so I was easily able to add fun shopping bags as well. This patterned paper isn’t included, but I’m sure you’ve got just as many scraps as me! Am I right?

To create the illusion of a layer of cardstock, I ran the chisel tip of my Copic marker all around the outside of my main panel, giving it that nice heavy black frame. I liked it so much, I added a second layer of white with the same treatment.

This little tote is a fun size for a gift card, a small gift – use your imagination! I love the tote, but I also love that this stamp set is ONLY available as part of the kit!

Be sure to visit My Favorite Things to grab your exclusive August MFT Kit! Last month’s set went like hot cakes, so you won’t want to miss out on this months! You know what they say about “he who hesitates…”

TCP Tuesday -Long and Swanky Sketch

I'm so excited to play along with the Cat Pack in this week's TCP Tuesday Challenge! This week, our hostess is my fun friend Carole!

She's provided a fun sketch that put my corner rounder to good use! I was wishing I'd picked up that Corner Chomper we played with at CHA!

I had fun inking up the set "By the Sea" which I picked up at the show, because I knew at once I'd love to ink up a little beach bound Poochie!

My parents have a summer home at the beach, and we used to have the best beach lovin' dog. Edgar was known to walk himself over to the beach and take a dip when he got hot. Then walk home and lay down under a shady tree. He was the best dog ever!

Poochie is stamped with Memento Ink, then I paper pieced his book, shorts and umbrella, then used Copic markers to color in the sky, sand, chair and his icy cold lemonade.

Don't forget to enter YOUR version of the sketch for a chance at being named this week's Swanky Stamper!

Visit Carole's Blog for all the details, and if you're uploading to Splitcoast or PCP, don't forget to use the keyword TCPTUES71 so that we can see your creations!